Life – Page 4 – The Will to Wake Up

Reactions Versus Reality

Do negative reactions cause you to doubt your purpose?

The perfect gift: a little heart-shaped box filled with colorful paper strips of personalized compliments. I had worked so hard on it and I was so excited to give it to my friend. I was a little nervous to see this friend’s reaction, but I just knew it had to be encouraging.

But when I handed it to him, all I got was a “thanks” before the box was chucked into the back of the car and never to be spoken of again. Afterwards, I wondered if my act of kindness wasn’t really so kind? Perhaps I was in the wrong for thinking I could be encouraging.

Years later, as chuckle ruefully at the memory, I am reminded of how important it is to not allow others’ reactions remake reality.

When we do a kind act, but we are not appreciated for it, we are less inclined to go the extra mile in the future. When we wear something that makes us feel special, but someone teases us, we aren’t encouraged to express ourselves. When we choose to reach out to a lonely person, but that person doesn’t respond the way we intended, we regret our brave choice.

But that doesn’t make any of those actions bad or wrong. It doesn’t mean we should regret helping others or being true to ourselves.

It just means that people’s reactions shouldn’t dictate the way we live our lives.

Think about someone who inspires you. Someone who is kind, even on an off-day. Someone who forgives and is willing to move on. Someone who uses their talents to bring hope and light into the world.

What if that person let one negative reaction stop them from caring? What if that person chose to follow the crowd instead of shine their light?

Well, you know personally that the world would be far less beautiful without their gifts.

You are just as capable of making a difference as the people you admire. But we are all susceptible to being torn down by negative reactions.

So how can we combat discouragement?

By following a different guidebook for life. And I think you know which guidebook I’m talking about!

When we follow God’s calling on our lives (through reading the Bible, the best guidebook there is), we are able to live without regret. Even if people laugh at us, don’t understand us, or pretend like we don’t matter, we will know that our presence and our faithfulness is making a difference.

Today, I hope that you can rest assured that every single kind thing you do matters. Every smile, every check-in, every time you do something extra. It all matters, both to God and to greater humanity, whether you realize it or not.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Peter 5:10

Embrace, Not Tolerate

As disciples of Jesus, we are called to a higher form of love.

These days, the nicest thing you can do for someone is tolerate them. We are told over and over again as we grow up that we need to create a world that is centered around inclusivity and tolerance. While I fully support inclusivity, I have a huge issue with the word “tolerance”.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, when referring to relationships, the definition of tolerate is this: “To put up with.” Not to love, not to help, not to show empathy. Just to “put up with” them.

If we want to follow Jesus’ example, toleration isn’t the way to respond. Jesus included people from all walks of life: little children, outcasts, disgraced individuals, and regular folks. He invited them all to the table, encouraging them to abandon the ways of the world and commit themselves to being His disciples.

This wasn’t an easy invitation. It required sacrifice, diligence, and compassion, even for enemies. Yet this invitation is still extended to us today.

Within that invitation, Jesus doesn’t ask us to mutter under our breath as we allow certain members of society into the hallways of our churches. He doesn’t tell us to force a smile and pretend like people haven’t done wrong. Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us.

That means recognizing our faults, but looking past them to the heart of the real person inside, essentially unconditional love. A warm embrace after an epic mishap. A tender smile after an embarrassing moment. A gently worded piece of advice after we make the wrong choice.

After being with Jesus, we are changed forever. We won’t want to sin anymore. We won’t want to be the same people we used to be. But that doesn’t come from Jesus denying our past lives or giving us angry reprimands. Instead, Jesus helps us to address the root of our pain and guides us on the path to deeper healing.

So how can we extend similar love to others? While we don’t have the power of Jesus, we do have the Holy Spirit working inside us. If we listen and obey what the Holy Spirit tells us to do, whether that’s reaching out to an isolated person or volunteering to restore people’s lives, we will be able to see where our gifts are most needed.

Most of all, we can let go of mere tolerance and instead warmly embrace the people God places in our lives, no matter what stage of life they are in. We can go one step further than putting up with people. We can point them to the grace and truth of Jesus Christ, the only one who can truly save them.

