Heartbreak to Strength Blog

Her words are powerful.

So thankful for Grace’s wisdom in my podcast this week. She vulnerably shares her story of being an African American growing up in the United Stated.  I was deeply saddened by how our fellow Americans treated her and her family. Racism is horrible.

Even in the middle of the terrible circumstances, Grace’s parents taught her an important lesson to love whomever her path crossed.  She was shown to love her neighbor.

In the Bible, Jesus is asked, “Who is our neighbor?” He answers with the parable of the Good Samaritan.  I love how Grace shares 4 important lessons from this parable in my podcast this week.  I pray these truths help us move toward unity.

First, we need to see. In the story, the Samaritan opened his eyes and saw the man lying hurt in the road.  The priest and Levite did not stop and look; they purposely avoided him.

Second, the Samarian had compassion on the man.  Just picture how our world would look if we had more compassion for one another.

Third, he leaned in. He got on his knees and began to treat his wounds. He began to have a relationship with this hurt man.

Fourth, the Good Samaritan took action!  He loaded the man on his horse, took him to a nearby inn and paid for his care. 

Friend, which one of these 4 action steps can you do today to help us move toward racial unity.  Maybe you just need to have your eyes opened to the truth that racism is still happening. Perhaps you need to have compassion on our fellow Americans who are being treated differently.  Maybe you need to lean in and begin to have a relationship with those who look different than you.  Perhaps you need to take action!

I love these practical steps that Grace shared this week on the podcast. I love that her parents modeled having a Christ-like love and attitude toward others even in the midst of the persecution.  There is so much we can learn, and I pray today we are open to understanding more and truly leaning in to help!  

Below is a link to my conversation with Grace on the podcast this week. I promise you do not want to miss her wisdom.

Depth Podcast Link

Love, Jodi

I felt God’s tug on my heart as I read the email.

Three different women had heard the Gospel message because of this Christian ministry. As the year was coming to an end, they were asking for donations. 

I had given to the ministry before, but this time I felt God asking me to give substantially more. 

Have you ever felt God asking you to do something that was out of your comfort zone?

Maybe God has placed it on your heart to lead a Bible study or start a ministry at your church. Perhaps He wants your family to serve together. Maybe God has asked you to give of your time or your finances. He is inviting you to say, “Yes!” and take a step of faith.

Friends, this is how I felt that day in December. God had clearly placed a specific number in my mind, and He wanted me to faithfully give to this ministry. 

I had a choice: take a leap of faith or play it safe.

As I look back over my ministry these last two years, I am thankful that I chose to take the leap. Now I can see how that one act of obedient giving has opened doors that I could never have opened. It has allowed me to meet people that I would have never had the opportunity to meet.

I often think back to that day in December and I wonder, what if I had said no? Honestly, I would have missed all the blessings God had planned for me, and sadly I would not have even known it.

How many times have we missed a divine appointment from God because we wanted to play it safe? 

Playing it safe may seem like the less risky choice, but honestly it is not. God wants us to take leaps of faith! I know this is not easy. 

Just last year, God asked me to take another daring step. As I was praying over what was next for my ministry, I heard God say in my heart, “I want you to start a podcast.”

Let me first share that I am not techy at all and had absolutely no idea how to start a podcast.  The idea scared me to death. Putting myself out there felt risky. Maybe you have felt these same emotions.

I could have easily rationalized excuses of why this was a bad idea. But deep in my heart, I knew God was asking me to trust Him and take the leap. Is God asking you the same thing?

I know it feels scary and risky. but say “Yes” and take the leap! I know you feel completely out of your comfort zone, but trust God and take the next step! 

Remember, if this bold step was easy, then it would not require faith.

Faith is the key ingredient. In the Bible it says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6

With faith, I took the leap! The Depth Podcast launched in August and has become one of my favorite parts of my ministry. And those people whom I never would have had the opportunity to meet without God opening doors have now been guests on the podcast! Once again, I am in awe of God and His extraordinary ways!

Today, I want to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, exercise your faith muscle, and take the leap! I promise you will not regret it.

Love, Jodi