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Brenda Bradford Ottinger

Encouraging Women to Live Rooted in the Sacred

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Surviving on a Diet of Prayer and Tears

Slumping deep into his chair at a corner table for two, he ate waffle fries alone on a holiday evening.

The sun laid down quietly in the window behind him as snowy hair fell against a face that spilled secrets of sorrow. Vacant eyes and a somber spirit caught my heart.

The people-watcher in me wondered about his story; I was curious why his face wore a leathery shade of pain on a day reserved for joy. Who were his people, and where were they tonight? Most importantly, I wondered, did he know the One who heals broken hearts? 

My meal grew cold as appetite deferred to compassion. I might have stared.

They say it takes one to know one, and that night, while the world around us was a blur of festivity, I sat across from the mirror of a man who seemed familiar with a burden or two — just like me.

Please join us at Proverbs 31 Ministries to continue reading, friend…

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Too many years I spent not understanding my worth Too many years I spent not understanding my worth in God’s plan, not grasping how my unique ways are the very Spirit of God in me.
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Friend, I hope you know that the unique, intrinsic ways you think and see and live—God placed them inside the blueprint that is you—for purpose.
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Trust the Still, Small Voice beating in sync with your heart, whispering, “You were made for this.”
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You won’t be perfect at it. You’ll learn as you go, for the whole of your life. You’ll not “arrive.” There’ll always be more love to give, more hope to nurture, more seeds to sow, more service to sacrifice.
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And it will be a life well spent.
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So spend it. Walk in your inherent, you-shaped calling. Trust the nudge in your belly, the desire that feels too big, the Voice guiding your heart & holding your hand.
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You were made to sing this song of praise with your life, my friend. 💗
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“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp & then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father.” (Matt. 5:14-16)
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Dear Summer, please tip-toe. . Happy Summer, frien Dear Summer, please tip-toe.
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Happy Summer, friend. May you unhurry your spirit & welcome the lovely of golden days & firefly nights.
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A few projects I worked on this winter. (With a fe A few projects I worked on this winter. (With a few Easter shenanigans for good measure. 😊)
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What projects are you working on these days?
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Friend, are you like me & feeling a little disconn Friend, are you like me & feeling a little disconnected after these last two years of social distancing. If so, I understand. 💗
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In today’s devotion over at Proverbs 31 Ministries, I share of a time when I felt unknown by the community around me, as well as a current feeling of disconnection the last couple of socially-distanced years have brought.
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So thankful we have a God who knows us through-and-through, and who walks with us in every season of our lives. 🙌
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As we all begin to take awkward steps toward re-establishing in-person connections this year, May we never forget how very *known,* and *loved* by God we are.
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Oh, that we would find our greatest comfort & community in Him. 💗
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Head over to proverbs31.org to read the & join in on the conversation today. ✨
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