#inspirational

Getting Back Up: Learning Not to Give Up So Easily

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Life will hand every one of us disappointments. A door closes. A proposal is turned down. A plan we poured ourselves into falls apart. Someone we trusted lets us down, or we let ourselves down. I have been in leadership for a long time, and I can tell you that none of this means something has gone wrong with your life. It is simply part of living. What matters is what we do next.

When failure comes, we have a choice. We can let it define us, sit in the disappointment, replay it again and again, and slowly decide that we are not capable of more. Or we can acknowledge the loss, feel it honestly, and then rise and start looking for a way forward. Resilience is not pretending it did not hurt. Ecclesiastes 3:4 says, “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” Grief is not weakness. If you were disappointed, it is because you cared. If you cried, it is because you were invested. Give yourself permission to feel it.

But notice that the Scripture says there is a time to weep. The danger is not in grieving. The danger is in moving in and unpacking our bags. I believe in setting a season for sorrow. Take a day, a week, or whatever the loss honestly requires, and let yourself feel it fully. Talk to someone you trust. Pray about it. Write it out. Then decide that the grieving has a limit, because your purpose does not. The longer we linger in disappointment, the louder it gets, until it starts to speak over our calling. A failure is an event. It becomes destructive only when we turn it into an identity.

I know something about this from my own life. I spent almost thirty years in federal service, and I am grateful for every one of them. Those years gave me wonderful colleagues, meaningful work, and the chance to grow as a leader. That career also opened the world to me. It gave me the opportunity to live internationally and to engage with cultures I would never have encountered otherwise. Living among people whose customs, languages, and ways of seeing life were different from my own widened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for diversity, and I carry those lessons with me every day. I had real successes during those years, and I even completed my doctoral degree along the way. I would never want anyone to read my story and think those years were wasted, because they were the foundation for everything that came after.

Like every career, though, mine had its share of disappointments. There were seasons, especially in the later years, when I hoped for the next opportunity and found myself passed over. If you have ever given your best to an organization and watched the recognition go somewhere else, you know how heavy that can feel. I did not pretend it did not sting. I let myself feel it, and then I chose to keep doing my best work, keep learning, and keep trusting that my value was not determined by any one decision made about me.

When I retired in 2011, I did not leave in defeat. I left with gratitude and with a sense that a new chapter was calling. Stepping into higher education lit a fire in me. I was noticed, I was seen as an expert, I was not dismissed, and my voice was valued. That season taught me something I want to pass on to you: a disappointment in one chapter does not cancel the successes of that chapter, and it certainly does not write the next one. You can honor where you have been, hold both the victories and the letdowns with an honest heart, and still walk boldly into what is next.

That window on the world only grew wider once I began taking students to places like India, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, and Romania. I have had the privilege of walking alongside communities that face challenges most of us can hardly imagine, and I saw people rebuild, replant, and start over with a kind of faith and determination that humbled me. Today, in my work at Lutheran Social Services of Southern California, I meet families who have lost jobs, homes, and hope, and who are still choosing to take the next step. They remind me that resilience is not reserved for the strong or the fortunate. It is a decision available to all of us.

Once you have grieved, the practical work begins, and it starts with asking better questions. Instead of asking why this happened to you, ask what you can learn from it. Every setback carries information about what worked, what did not, and what you would do differently next time. Then ask what is still within your control, because we cannot change what happened, but we can always choose our next step. Ask who can help you, since resilient people do not go it alone. They seek wisdom, mentors, and community. And finally, ask what one small step you can take today, because momentum matters more than perfection, and one step forward breaks the paralysis.

The people who succeed over the long run are rarely the ones who never fell. They are the ones who kept getting up, adjusting, and trying again with more understanding than before. Proverbs 24:16 tells us, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.” Notice that the verse expects the falling. It does not say if you fall. It celebrates the rising. And Galatians 6:9 encourages us with these words: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” So often, the harvest arrives right after the point where quitting felt most tempting.

So if you are in a season of disappointment right now, hear this: you are not finished. What you are facing is real, and it may be painful, but it is not the end of your story. Take the time to grieve, then lift your head, dust yourself off, and ask, “Where do we go from here?” There are solutions you have not found yet, people you have not met yet, and doors you have not walked through yet. Your resilience is not just for you. Someone is watching how you handle this, and your getting up will give them permission to get up too.