Today, be intentional about how you interact with others. See where God might be calling you to more. And who knows? Your life may change forever too.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35

College: Expectation Versus Reality

Are you struggling to decide where to go for college or what to do in your next stage of life?

This post is a little different from the norm, but that’s okay! I have experienced so much stress (and growth) through my time in college so far, and I know that younger-Hannah would’ve appreciated some down-to-earth advice about what college is really like when making the big decision.

Here I’ll go through a few college expectations I (or others) have had and how they compare to the truth.

Expectation

I need to have a lot of transfer credits in order to save time in college.

Reality

Transfer credits are only helpful when you have a clear idea of what you want to pursue in college. They can definitely save a lot of time, but the truth is it will likely still take 2-3 years to get an undergraduate degree.

However, getting general education credits before starting at a university is very helpful and just getting a feel of what college level classes are like may ease your level of stress while making that transition.

The best thing to do is check with the universities you are interested in and make sure they will take the credits you are transferring! Don’t stress either way. No matter what, this will be a learning experience for you.

Expectation

I have to make all my forever friends during my first year of college and I have to let go of my high school friends in the process.

Reality

Honestly, it’s true that you will likely drift apart from many of your high school friends if you aren’t going to colleges near each other. However, that doesn’t have to be the case for all your friendships. If you really care about the relationship, then you will be able to make it work. It will just feel different, but different isn’t always a bad thing!

And don’t put pressure on yourself during your freshman year of college, especially when it comes to making friends. You may meet life-long friends during your first year, but a lot of people are in an adjustment period and want to get to know as many people as possible without making lasting comittments.

Though it hurts when people move from one person to the next, that’s unfortunately part of starting fresh in a new place. But that’s okay–you have plenty of time to make wonderful friends during and after college, and over time people will start to value lasting friendships.

Expectation

College has to be the best time of my life.

Reality

Wouldn’t it be sad if you limited yourself to thinking that it’s all downhill after age 21? You have so much of your life ahead of you. Don’t think that college is the “be all or end all” of life.

Honestly, my first few quarters of college were pretty rough. The college experience is different for everyone. But one thing I can promise you is this: No matter where you go, you will learn, find your people, and grow into who you are meant to be.

Expectation

I have to find the perfect college in order to be happy.

Reality

There is no perfect college. Instead of stressing yourself out over where you should go, ask yourself these six questions:

Can I see myself living here for a year or more?
Have I talked to someone similar to me who went here and enjoyed it?
Do they have programs that I’m interested in?
Does the school’s values and priorities align with mine?
Is the surrounding area a place I’d like to explore or become familiar with?
Do the other students seem like people I can learn from and feel comfortable with?

It can be hard to answer all of these at once, especially if you’re unable to visit the campuses you’re looking into. But community, campus environment, and the programs themselves matter so much, way more than I anticipated when choosing a college.

If after doing as much research as you can, you still feel lost, remember that you can’t do anything to mess up God’s plan for you. He will use you wherever you go to do great things.

To sum it all up…

Ultimately, no matter where you go or what you do, you will always be:

–Loved

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
1 John 4:12

–Made for a Purpose

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

–Treasured

For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.
Deuteronomy 7:6

–Chosen

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9

–Beautiful

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11

And so much more. ❤ Best wishes on this next exciting chapter!

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.
Colossians 1:9-11

Not Too Late

Do you feel like you’ve run out of time to pursue your purpose?

We always start out with a plan, right? If events will simply follow the outline, then everything else will fall into place. But as things begin to fall apart, we are left with worthless blueprints and a shattered spirit.

When things don’t go our way, we may think it’s too late. Too late for anything good to happen. Too late to achieve our dreams. Too late even for God to work through us.

We feel lost. Stuck. Abandoned. Hopeless.

But trust me when I say, it’s not too late. Not for you, not for me, not for anybody. For every moment we are breathing, we have a second chance.

And you might be thinking, “Sure, it’s easy for her to say.”

