Faith signal https://faithsignal.com/ Faith signal Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:13:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://i0.wp.com/faithsignal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-Faith-Signal-final-logo.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Faith signal https://faithsignal.com/ 32 32 214610405 Tackle 4 Challenges Today https://faithsignal.com/tackle-4-challenges-today/ https://faithsignal.com/tackle-4-challenges-today/#respond Thu, 16 Jan 2025 14:57:32 +0000 https://faithsignal.com/?p=3246 4 Challenges to Tackle Today: A Faith-Based Perspective In our journey of faith, we often encounter obstacles that can hinder…

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4 Challenges to Tackle Today: A Faith-Based Perspective

In our journey of faith, we often encounter obstacles that can hinder our growth and potential. Today, I invite you to tackle four challenges that can help you align your mindset with the promises of God. Let’s explore how faith can empower us to overcome these challenges.


1. Rewrite One Limiting Belief

Challenge: Take one thought that’s holding you back and flip it.

Faith Signal: Often, we let our doubts overshadow our faith. For instance, if you find yourself thinking, “I’m not ready,” flip it to “I’m growing into this.” Remember Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Embrace the truth that God is preparing you for what lies ahead.

Your Action: Write down your limiting belief and reframe it with a positive, faith-filled statement.

2. Journal Your Wins

Challenge: Every day, write down one thing you did well.

Faith Signal: Acknowledging our successes, no matter how small, helps us recognize God’s hand in our lives. Psalm 103:2 encourages us to “forget not all His benefits.” By journaling your wins, you cultivate gratitude and a positive mindset, which can enhance your faith journey.

Your Action: Dedicate a few minutes each evening to reflect on and write down your daily achievements.

3. Cut the Negativity

Challenge: Identify one source of negativity in your life and eliminate or reduce it.

Faith Signal: Negativity can cloud our vision and distract us from God’s purpose. Romans 12:2 reminds us to “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Identify a negative influence—be it a person, habit, or thought—and take steps to minimize its impact on your life.

Your Action: Make a conscious decision to distance yourself from negativity, replacing it with uplifting and faith-affirming influences.

4. Take a Bold Step

Challenge: Do one thing this week that scares you a little.

Faith Signal: Stepping out of our comfort zone is often where we find growth. Joshua 1:9 encourages us to “be strong and courageous.” By facing our fears, we demonstrate our trust in God’s plan for us. Taking bold steps can lead to incredible breakthroughs in our faith and personal lives.

Your Action: Identify one fear you want to confront and take a small step towards overcoming it this week.


By embracing these challenges with YOUR faith-based perspective, we can transform our lives and deepen our relationship with God. Remember, each step you take is an opportunity to grow in faith and strength. Let’s tackle these challenges together and witness the amazing things God can do in our lives!

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Risk is not Your Biggest Enemy… https://faithsignal.com/risk-is-not-your-biggest/ https://faithsignal.com/risk-is-not-your-biggest/#respond Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:29:37 +0000 https://faithsignal.com/?p=3236 The Single Biggest Risk of All And that’s the thing about risk: it isn’t the enemy. Comfort is. We can…

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The Single Biggest Risk of All

And that’s the thing about risk: it isn’t the enemy. Comfort is. We can become snared by the mundane, held in place by habits that give us the illusion of security. But let’s face it: we’re all on the brink of a choice right now. You have a choice: bet on yourself or play safe. Mindset is everything!

The Illusion of Safety

As safe as this might be, it’s deceptive. You walk in quicksand. The less you move, the faster you go. Each second of hesitation is a wasted moment. Consider this: when was the last time you really felt like you were alive? Was it when you threw yourself in front of the crowd or when you jumped off the edge?

The heroes you admire – those who conquered worlds, made families rich, and yes even destroyed lives – weren’t taking things easy. They took calculated risks, driven by their belief in themselves and their mission. They faced uncertainty optimistically, trusting that every small move would get them one step closer to the goal. They waited, knowing that great things require time and patience.

The Power of Faith

“But I trust in you, Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.” — Psalm 31:14-15 (NIV)

Religion can be a transformative force. It’s the idea that despite everything that’s against you, you can make it happen. It’s about believing in yourself and your potential, even if the road ahead seems unclear. When you’re confident, you take more chances because you believe the good will come out.

Think about the journeys of entrepreneurs and leaders. Many of them faced incredible setbacks but their conviction about vision and cause moved them forward. They did not sit and wait for an opening; they made it happen. They knew that if you wait for the “right time” you miss opportunities.