Keep going. Your breakthrough may be closer than you think.

~Dr. LaSharnda

PRAY: A Simple Pathway Back to the Heart of God

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Prayer has carried me through some of the most difficult, uncertain, and transformative seasons of my life. There have been moments when I knew exactly what to pray, and there have been seasons when I sat quietly before God without words, simply trusting that He understood the weight in my heart. Over time, I have learned that prayer is not about perfection, eloquence, or saying the right things in the right order. Prayer is about relationship. It is about drawing near to God honestly, humbly, and faithfully.

In a world filled with noise, distractions, pressure, and constant demands, prayer reconnects us to peace. It reminds us that no burden is too heavy for God and no circumstance is beyond His reach. Prayer has a way of realigning our minds, calming our spirits, and helping us remember who truly remains in control when life feels uncertain.

One of the simplest and most meaningful ways I have learned to approach prayer is through the acronym PRAY:

P: Praise
R: Repent
A: Ask
Y: Yield

This simple framework has become more than an acronym to me. It is a spiritual reminder that prayer is not only about bringing requests before God. It is also about positioning our hearts properly before Him.

Praise shifts our attention away from our problems and back toward the character and goodness of God. So often, we can enter prayer already overwhelmed by worry, fear, frustration, or exhaustion. Yet when we begin with praise, the atmosphere changes our hearts. Praise reminds us that God is still faithful even when circumstances are difficult. He is still merciful when we fall short. He is still sovereign when situations appear out of control. Praise helps us remember that the same God who carried us through yesterday will sustain us today.

Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.” There is something powerful about approaching God first with gratitude rather than anxiety. Praise does not deny that challenges exist; it simply acknowledges that God is greater than those challenges.

Repentance is another essential part of prayer because it keeps our hearts humble and spiritually sensitive. Repentance is often misunderstood as shame or condemnation, but true repentance is really about realignment. It is the willingness to pause before God and ask Him to search our hearts honestly. Sometimes repentance involves obvious mistakes or sin, but often it involves attitudes that quietly grow within us over time: pride, bitterness, fear, jealousy, impatience, unforgiveness, or even the desire to control outcomes ourselves instead of trusting God.

Repentance softens our hearts. It reminds us that we are still growing, still learning, and still dependent upon God’s grace every day. One of the greatest gifts of God is that He never turns away from a sincere heart seeking forgiveness and restoration. First John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Repentance is not weakness; it is spiritual maturity and honesty before God.

After praise and repentance comes asking. God invites us to bring our needs before Him. Too often people feel they must carry every burden alone, especially those in leadership, caregiving, ministry, or positions where others depend upon us. Yet prayer reminds us that dependence upon God is not weakness. It is faith.

We can ask God for wisdom, strength, healing, peace, provision, clarity, endurance, and direction. We can ask Him to guide our decisions, protect our families, strengthen our relationships, and calm our fears. Scripture encourages us in Matthew 7:7 to “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” God cares deeply about the things that concern us because He cares deeply about us.

Still, perhaps the most difficult part of prayer is yielding. Yielding requires surrender, and surrender is not always easy. After we have praised, repented, and asked, we must eventually trust God enough to release control. Yielding means saying, “Lord, not my will, but Yours be done.” It means trusting His timing when answers do not come quickly. It means believing His wisdom is greater than our understanding even when life unfolds differently than we expected.

Many people pray sincerely, yet leave prayer still carrying the burdens they supposedly placed before God. True surrender means releasing the outcome into His hands and trusting Him with what we cannot control. Proverbs 3:5 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Yielding does not mean giving up. It means trusting God enough to let Him lead.

As I continue growing in faith, I realize more and more that prayer is not simply an activity reserved for difficult moments. Prayer is a lifestyle. It is daily dependence upon God. It is choosing peace over panic, trust over fear, and surrender over control. Prayer centers us when life becomes chaotic and strengthens us when seasons become heavy.

The PRAY framework serves as a simple reminder that prayer is both personal and transformational. Praise keeps our hearts grateful. Repentance keeps our hearts humble. Asking keeps our hearts dependent. Yielding keeps our hearts surrendered.