But no, it’s not any easier for me to believe this truth than it is for any of my readers. I’ve been experiencing one of my most directionless times, unsure what to move forward with and what to leave behind.

Even when God has made the best out of my unplanned situations, I tend to doubt that He will follow through in the end. It’s like I forget all He’s done when I’m faced with a new unknown.

But here’s the thing: God uses each of our experiences to help shape us and prepare us for the future. We are more prepared than we think.

And even if you don’t feel like God is listening, I promise you He is. It’s just hard to hear a still, small voice when the world’s worries are pounding in our ears.

Pay attention to the small reminders of His grace. Soak in and accept the unexplainable peace that follows. Surround yourself with wise counsel and supportive friends. Listen to what you know to be true about God’s character.

No matter where you’re at, God has a plan for you. You haven’t done anything to mess it up, no matter what others say. You have not missed out on what’s meant for you. Your story is just beginning. ❤

What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory—even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?
Romans 9:22-24

Song recommendation: Not Too Late, by Xander Sallows: https://youtu.be/nomUnxG7MAA

Why Do We Do What We Do?

Hope for when you feel your motivations shifting.

When I first published my book, I boldly declared, “If even one person is positively impacted through my writing, then it will all be worth it.”

What a humble notion, if only truly believed. When I first published the book, I received much more support and encouragement than I could’ve imagined. But as time went on and my circle had either read it, bought it, or forgotten about it already, I felt deflated. Yes, I wanted to believe that it would be enough for me if only one life was touched. In fact, I desperately wanted to live by that.

About a month went by and I was finally told the exact story I wanted to hear: A person who read my book and was going through a hard time was encouraged. A person I didn’t even know personally, in fact. And for a while, that was enough for me.

But today, while still incredibly grateful for those who have supported my book and for the ways God has used it to encourage others, I am left asking myself, “Why did I write this book in the first place? Why do I do what I do?”

How often do you go into a situation, perhaps a job or even a relationship, with the noblest of intentions, only to end up disappointed if not given the recognition or praise you had hoped for?

Better yet, how often do you reflect on your intentions before committing to something?

We are reminded in the Bible that intentions don’t determine everything. As the parable of the two sons goes, the son who doesn’t want to do the task but gets it done anyway is the one rewarded (Matthew 21:28-32). It’s not just the intention, but the follow-through.

However, while intentions certainly aren’t everything, but they are something.

The Bible also informs us that God knows our thoughts and the state of our hearts (Psalm 94:11). Therefore, even if everyone thinks we are doing something out of the goodness of our hearts, God will know whether or not that is true. Unfortunately, because of our sinful natures, we are often tempted to not do things for the right reason.

But the best part of intentions and actions going hand-in-hand is that God can use even the things that were not done out of the right motives. He can also help us redeem ourselves and be reminded of godly motives, perhaps ones we started out with, but lost along the way.

So today as I asked myself again, “Why did I write this book?”, I was reminded of a memory.

Young Hannah, sitting all by herself in the lunchroom, wishing someone with the right motives would come talk to me. Over the course of the year, I had already been approached by the pitiers, the ones just wanting a vote (what with the student body elections coming up), and the passers-by. And in the end, I was left alone, feeling worse than before.

In that moment, I knew I could never be one of those people. All I wanted was to genuinely be there for someone else, to help them finally feel seen and not alone anymore.

And now, as I think back to the ways this book sprang up out of surprising circumstances, truly inspired by God and the lonely times He’s brought me through, I am humbly reminded that yes, even one life is worth saving. My “sacrifice”, doing what I love, but perhaps for a smaller audience than I would’ve hoped for, is really a privilege.

Today, ask yourself what your intentions are, no matter what field or stage of life you are in. Don’t feel ashamed if your intentions aren’t what they used to be; we are all given the grace to start fresh again. Be reminded that no matter what you do, God will use it for good.

But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.
Exodus 9:16

To the Person Longing to Let Go of Resentment

Are you struggling with bitterness towards a person you used to love?

Dear Seeker of Peace,

Seeing their picture, watching from afar–or perhaps even up-close–and all you can feel is the deep seeded urge to find fault in them. Everything inside you churns with feelings that eat you from the inside–and now it shows.