Cultivating Hope

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Hope is what propels us through the storm of life. It’s the promise of the end, the promise of hope. If you’re optimistic, then every failure becomes a lesson. You begin to regard obstacles as bridging rather than blocking your path.

Putting hope into your choices can change your outlook. Instead of getting scared of the unknown, you can approach it with curiosity and enthusiasm. What if this risk creates something spectacular? What if this leap of faith opens doors you never knew you had? So much potential can arise when you allow hope to guide you.

The Importance of Patience

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” — Psalm 27:14 (NIV)

Faith and hope are necessary, but we need to be patient as well. For those of us in a society that wants things immediately, patience can seem like an obsolete skill. However, great achievements take time. There will be some bumps in your path to reaching your targets and you need to stay strong and patient with them.

If you’re taking a chance, you want to know that it might not be an instant winner. There will be ups and downs and misgivings. But if you wait, you can work around these challenges and keep your eyes open. Keep in mind that any major achievement comes from continual work and determination.

Do It Now!

Why, then, aren’t you taking the leap? It’s time to act! Fear, or insecurity, don’t control you. Don’t shy away from the pain of change and make that leap. Stop saying ‘tomorrow’.

Here’s how you can start:

  • Identify Your Objectives: What are you really looking to accomplish? Write down your intentions and picture yourself achieving them.
  • Calculate Your Risks: Assess how much you risk your efforts. Are they calculated? What could go wrong?
  • Small Changes: Don’t expect big changes overnight. Take small, achievable steps toward your goal.
  • Surround Yourself with Positive People: Look for people who support you and your vision.
  • Accept Failure: Realize that failures are inevitable. Use them as tools for progress.
  • Stay Focused: Commit to your choices and stay connected to your mission.

To sum it up, taking your chances is the greatest risk of all. Now let’s leave the comforters at home and let it all be faith, hope, and patience. The world has enough chances for you to take advantage of them.

So, are you ready? Do it now! Make that leap of faith, put your faith in yourself, and start moving towards your goal. Remember, you don’t have to sit around waiting for the perfect moment — build it!

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The Trust In Timing…Not Easy https://faithsignal.com/the-trust-in-timing-not-easy/ https://faithsignal.com/the-trust-in-timing-not-easy/#respond Tue, 10 Dec 2024 01:39:54 +0000 https://faithsignal.com/?p=3218 Embracing Invisible Growth: Finding Strength in Stillness When nothing seems to be happening in your life, yet everything is changing…

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Embracing Invisible Growth: Finding Strength in Stillness

When nothing seems to be happening in your life, yet everything is changing – this paradox holds one of life’s most profound lessons. It’s like standing in the eye of a hurricane: peaceful at the center while transformation swirls around you unseen.

The Invisible Growth

Have you ever watched a garden in winter? On the surface, all appears dormant, lifeless even. But beneath the frozen ground, roots are deepening, strengthening, and preparing for spring’s grand awakening. Our lives often mirror this natural phenomenon. During periods of apparent stagnation, we’re actually experiencing some of our most significant growth.

The Building Blocks of Faith

These seasons of stillness serve as spiritual weight rooms. Just as muscles grow stronger through resistance, our faith develops through moments when we can’t see the path ahead. It’s in these spaces between visible progress that our inner compass is calibrated, our resilience is forged, and our character is refined.

The Deceptive Nature of Progress

We live in a world obsessed with visible metrics – likes, shares, promotions, achievements. But the most meaningful transformations often occur in silence, away from the spotlight of public validation. Think of how a pearl forms: years of quiet development within an oyster’s shell, unseen until completion.

Finding Peace in the Pause

When you find yourself in such a season, remember:

  • Growth isn’t always visible to the naked eye.
  • Stillness can be a form of movement.
  • Faith strengthens in the waiting.
  • Understanding comes through patience.

The Power of Trust

Learning to trust the process when our eyes can’t perceive change is perhaps life’s greatest lesson in faith. It’s about developing an inner knowing that transcends physical evidence – a spiritual muscle that grows stronger with each moment of uncertainty embraced.

Moving Forward

In these seemingly static times:

  • Practice gratitude for the unseen work being done within you.
  • Journal your thoughts and feelings to track subtle internal shifts.
  • Embrace the silence as a teacher.
  • Trust that your story is still being written, even when the pen appears still.