No matter what season you may be walking through today, know that God is listening. He is near to the weary, present in uncertainty, and faithful in every season. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply pause, breathe, and PRAY.

Live Out Loud: Step Boldly Into the Life You Were Meant to Live

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

There comes a moment (sometimes quietly, sometimes all at once), when you realize that life is not meant to be lived cautiously from the sidelines. It is meant to be lived fully, boldly, and with intention. Not halfway. Not when it feels safe. Not when everything is perfectly aligned. But now.

This month, that truth has been sitting with me in a deeper way.

We often move through life assuming there will always be more time. More time to pursue the dream. More time to mend the relationship. More time to say the words that sit on our hearts. But the reality is, tomorrow is not promised. And while that may sound sobering, it is also incredibly freeing. Because it reminds us that today matters.

Living life out loud is not about being loud in volume; it is about being clear in purpose. It is about showing up fully as who God created you to be; unapologetically, faithfully, and with courage. It is choosing to live with conviction, rather than hesitation. It is deciding that your life will reflect your values, your faith, and your calling, not your fears.

There is something powerful that happens when you stop shrinking yourself to fit into spaces that were never meant for you. When you stop waiting for permission to walk in your purpose. When you stop allowing uncertainty about the future to silence what God has already placed inside of you.

Jesus reminds us in John 10:10 (NIV), “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” That means the life you have been given was never intended to be small, hesitant, or muted. It was designed to be lived fully—rich in purpose, grounded in faith, and expressed with boldness.

Living fully also means embracing joy without guilt. Too often, we convince ourselves that joy must be earned after struggle, or that peace can only come once everything is resolved. But God offers both in the present—even in seasons of uncertainty, even when the path ahead is not fully clear.

It also means taking risks; not reckless risks, but faith-filled ones. The kind that stretch you. The kind that require you to trust God beyond what you can see. The kind that remind you that growth never happens in comfort.

And yes, it means loving people well. Saying what needs to be said. Extending grace. Offering forgiveness. Being present. Because at the end of the day, it is not the meetings, the titles, or the accolades that define our lives; it is how we showed up for others and how we allowed God to work through us.

There is urgency in this message, but not fear. It is a holy urgency. A reminder that your life has meaning today. That your voice matters today. That your purpose is active today.

So this month, I am choosing to live differently. I am choosing to lean into every opportunity, to speak life where it is needed, to pursue what God has placed before me, and to walk boldly in faith. Not waiting. Not hesitating. Not holding back.

I encourage you to do the same.

Do not wait for the “right time.” Do not silence your calling. Do not postpone your joy.

Live your life out loud.
Live it with faith.
Live it with purpose.
Live it fully.

Because today is a gift—and it was always meant to be lived to the full.

When You Stop Defending Yourself

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

One of the unexpected benefits of fasting is not just physical discipline, but spiritual clarity.

Fasting sharpens your awareness. It reveals what normally goes unnoticed. Distractions become louder before they fall away, and emotions rise to the surface so they can be examined instead of ignored. In that way, fasting is not only about what you deny your body, but what you confront within your spirit.

One of the quiet struggles of this fast has not been hunger. It has been restraint. Not restraint from food, but restraint from explaining myself, defending myself, and shrinking just enough so someone else can feel more secure.

Fasting has a way of exposing how often we feel compelled to justify who we are, what we know, and why we move the way we do. It reveals how easily the need for approval can slip into places where confidence once lived. And it shows us just how much energy can be spent trying to be understood by people who are not actually seeking understanding.

If you have lived long enough, you learn that there will always be people who see you and people who search you. Some meet you with grace. Others arrive already looking for fault. No matter how carefully you speak, how thoughtfully you move, or how much good you bring, they will find something to question.

That realization can be unsettling, especially in a season of consecration and prayer.

The Apostle Paul asked a question that is rarely quoted, but deeply revealing:
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?” (Galatians 1:10).

That question lands differently during a fast.

Because fasting strips away the illusion that every opinion deserves equal weight. It reminds you that obedience to God will not always be comfortable to people, and clarity of purpose can sometimes make others uneasy. Not every reaction requires a response. Not every criticism requires correction.