You long for peace with yourself. They are the ones who hurt you, right? Yet somehow, your resentment feels much worse than what they did. It’s turning you into someone you don’t recognize anymore.

But what you feel isn’t hate–it’s lost love. Perhaps one-side, rejected love. Perhaps lonely, empty, disappointed love. Perhaps love that started off so strong, but fizzled or exploded and lays burnt, like your frayed expectations.

You never wanted to feel this way. Your love started off so beautiful, perhaps even reflective of the love Jesus extends for us to share. But now, it is broken. The only thing you feel is pain.

It’s pain and not hate because deep down inside, you still care very much. Somehow, seeing their name pop up in your notifications still brings a smile to your face. But even your smile feels broken. Used. Betrayed.

It’s okay to hurt.

It’s okay to cry.

It’s even okay to be upset.

But don’t let their mistake or insensitivity destroy who you are and who you are meant to be. It isn’t your fault that they hurt you, but it’s your choice to let it break you.

You are stronger than this. Strength doesn’t come in ignoring feelings; it comes from not letting those feelings control you.

We weren’t made to be bitter. We weren’t made to be vengeful. And we certainly weren’t made to hate–or whatever this is.

But we also weren’t made for seeking love from the wrong people. There is only one person who can satisfy this deep desire and make you whole again: Jesus.

His love will follow you all the days of your life and never leave you nor forsake you.

You will always be precious in His eyes.

Love,

Hannah

My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26

Seeking a Special Day

Here’s a reminder that you can have hope for a better future.

I still remember 12/12/12 day. I was only in 5th grade at the time and we all were out for recess when the clock struck 12:12. Everyone ran around, shouting and excited for this simple reason. It was such a strangely special day, one that I realized could only happen once a century. And for some reason, that greatly bothered 10-year-old me.

Sometimes we feel like we have to hold onto special days or certain times of life that feel easier or just “better”. We bitterly lament how we will never experience such a wonderful season again.

But then it happens, a rare, special day that we never could’ve imagined. It pops up out of the blue, something we never could’ve prepared for, yet a wonderful gift indeed. Only if we keep our eyes open to the possibility of hope, that is, or else these gifts will pass us by.

Today is 2/22/22 day. Sure, 12/12/12 day may never come again, but that doesn’t mean we’ll never have a reason to celebrate a seemingly random day of the year! 10-year-old me shouldn’t have worried so much about it.

What if today you allow yourself to believe that there is a day–no, many days–in your future to look forward to? Sure, there will be hard days, days that make you feel empty and insignificant. But when you’re holding onto the hope that today might surprise you, then you can keep moving forward.

A special day will come, but until then, I hope you can at least be reminded of how special you are, and nothing can ever change that.

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:20-22

To the Person Who Feels Alone

A letter to you who feel lonely tonight ❤

Dear Chosen,

You may feel anything but chosen tonight as you sit alone. Perhaps you aren’t physically alone, but you feel alone in your pain, alone in your longing for more.

The world feels like it’s passing you by; you can barely stand on your own two feet without shaking. Yet the world tells you that you have no other choice but to keep on going.

Day after day, the ache inside grows stronger until you can barely breathe. Is this it? Is this really life?

For the days when it feels like nobody cares, I want you to know that you matter.

You don’t matter because of what you do. You matter because you are human. You matter because you are still here, still willing to pursue your purpose, even if that simply means getting up in the morning.

You matter because you are fearfully and wonderfully made by Someone who loves you enough to die for you. You may not feel close to God right now. You may not even believe in God.

But let my confidence be enough for you tonight–you were made for amazing things. You are loved just the way you are and you don’t have to do anything to prove that.

In fact, you were made to be loved. Not to win metals or gain followers or invent the latest technology. Not even to be “special”. You were made to be loved by your Creator.

Yet you are not alone in feeling deserted. You have no reason to be ashamed for wondering why you’re here or doubting your purpose. Behind flocks of friends or countless accomplishments hide insecure, scared people who wonder what they are made for too.