The next time you feel stuck in life’s waiting room, remember: what appears as stagnation might actually be transformation in its chrysalis stage. Your faith isn’t just being tested – it’s being built, strengthened, and prepared for what’s ahead.


“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Perhaps it’s in these very moments of invisible change that we learn to truly see with our faith rather than our eyes or our feelings.

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The Shoes Or The Seed? https://faithsignal.com/the/ https://faithsignal.com/the/#respond Mon, 09 Dec 2024 03:58:59 +0000 https://faithsignal.com/?p=3210 The Tale of Two Gifts: A Gardener’s Lesson A young gardener received two gifts on the same day: a tiny…

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The Tale of Two Gifts: A Gardener’s Lesson

A young gardener received two gifts on the same day: a tiny seed from her grandmother and a brand new pair of designer shoes from her friend.

The Allure of Immediate Gratification

The shoes were sleek, polished, and immediately impressive. They gleamed in the sunlight, perfect and unblemished. Her friend had carefully selected them, matching her style precisely. She wore the shoes proudly that very afternoon, walking confidently down the street.

The Unassuming Seed

In contrast, the seed was small, unremarkable, and seemed insignificant—a plain brown speck nestled in her palm. She planted the seed in a quiet corner of her garden, unaware of its potential.

The Passage of Time

Weeks passed, and the shoes began to scuff, their shine fading with each step. Eventually, they would be discarded or forgotten. However, the seed slowly transformed. First, a tender shoot emerged, followed by roots spreading underground, and branches reaching skyward.

A Lasting Legacy

Over time, the seed grew into a fruit-bearing tree that provided shade, nourishment, and beauty for decades—long after the shoes were gone.

The Moral of the Story

This parable whispers a powerful lesson: True value isn’t always found in what appears impressive at first glance, but in what has the potential to grow, change, and create a lasting impact.

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Sitting Still With It. https://faithsignal.com/sitting-still-with-it/ https://faithsignal.com/sitting-still-with-it/#respond Mon, 02 Dec 2024 23:56:40 +0000 https://faithsignal.com/?p=3195 Sitting with Our Battle: Keeping Faith Through Obstacles Hey there, friends! Today, I want to share something personal: how we…

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Sitting with Our Battle: Keeping Faith Through Obstacles

Hey there, friends! Today, I want to share something personal: how we can draw on faith to sit with our pain rather than run from it. Instead of reaching for a beer, a cigarette, or other distractions, what if we embraced our challenges with faith?

The Power of Presence

Let’s start by emphasizing the importance of being present. It’s crucial to embrace our feelings—even the messy ones. By opening ourselves up to sadness, anxiety, or frustration, we facilitate discovery and healing. Faith can be our best ally on this journey, inviting us to be present and compassionate rather than critical.

Faith as Our Rock

Faith serves as a comforting hug during hard times. It guides us through the storm, providing solace when we need it most. I’ve witnessed this firsthand in my life!

A Little Story Time

Let me share a quick anecdote. Two years ago, I was guiding a class of children at a summer camp. One camper had a troubled history—he was expelled the previous year! I initially felt apprehensive, but we faced some rough patches that week. By the end, I was so proud of him—and he was proud of himself! Years later, he wrote me a touching letter, thanking me for believing in him. He graduated high school with honors and is now heading to college. Talk about a full-circle moment!

How to Avoid the Elephant in the Room

Let’s be honest: while it might feel good to shove our problems aside, this often leads to deeper issues later on. Whether it’s drinking, smoking, or simply running away, these habits can be tough to break.

The Long Game

We should confront our challenges head-on. When we do, we heal and grow. The story of that camper illustrates how overcoming difficulties can lead to phenomenal changes.

How to Sit With Your Worries: Steps for Dealing with Your Concerns

So, how do we come to terms with our difficulties? Here are some suggestions:

Prayer and Meditation

  1. Spend time in your faith daily. Whether through prayer, meditation, or simply reflecting, find what brings you peace. Learn more about the benefits of meditation here.

  2. Journaling

  3. Grab a pen and paper and start writing. Document your feelings and how your faith helps you through tough days. It’s a powerful way to process emotions! Check out journaling techniques here.

  4. Lean on Your Community
    Don’t hesitate to reach out! Share your struggles with friends or your church community. Sometimes, talking it through is all you need. Explore community support resources here.

Finding Hope and Growth

We must endure our challenges, as they often lead to profound growth. By facing our shadows, we become more open to connections and wisdom.

A Little Reminder

Remember that camper I mentioned? His journey taught me the importance of small steps. Whether it’s a smile to a stranger or a kind word to a friend, we can all make a difference.