Scripture also tells us, “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11).

Overlooking is not weakness. It is discernment.

There will always be a thorn. Someone who presses, provokes, critiques, or unsettles you. The mistake is not their presence. The mistake is allowing them to redirect your focus, dilute your confidence, or pull you into defending what God has already affirmed.

Fasting teaches restraint.
Restraint in speech.
Restraint in reaction.
Restraint in the need to be validated.

It teaches you how to stop chasing clarity with people who benefit from misunderstanding you. It reminds you not to make yourself smaller just so someone else can feel bigger. And it strengthens your resolve to keep walking in purpose without dragging every critic along with you.

You already know who you are. You already know what you have been called to do.
You already know the fruit of your labor.

So do not chase people who are committed to misunderstanding you. Do not shrink to make someone else comfortable. And do not abandon your assignment just because someone else is uncomfortable with your obedience.

Brush it off. Keep walking. Let God deal with what you cannot fix.

Through It All, I Reflect on God’s Faithfulness

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

In moments of profound grief and reflection, I find myself leaning into the unwavering faithfulness of God. Life’s seasons often challenge us, stretching us in ways we could not anticipate—times of refining, recalibration, and silent reliance on His grace. Recently, I have walked through such a season. Some days have been marked by uncertainty, where clarity was elusive, and burdens felt especially heavy. Yet, amidst the unknown, God’s presence has remained steadfast and certain.

Time and again, I have witnessed His hand at work in circumstances beyond my control and in places I could not reach. As scripture reminds us, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). Even when I felt unseen, unheard, or uncertain, He has stood in the gap, offering His grace, protection, and peace. His love is unwavering.

At the same time, I have been strengthened and renewed through the blessings present in my personal life—celebrating meaningful milestones with family, exploring new places that awaken a sense of wonder, and being surrounded by faithful friends whose prayers and presence carry me through difficult times. These moments serve as sacred reminders that God’s goodness often sustains us in the midst of life’s trials.

I have come to understand that God’s benevolence is not dictated by circumstances. Psalm 34:19 declares, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” When the path is steep, He provides the strength we need to continue climbing.

And while challenges certainly arise, I stand firm on His promise in Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” This does not mean life is without battles, but it reinforces that we serve a God who equips us to overcome them.

I ask myself—and invite you—to consider: what season are you facing right now? Are there moments in your life where you need to be reminded that God’s presence remains active, His protection unceasing, and His work behind the scenes ongoing? Perhaps now is a moment to pause and offer gratitude—not solely for victories, but also for the lessons learned within the valleys.

Be encouraged by the everlasting truth in Lamentations 3:22–23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Cling to this truth, for God’s faithfulness endures, here and now, even in our most vulnerable moments.

May we all find comfort and strength in His unchanging love and unwavering grace

Overcoming Offenses: A Path to Healing in Relationships

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

One of the blessings—and sometimes the challenges—of life is that if we live long enough, we’re bound to encounter offenses. Someone might say something untrue, or say something true that we simply don’t like or that rubs us the wrong way. It could be a careless word from someone or a dismissive attitude that sets us off. And when we feel misunderstood or treated insensitively, our reactions can become overwhelming.

Honestly, I believe that being offended itself isn’t the biggest problem. The real challenge is when we hold onto those offenses, refusing to let them go. That’s when we hurt ourselves the most. As believers, we have a divine guide for every area of our lives—including how we handle offenses.

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV) gives us clear instruction:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Recently, I observed a situation that had been developing over time. An individual received feedback from colleagues regarding their communication style. The feedback highlighted concerns about tone and approach, including comments related to interactions with others.

This is not the first time I have discussed responses and attitudes with this individual. Previously, it was noted that responses to feedback could sometimes be defensive or withdrawn. The individual often maintains their own perspective, which can impact team dynamics.

In response to recent feedback, the individual chose to share their perspective openly. Their intentions appeared to be genuine, and they expressed a willingness to clarify their position. This situation underscores the importance of how perceptions and responses can influence working relationships and the overall team environment.

