a blessing over you,

You are loved.

Truly loved.

By your Creator. And yes, by me.

You are valuable and of great worth.

Not for what you have done, but for who you are. Not through your calling, your accomplishments, your status, your labels, who your friends are, who your friends are not, nor your choices.

Some, I stand in awe of your strength and dignity. Some of you, be reminded, there is no shame in this space. Breathe in the grace.

In the unlimited name and mighty power of Jesus, lift up your chin, dear Friend. He calls you saint. Live free.

Let the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Live in that hope. Joy is calling. Can you hear the laughter? It’s your voice, dear friend. Laugh loud.

Look around you. You are exactly where you are because God trusts you there. Today, may you sense your calling to be a minister in that space. Coffee shop, shelter, office, church, the projects, hospital room, gym, airport, grocery shopping…kitchen table or laundry room. Surrounded in diapers or crusty noses…teenage rebellion…aging parents flipping roles with you…empty souls from lost hope, leather hearts thickened with scorn, comfortable lives who don’t see their own need.  This is your space, your calling, your purpose. Whether it is one soul or thousands, He is calling you disciple. This is what your sacred looks like. Pass on the goodness and use your gifts.

Please my friend, don’t ever overlook your Heavenly Father smiling on you. He more than loves you…He likes you.

As I do.

Let God settle you in your skin. Today I pray for discipline and fortitude over you. I pray you embrace your justification and glory. I pray that the breath of the Holy Spirit stirs up zephyrs in arid moments and gale forces in your apathy. I pray for goodness and mercy to envelop you: wake you in the morning and tuck you in at night. I pray too my friend, for inconvenience in your life. May you comfort the grieving, serve meals to the sick, give generously to those in need and understand what it means to contribute from your own brokenness and poverty…to experience true joy in Jesus. In the dark night of your soul, may He be your strength, and I pray the Jesus community walks alongside you. I pray for opportunity to turn the other cheek. I pray for singing, belly laughter, pure silliness and childlike faith. I pray for strong health. I pray for bucketloads of grace, for wisdom in you and knowledge too.

May I hear you laughing at the future. [That’s a prayer for me.]

Grace and peace to you dear friend. Today and evermore.