So, let’s commit to sitting with our discomfort instead of running away. Our faith can guide us through life’s roughest moments, helping us heal and reconnect with others. Let’s be grateful for our experiences, no matter how rocky!

Share Your Thoughts!

How has faith helped you navigate life’s challenges? Leave your stories below and inspire each other on this journey!

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Thanksgiving Survival Guide: The Faithful Win! https://faithsignal.com/a-survival-guide/ https://faithsignal.com/a-survival-guide/#respond Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:18:33 +0000 https://faithsignal.com/?p=3176 Surviving thanksgivingNever Stop Being Thankful: A Thanksgiving Survival Guide Okay, let’s be real. Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday – it’s a…

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Never Stop Being Thankful: A Thanksgiving Survival Guide


Okay, let’s be real. Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday – it’s a spiritual obstacle course that tests your patience, faith, and ability to not throw a turkey across the room.


I’ve survived enough family gatherings to know that Thanksgiving is basically a masterclass in faith, forgiveness, and strategic wine consumption.


The Challenge Accepted Moment
A few years back, I was that family member who decided to take on the ultimate Thanksgiving challenge: cooking the entire meal while managing family drama that could rival a prime-time soap opera.


Challenge. Accepted.


Let me break it down for you:

The Turkey Situation 🦃
Picture this: Me, standing in the kitchen, talking to a 20-pound turkey like it’s my therapy session. “Lord,” I whispered, “if you can help Moses part the Red Sea, you can help me not burn this bird.” Spoiler alert: Divine intervention works – mostly.


Family Drama: Level Expert
When Uncle Phil starts his political rant and Aunt Karen begins critiquing everyone’s life choices, I’ve learned to take a deep breath and remember: Jesus dealt with 12 disciples. I can handle my crazy family for one meal. I hope.


Pro Tip: Gratitude is your secret weapon.


Moments of Humor:
• Burned rolls? Call it “artisan charcoal bread”
• Dropped the turkey? Declare it a “modern deconstructed feast”
• Pie looks like a geological experiment? Rename it “abstract culinary art”


The Real Thanksgiving Miracle
It’s not about the perfect meal. It’s about the moments between the chaos. The laughs. The stories. The understanding smile when your son has a meltdown or your grandma forgets who you are – again.


Faith. Humor. Family.

That’s the real Thanksgiving recipe.


My point? You never know the impact of your attitude. From saying a kind word to holding space for family chaos, every moment is an opportunity to practice grace.


Thanksgiving Survival Mantra: “Lord, give me strength… and maybe an extra glass of wine.”


Seriously. Never stop being that person who can laugh through the chaos, love through the challenges, and find gratitude in the messiest moments.

Because at the end of the day, that’s what faith – and family – is all about.


Amen. And pass the gravy.

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Rollercoaster Of Mental Wellness. https://faithsignal.com/rollercoaster-of-mental-wellness/ https://faithsignal.com/rollercoaster-of-mental-wellness/#respond Wed, 20 Nov 2024 11:58:32 +0000 https://faithsignal.com/?p=3162 rollercoaster of mental healthSupporting Friends Through Mental Health Challenges: A Faith-Based Perspective Let’s talk about something that’s becoming more and more common in…

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Supporting Friends Through Mental Health Challenges: A Faith-Based Perspective

Let’s talk about something that’s becoming more and more common in our fast-paced world – mental health challenges. I’ve been thinking a lot about how we can really show up for our friends and family members when they’re struggling. You know what’s amazing? When we combine our faith with our desire to help, we can create this incredibly supportive and understanding environment for those we care about.

The Power of Really Listening (And I Mean Really Listening) I’ve learned that one of the most powerful things we can do for a friend who’s struggling is simply to listen – and I don’t mean just nodding along while thinking about what’s for dinner! It’s about being fully present, letting them know they’re heard without judgment. Think about it – when was the last time someone truly listened to you? It’s such a gift to create that safe space where someone can just… be.

Getting Practical With Our Help Here’s something I’ve discovered – sometimes the biggest way to show love is through the smallest actions. When someone’s dealing with mental health challenges, even the everyday stuff can feel overwhelming. Maybe it’s helping them tackle that pile of laundry that’s been staring them down, grabbing groceries when you’re already at the store, or showing up with their favorite comfort food. These aren’t just tasks – they’re ways of saying “I see you, I care about you, and you’re not alone in this.”