As believers, we are called to humility and self-examination. Whether we are right or wrong, we should be mindful of how our words and actions impact others. When someone points out an offense, let’s remember Ephesians 4:31-32—get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, slander, and malice. Instead, be kind, compassionate, and forgiving—just as Christ forgave us.

If we truly value unity and collaboration, our behaviors must reflect our words. Let’s choose humility, address offenses quickly, and demonstrate Christ’s love through our responses. When we do, we foster environments of healing, growth, and trust—becoming true reflections of His grace.

The Gift of Long-Suffering

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Life is not always easy. In fact, it rarely is. It’s a beautiful, complicated tapestry woven with threads of joy and pain, celebration and sorrow, triumph and setback. And yet, as I sit with all of it-the good and the hard-I’m reminded of a word that often gets overlooked: Long-suffering.

The Bible speaks of long-suffering not as weakness, but as strength. In Galatians 5:22, it is listed among the Fruits of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith…” (KJV). Other translations use patience, but I’ve come to love the word long-suffering-because it tells the truth. It acknowledges that sometimes we suffer, and sometimes we suffer long. But through the Spirit, we do so with grace.

I recently heard someone say, “If you truly appreciate life, you have to appreciate all of it.” That means not just the mountaintop moments, but also the valleys-the disappointments, the losses, the betrayals. And when I look back, I see it clearly: I’ve been so deeply blessed. I’ve lived a life that far exceeded anything I dreamed of as a child. But that same life has brought me sickness, death, heartbreak, and setbacks I never saw coming. Still, I wouldn’t trade it.

Long-suffering has taught me how to be still when everything inside me wants to fight or flee. It’s taught me how to love people who are hard to love, and how to trust God when I don’t understand His ways. It’s stretched my faith, deepened my compassion, and reminded me that even in the pain, God is present.

Romans 5:3-4 says it best: “We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.” Long-suffering doesn’t just help us survive-it makes room for hope to take root.

So if you’re in a hard season right now, take heart. The suffering isn’t the whole story. It’s a chapter-yes, even a long one-but not the end. And through it all, you are being shaped, strengthened, and prepared for even greater joy.

That is the gift of long-suffering.

Finding Confidence Through Betrayal and Faith

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Losing confidence is such a human characteristic. Yet, we are shocked when the most confident of us, lose it. As I sit here and write this blog, I can’t help but see parallels to Holy Week. It is a time that encapsulates both betrayal and redemption. There are moments in life when the weight of fear can settle heavily on our hearts. This includes fear of failure, rejection, and even betrayal. It causes us to second-guess our worth and abilities. We often find ourselves spiraling into self-doubt. It’s a place where the mind plays cruel tricks. The mind whispers lies that erode our confidence. This echoes the story of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. His act of betrayal devastated trust within the close circle of disciples. It also revealed the human struggle with insecurity. Furthermore, it showed the desperate need for acceptance.

I have experienced betrayal, not just once, but several times throughout my life. Betrayal is not something we easily get over. In fact, it’s a time when we feel abandoned. We feel as if we are alone in our suffering. We are paralyzed by the fear of what others think.

Psalm 55 reminds us of the pain we can experience by betrayal. It mirrors the feelings of inadequacy that can overwhelm us when we face rejection. Yet, it is precisely in these dark tunnels of despair that Christ calls us back to His light. Through His sacrifice, the cross stands as an enduring symbol of hope. It assures us that our worth is found not in the opinions of others. Instead, it is found in the unchanging love of God. As Philippians 4:13 declares, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” we must remember one important truth. We don’t have to navigate our insecurities alone. We are empowered by His strength, so we are never alone.

Reflecting on Jesus’ response to Judas is particularly illuminating. Even in the act of betrayal, Christ addressed him as “friend” (Luke 22:48), showcasing a grace that transcends human emotions. This is a poignant reminder. Our identity is not diminished by the failures or judgments of others. Instead, it is defined by the love that God has for us. As I ponder these themes, I deeply resonate with 2 Timothy 1:7. It states, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This offers reassurance that we do not have to stay paralyzed by fear or the shame of perceived failures. 

