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Brenda Bradford Ottinger

Encouraging Women to Live Rooted in the Sacred

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Hope is Alive

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” Hebrews 10:23-24

Hold tightly

What comes to mind when you think of holding something tightly?

A child’s hand in traffic? A $100 bill on a windy day? A wedding ring near a sink drain?

We hold tightly to what we deem precious, don’t we?

Without wavering

And, we’re not iffy about it. We don’t occasionally  loosen our grip on the precious of life, do we?

To the hope we affirm

Oh, the most precious of all — Hope.

The same hope we affirm all the livelong day.

In our service, in our ministries, in our writing, in our putting-one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-dailyness.

The hope that defines our why.

For God can be trusted to keep His promise

Friend, does this bring a tear to your eye like it does to mine?

He can be trusted for every beautiful promise we’ll inherit. Tweet This

This is the faith that rises up in us and grasps ever-so-tightly to the precious.

Because we trust His word. His plan. His heart.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another

I adore this sweet phrase.

I like to think that’s what we’re doing here. Online. In our churches. Our communities. Our homes. Our spheres of influence.

What a joy and a pleasure and a beautiful exchange of gifts.

To acts of love and good works.

Is there a better way to spend the whole of our lives?

Such a worthy mandate.

This feels like Kingdom work to me. Like mercy. Like generosity. Like compassion. Like Christ.

Thank you, friend for all you do to motivate me with your hope and goodness and love.

In case you’re in a place where you need to hear it right now, let me be the girl who tells you that:

You make a difference. What you’re doing matters. You’ve got this. Stay the course.

For Hope is alive and He’s trustworthy. 


→  P.S.) We’re taking a little trip this week, so I won’t be able to participate in the linkup as much as usual, but I look forward to being back here next week and catching up with you all then. Have a wonderful weekend! ♥

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It’s a casual, pony-tail & sandals environment around here, but a few important reminders:

  • Please remember to visit and leave some encouragement for other friends who’ve linked-up today — this is the heart of community & your words of support could be just the thing another friend needs to hear today.
  • Please only share like-minded words of spiritual encouragement and insight.
  • Please grab the #ChasingCommunity button, or link back here underneath your post. (So others can find us and join the fun too!)
  • By linking up & leaving your email address you agree to receive #ChasingCommunity updates.

Thank you for bringing your dish to the table–May your ministry of words find community here.

Ministry+Friends=Fun. I’m linking up today with my friends at #ChasingCommunity. Come join us!
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17 Comments

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Comments

  1. Anna Smit says

    March 15, 2018 at 5:31 am

    “He can be trusted for every beautiful promise we’ll inherit.” Oh yes, it does bring tears to my eyes, Brenda. So much so.

    May God bless your trip away. May it be a refreshing time of resting in Him.

    Reply
  2. Bev @ Walking Well With God says

    March 15, 2018 at 5:56 am

    Brenda,
    You always encourage me!! What a great goal to keep in mind – to encourage others and build them up as they do work for/in the Kingdom. We’re all in this together. It’s not a competition. Joining with you in building each other up! Prayers for safe travels….
    Blessings and love,
    Bev xo

    Reply
  3. Liz says

    March 15, 2018 at 5:56 am

    You are a fabulous encourager! Thanks for pouring your heart into this community! XOXO

    Reply
  4. Betsy de Cruz says

    March 15, 2018 at 6:09 am

    Thanks for your words of encouragement and HOPE, Brenda! I’m with Liz above: you’re a fabulous encourager!

    Reply
  5. Sarah Geringer says

    March 15, 2018 at 6:20 am

    Hi Brenda, I always love visiting your blog on Thursdays. Blessings to you, friend!

    Reply
  6. Jill says

    March 15, 2018 at 7:26 am

    Thanks Brenda for infusing us with hope and encouragement each week. Your words inspire-safe and happy travels, my friend!

    Reply
  7. Michele Morin says

    March 15, 2018 at 9:03 am

    Thanks for words of hope here — and may your time away yield rest and encouragement!

    Reply
  8. Maree Dee says

    March 15, 2018 at 9:10 am

    Brenda – Enjoy your trip!! Thank you for your beautiful words pointing us right to the feet of Jesus.

    Reply
  9. Kristi Woods says

    March 15, 2018 at 9:56 am

    Hope your trip is fabulous. <3

    Reply
  10. Rachel says

    March 15, 2018 at 10:13 am

    “For hope is alive, and He is trustworthy.” Amen! 💕
    Blessings, Brenda!

    Reply
  11. Jerralea says

    March 15, 2018 at 3:12 pm

    Yes, it is kingdom work! Thanks for the encouragement to keep on keeping on.

    Hope you have a wonderful trip!

    Reply
  12. Donna Reidland says

    March 15, 2018 at 3:22 pm

    I love that verse and how you fleshed it out! Have fun on your trip. Blessings!

    Reply
  13. Karen Woodall says

    March 15, 2018 at 3:33 pm

    An uplifting word and a moment of encouragement! Glad I stopped by today! Enjoy your week away! Grace, rest and peace to you, blogging friend!

    Reply
  14. Linda Stoll says

    March 15, 2018 at 8:51 pm

    Travel safe and joyously, Brenda …

    😉

    Reply
  15. BettieG says

    March 15, 2018 at 10:14 pm

    What a beautiful unpacking of this Scripture! Yes, may we hold onto HIS hope in all of our moments. It makes all the difference to trust Him to keep His promises, doesn’t it? Enjoy your trip, and be blessed!

    Reply
  16. Tracey Cross says

    March 16, 2018 at 12:17 am

    So enjoyed this post Brenda thank you so much for your encouragement . Hit the spot today. God bless . PS Love this Link Up

    Reply
  17. Rebecca Jones says

    March 16, 2018 at 5:58 pm

    What a great verse, getting good comments motivates me, thanks Brenda for doing a link up that is as encouraging as your words.

    Reply

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Oh, friend, if you too have ever cried the prayer, Oh, friend, if you too have ever cried the prayer, “Lord, we don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on You,” …

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