Getting Professional Help (Because We Can’t Do It All) Look, as much as we want to be Superman or Superwoman for our friends, sometimes the most loving thing we can do is acknowledge when they need more help than we can give. I’ve been there – watching someone struggle and wanting to fix everything myself. But here’s the truth: encouraging them to talk to a mental health professional isn’t giving up – it’s giving them another tool in their toolbox. Maybe offer to help them find someone, or even sit with them while they make that first call. Trust me, just having someone there can make that scary first step feel a lot less intimidating.

The Power of Prayer (It’s More Than Just Words) You know what’s beautiful about faith? It reminds us we’re never really alone. When I pray with friends who are struggling, something powerful happens. It’s not just about the words we’re saying – it’s about creating this sacred space where hope can grow. Sometimes we don’t even need words – just sitting together in that quiet moment of connection with God can bring more peace than any advice we could offer.

Faith Can Move Mountains

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Riding the Rollercoaster Together Here’s something nobody tells you about supporting someone through mental health challenges – it’s rarely a straight line from struggle to success. Some days will be great, and you’ll think “We’ve got this!” Other days… well, let’s just say progress might look more like getting out of bed or answering a text. And you know what? That’s okay. Your job isn’t to fix everything – it’s to be that consistent, steady presence saying “I’m here for all of it.”

Building Your Village Remember that old saying “it takes a village”? Well, it’s true! I’ve seen the amazing things that can happen when people connect with others who get what they’re going through. Maybe it’s a faith-based support group, a weekly coffee meetup, or even an online community – the key is finding those people who can walk alongside them (and you) on this journey.

The Heart of It All Let me wrap this up with something I’ve learned through my own experiences as a parent of special needs children: supporting someone through mental health challenges isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, being real, and letting your faith guide you in loving them well. Sometimes it’s messy, sometimes it’s beautiful, but it’s always worth it.

Remember, every small act of kindness, every prayer, every “I’m here for you” text – it all matters. You might not see the impact right away (trust me, I’ve been surprised years later by how much little things meant to people), but your presence and support can be the light someone needs to find their way through the darkness.

And hey, if you’re reading this while supporting someone through their mental health journey – you are a blessing to them. Faith can move mountains and you may just be that source to help keep faith, there are no mistakes in who you meet.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself too. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup!

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Veterans’ Mental Health: Priority 2025 https://faithsignal.com/veterans-mental-health-priority-2025/ https://faithsignal.com/veterans-mental-health-priority-2025/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 17:13:32 +0000 https://faithsignal.com/?p=3154 veterans health 2025With 2025 rapidly approaching, the focus on veterans’ mental health has never been sharper. All of our valiant warriors have sacrificed…

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Virtual reality therapy? It’s already in the works. Better coordination between different agencies? ABSOLUTELY a need. 



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The Ties That Bind: The Wins https://faithsignal.com/celebrate-each-other/ https://faithsignal.com/celebrate-each-other/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:11:52 +0000 https://faithsignal.com/?p=3145 Have you experienced that moment when someone reminds you of your birthday without hitting Facebook’s reminder button or the generic…

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Have you experienced that moment when someone reminds you of your birthday without hitting Facebook’s reminder button or the generic posting on Social Media? Or when your friend brings over your favorite cup of coffee just for no reason? These times – it’s just pure magic. They’re the fabrics that knit our friendships together into something truly wonderful, and frankly, they deserve more time than we normally pay them.

Let’s focus on those milestones. We are all well-acquainted with birthdays, but what counts is how we revel in them. Not everything needs to be monumental – there’s nothing quite like that midnight text “Happy Birthday, you rock!”. These celebrations? They aren’t parties – they’re deposits in our bank of friends that continue to yield dividends.

As far as tradition goes, let’s talk about traditions. Whether it’s your annual “Friendsgiving” where everyone brings their greatest culinary disaster, or that monthly lunch where you resolve all the world’s problems (or at least try). They’re not mere routine meetings – they’re your friend’s moves, the gravy that renders your friendship unique. But believe me, these traditions become the stories you’ll laugh about years later.

What about the things we say – or don’t say. “I’m proud of you.” You handled that amazingly. “Your insight is legendary.” Simple? Yes. Powerful? Absolutely. These are not just compliments; they’re verbal high-fives that make someone’s day. And the best part? They’re free!

What we don’t often consider: not all celebrations involve confetti and a party (although, frankly, that would be pretty cool). Perhaps your friend finally decluttered their garage after three years of talking about it. Celebrate it! Or they learned how to churn out the perfect grilled cheese. That’s worth a victory dance! These small wins? They’re the foundations of greater achievements.