As we walk through this Holy Week, we learn to embrace confidence. It arises from our relationship with Christ. The journey can be filled with challenges. There are moments of betrayal and the haunting specter of doubt. By surrendering our fears to God, we can uncover a strength that is not our own. Remember, confidence is rooted in the knowledge that we are loved, worthy, and never alone. We can rise above our fears. We anchor ourselves in faith. The path to renewed confidence lies in the steadfast love of our Savior. In Christ, we find our true identity and strength. This empowers us to face betrayal and rejection with hope. We have renewed resolve.

The Bridge of Forgiveness

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Forgiveness is not easy. It is a road often littered with the debris of past wounds, misunderstandings, and broken trust. I know this well. The past year tested me in ways I never expected. Some of those wounds have followed me into this new season. One relationship, in particular, remains a challenge. It is strained by distrust on both sides. Yet, it is bound together by the necessity of working side by side.

I won’t pretend it’s simple. Every interaction carries the weight of history, and sometimes, I feel the tension before a word is even spoken. I have decided to walk in sincerity. This decision is not just for peace’s sake. It is because I am called to something greater. I can’t control his heart, but I can control mine.

Ephesians 4:31-32 reminds me: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Forgiveness does not mean forgetting. It does not mean pretending the hurt never happened. But it does mean releasing the grip of resentment so that I am free. I am not weighed down by anger. I am not shackled by bitterness. Forgiveness is not a gift I give to him; it is a gift I give to myself.

So I choose to extend grace. This is not because trust has been fully restored. It is because I refuse to let my heart be hardened. I choose to be genuine in my interactions, even if I am met with skepticism. I choose to see him as more than the sum of our conflicts.

For those walking a similar road, know this: Forgiveness is not a moment; it is a journey. It is a bridge we must build with each act of grace. Every prayer for wisdom is a step. Each step away from resentment is a step toward healing.

As I walk this road, I do so with determination. I hold fast to the words of Romans 12:18. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

I will do my part. I will walk in integrity. And I will trust that grace—God’s grace—is enough for the rest.

Meekness is not a Weakness

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Over the last several months, I have been studying the Fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23. Each week, we’ve taken one fruit, dissecting its meaning and significance. At one point, someone observed that the latter three fruits—faithfulness, meekness, and self-control—require much more intentional effort and conscious focus in our lives.

Of these three, the fruit of meekness has particularly piqued my interest, especially as I recognize my own need for it. I learned about meekness long ago, but only recently have I taken the time to explore its definition and relevance in my life. In my earlier work, “You Call That Love? This is Love,” I focused on 1 Corinthians 13 and Galatians 5. As I reflect on those teachings, the Holy Spirit now invites me to look deeper at meekness, a fruit that demands my attention and intentional focus.

Meekness is so often overlooked. The world teaches us to fight for our rights, to pursue self-assertion, and never to let anyone diminish our worth. However, the Bible presents a counter-narrative. As Matthew 5:5 states, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Someone once described meekness as “a controlled strength that involves trusting in God and submitting to His will.” This humility is indeed a valuable characteristic, yet it is frequently mistaken for weakness. Yet, if being meek was good enough for Jesus—who exemplified strength through His humility—why isn’t it good enough for me?

When I think of Jesus, I see not a weak figure, but the epitome of meekness. He says in Matthew 11:29, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus displayed incredible strength in meekness. He rebuked the proud yet offered grace to the humble. In my own life, I find that without the Holy Spirit’s intervention, my human nature struggles against meekness, especially when I feel threatened or disrespected.

So, what can I do? I must rely on the Holy Spirit. Cultivating meekness means recognizing how God sees this valuable trait—not through the distorted lens of society. Meekness reflects characteristics of Christ and holds immense significance in our walk of faith.

In considering the value of meekness, I constantly remind myself that my human instincts will always seek to defend my pride if left unchecked. Will I choose to reflect Jesus and embrace meekness? Do I wish to be conformed to this world, or do I aspire to be transformed by the renewal of my mind through Christ (Romans 12:2)?

Ultimately, the answers to these questions are clear to me. In moments of frustration or pride, I remember the words of James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” I see this not as a call to weakness but as an invitation to strength under control, a practice of humility rooted in the conviction that true honor comes from God.

So, how about you? How can you embody the fruit of meekness in your own life? I encourage you to reflect on this passage and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in embracing this powerful trait, for “the meek shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5)