One People. One God.
- JoAnna Brannan
- Aug 11, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 22, 2024
Experience teaches us that it takes pebbles to form a mountain, consistency to build muscles, and words to write a book—connection to the Divine works the same. Effort is the spice that develops faith and trust while time establishes habit. Small increments matter in the quest for self-development.
Throughout my life, I’ve participated in many pebble-like activities, hoping to grow spiritual muscles and a relationship with God strong enough to withstand the hardships of life. Achieving this was not easy when, as a teenager, I faced a storm of chaos that obliterated the belief system I was raised with. Confusion turned to fear, fear became anger, and anger developed into walls of resentment against the One who loved me without condition.
Battered and bruised, my spirit felt broken. I cried out to God at times then railed against Him at others. As time passed, resentment became a habit and the tantrums changed to intentional rebellion. Bitterness grew and so began the season of teetering between broken submission and the dark alley of disobedience.
These years did not go so well. By the time I’d worn myself out (at the ripe old age of 39), I’d pushed a great number of people away, caused a series of hurt and harm, felt utterly alone, and was the recipient of several foul habits while moving from flirtation with mind-altering substances into solid addiction.
How does one recover from wreckage such as this?
Do they even have a place in polite society?
Have they cast themselves so far adrift that there can be no redemption?
As someone who found herself in just such a place, it was amazing that in the dank dark of my ill-begotten choices, God showed up and led the way from the darkness back into the light.
Gathering around the fire ring allows us to share the rich goodness that comes from a loving God who would see us made whole. I hope to share pieces of this personal experience, the change in my heart condition, and the rebuilding of life as I post each week. Think of it this way: each blog is a pebble as we build the mountain of growth, strengthen muscles of relationship, and use our words to share the amazing graze so sweetly found in the light that comes through God's grace.
Before I go, would you share with me how God is moving in your life? What are your pebble moments and how can I pray for you this week? I look forward to hearing all about it.
Have a lovely week, I'll see you at the fire ring next week.
Love—jo
Affirmation: Today I will open myself to the love that God has for me, no matter my circumstances, and open myself to the harmony and peace this acknowledgment gives me.
—From the Fire Ring, Vol. 3, No. 1
*A special note to those who suffer from a life that feels beyond control — I understand your struggle. You are not alone. There are resources available to you. I urge you to reach out and take advantage of what is available. You do not have to walk alone.
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