And here’s the kicker – when you become that other person who gets people on their pedestal, it works. It spreads. Just like the time you cheered for your friend’s new blog and they’re suddenly supporting their cousin’s art show, who in turn supports their neighbor’s landscape project. You’ve just set off a celebration ripple! Like letting someone out in traffic, it pays forward. 

So here is my challenge to you: Be that party starter. Be the friend who sees the silver lining, who delivers the cupcakes by surprise, who sends the appreciate you text. Because in an increasingly burdened world we need more people that can let the light into the good.

But, you know, it doesn’t matter how big the party is – it’s just coming out and saying, “hey, I’m over here, and this is what you’re doing.” Those moments? It is they who transform everyday friendships a solid base brother or sister.

And trust me, just like that letter years later I received from the summer camp camper, you never know how your small gesture of joy might resonate in someone’s life. So don’t hesitate – be that person who makes others happy. More of that kind of pleasure is needed in the world.

You are friends. It is okay to support each other. 

P.S. So if you’re reading this and  have a friend  who you feel has to be celebrated right now – yes, here’s your invitation to text or call. Go spread some joy!

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Building One Another Up https://faithsignal.com/building-one-another-up/ https://faithsignal.com/building-one-another-up/#respond Sat, 02 Nov 2024 18:04:54 +0000 https://faithsignal.com/?p=3130 Something happened in my neighborhood coffee shop a couple of years back. Two friends turned up at each other’s doorstep every…

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Something happened in my neighborhood coffee shop a couple of years back. Two friends turned up at each other’s doorstep every Tuesday morning, notebooks in hand, not to just catch up, but to intentionally invest in each other. It was their “Growth Tuesday,” they said. It occurred to me then how friendship is when we decide to be part of the adventure.

Friendship, after all, is not about finding somebody to do something with(although that is a great thing too). You want to have someone around you who knows you have what it takes, even if you don’t think you do. It’s that nudge when you’re feeling ready to quit, that push when you break through.

Now let’s see how it plays out on the ground. Because, my friend, this is not just theory – here is where the stakes are in our walk with faith our own development.

The Power of Intentional Friendship

First thing’s first: you don’t grow overnight. We, like those coffee shop acquaintances, have to be mindful. And that can look like this:

Monthly Updates: Make sure you have a specific time to speak with each about your spiritual and life plans. It can be weekly, it could be monthly, just stick to it.

Prayer Network: Tell one another about what is going well and what is hindering you and pray for your area of expansion.

Scripture or Life Discussion Commitment: If it is scripture or more casual lifestyle learning discussions (kids, pets, sports, current events…whatever)  talk about what you are learning. Those “aha” moments are best with the ones you share!

Set Aim Together: Create BIG SMART dreams, and turn the BIG into SUCCESSFUL steps. When someone goes, “Oh, how’s that going? can be incredibly motivating.

But Here’s the Real Talk…

It’s not always comfortable. Growth rarely is. Be a good friend, too, on the occasion of having to ask: “Well how is your prayer life?”, “How are you feeling about  (insert the event)?” or “Remember that thing you did? What’s holding you back?”

I remember Sarah my friend yelled at me for not getting into fights in my relationships. It hurt a little (ok, a lot) but she was so kind to be that she made me grow more than I could have on my own.

Practical Steps for Growth-Focused Friendships

Make Room: Build a foundation of trust by being trustworthy and confidential.
Talk When You Have Something to Say: Sometimes people simply have something to say out loud.
Praise Small Successes: What was their accomplishment   this week? That’s worth celebrating!
Be First Afraid: Open the door to others and be vulnerable first.
Follow Up: Don’t let the conversation die in the trash can. Circle back to previous discussions.

Faith  Foundation

As iron works on iron, so one man works on another. And this isn’t just a pretty image – it’s the recipe for good friends. That grinding isn’t always pleasant but it’s the path of progress.

Your Turn to Grow

I invite you to do one thing today to be a growing friend. Or perhaps texting that phone number to solidify a regular coffee catch up. Maybe that’s having that conversation you’ve been waiting for. Regardless of what, always remember: some of the greatest growth takes place in the context of close friendship.

Because in the end we’re not going to go it alone. We’re meant to rally hands, lift each other up, cheer each other on and encourage one another to have faith and not give up.

And isn’t that what friendship is?

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