I’m not exactly sure how the conversation began, but one morning while visiting Phoenix, my daughter-in-law Margie and I found ourselves rejoicing together over the simple yet sacred calling of encouraging others who are walking through life’s challenges.
She spoke about her personal motto—spreading joy. I shared mine—letting my light shine. Little did we know, someone else was listening.
Scripture is rich with reminders that our lives speak, even when we don’t realize it. One of my favorite examples is the story of Ruth and Naomi.
Ruth’s unwavering loyalty to her mother-in-law, even in the face of deep hardship, led her to follow Naomi back to Bethlehem—and ultimately to embrace Naomi’s God. That quiet faithfulness placed Ruth in the lineage of King David and, generations later, Jesus Himself. One woman’s example rippled through history.
The apostle Paul understood this truth well. Throughout the New Testament, he repeatedly urged believers to follow his example as he followed Christ. He wrote, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ,” and encouraged believers to live lives marked by integrity, dignity, and sound speech (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:7–9). Paul knew that faith lived out speaks louder than words alone.
Later that same day, my granddaughter Kaylee came to me with tears. She shared how deeply she was grieving the loss of her Uncle Cody—along with her constant companion, her sweet kitty Sully. While her father and I were able to say goodbye to Cody, Kaylee never had that chance, and the ache in her heart was heavy.
Then she said something unexpected.
She told me how meaningful it had been to hear the conversation earlier that morning between her mother and me—how it brought tears to her eyes and caused her to quietly retreat upstairs. She had been listening.
Who is watching you? Who is listening to your conversations?
It’s never too late to become a new version of ourselves. A new year invites fresh starts and renewed purpose.
Though I don’t usually gravitate toward altered music styles, today a Lauren Daigle–style song stirred my heart deeply. “Into the New With You” perfectly echoes what my spirit feels:
“Every scar tells a story of the mercy I survived. You were there in all the waiting, turning tears to something bright. Here I am with open hands. I’m stepping into the new with You. I believe Your Word is true. If You’re with me in the fire, I know I’ll come out renewed.”
Even when life knocks us down, God does not leave us there. He gives us just enough strength for the next breath, the next step, the next moment. And slowly—faithfully—we rise again… held, healed, and transformed by His love.
Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our lives speak even when we don’t realize it. Help us to live in such a way that our words, our conversations, and our quiet moments reflect Your love and truth. Give us eyes to see those who are listening and hearts willing to shine Your light with humility and grace.
When grief weighs us down, when the fire feels too hot, and when the next step feels impossible, remind us that You are with us—turning tears into something bright. Lead us into the new beginnings You have prepared, and let our lives point others to You. We step forward with open hands, trusting that You will renew us. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.