That may bring you relief to know that you’re not alone, but I hope it does even more for you. I hope it empowers you to step out and remind someone else tonight that they aren’t alone either.

As you grow comfortable in your identity of being a beloved child of God, you will find it easier and easier to remind others of how loved they are too.

But first things first: Allowing yourself to take a moment to remember that this isn’t it. This isn’t all there is. You are made for more. More love, more respect, and more grace.

It isn’t too late for you. You are never alone. ❤

Love,

Hannah

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9

To the Person on the Verge of Giving Up

A letter to those who feel rejected.

Dear Beloved,

Sometimes it feels pointless. You are there for others, and then they make you their second best, if even that. You let their words–or rather, lack of words–define who you are.

But even if you are never chosen by the people you love, remember this: The world is not full of truth. People don’t know what they’re missing. You aren’t missing out–they are. By continuing to be faithful, you will do something much greater than be “chosen” by these people.

You will leave a lasting legacy. A legacy full of love. And guess what?

You are chosen. Maybe not by the people who fill your mind and break your heart, but by the people God has led to love you. You may not know who they are yet, but they are there.

Most of all, God chose you. He chose you when He sent His son as a sacrifice. He sent Jesus as your salvation and proof of His love. God chooses you every day, even when our sin breaks His heart.

You are someone’s first choice. You are God’s first choice. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.

You will always, always be loved and needed right here.

Love, Hannah ❤

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Romans 5:5-6

What Should Our First Priority Be in Ministry?

Though there should be many goals in ministry, one aspect must come first.

Though I’ve only recently become an “official” person in ministry (with a job title), I have volunteered for years and participated in and witnessed others’ ministry. And through that, as different pastors or directors have come and go, each with different missions and ideas, one key aspect has remained crucial. If it was there, it caused the church to flourish; if it was lacking, it was painfully missed.

There are many goals and values people in ministry need to have in mind, but I believe there is one thing that must come before everything else.

Our first priority in ministry is to make others feel cared about.

No fancy ways around this, no complicated language to confuse the main goal. Just simply, make others feel cared about.

Now, you might be thinking, “Caring about others is all fine and good, but what about Church doctrine and the scriptures and equipping others?”

Here is where I must clarify: We aren’t supposed to start and end with making people feel cared about, but it must be our starting place if we want any of the other elements of being in a church community to exist.

I’ve heard many stories of people who have left the Church because they didn’t feel noticed or respected or valued. I had my own experiences in youth group, where I dreaded going for fear of feeling isolated or out of place among people who were supposed to be like family.

You can be a nice person while still missing the mark on this quest for being loving. It takes intentional effort, a pure heart, and thoughtfulness to make people truly realize they belong.

Ultimately, it means embodying (in our own humanly way) the love of Christ.

Regarding the concept that our first priority of the Church should be preaching the gospel, I believe we are preaching the gospel when we demonstrate the key characteristics of the one we serve–Jesus, and giving Him all the glory. Furthermore, Christianity is based on obeying God, but the only reason we want to obey God is because of His love for us. What motive would we have for submission to His will if we didn’t have His love?

The only way to get the Church to go out into all the world and preach the good news is to infuse its members with the kind of love and compassion Jesus brought us.

This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t hold people accountable or sugarcoat the truth of God’s word. Rather, the truth is better received when coming from a loving, caring heart. When we take the time to understand God’s word for ourselves, we’ll be better at bringing its attributes into our lives.

Today, whether you serve in a church or not, you have the opportunity to show God’s love to the people in your community. This doesn’t have to be as complicated as it seems. Allow yourself to soak in Jesus’ unfailing love for you and extend that patience, forgiveness, and understanding to others. Simple acts of kindness, remembrance, and grace make all the difference.

This won’t be easy or natural at first, but over time, it will become a part of who you are. And in doing so, you become more like Jesus, which is the most wonderful thing you can ever do. ❤

Show them what you’re made of, the love I’ve been talking up in the churches. Let them see it for themselves!
2 Corinthians 8:24 (MSG)