— written from the tender places of my heart.
Sometimes in my life, I came to believe that some of my deepest wounds came from those closest to me.
As I’ve grown older — now at thirty-one — I’ve also learned to question myself. I’ve asked whether some of that pain came from my own oversensitivity, personality traits, or emotional swings shaped by circumstances beyond my control. I’m still learning to hold these questions with humility.
Yet, as I look back, I notice something that Scripture itself does not ignore: many people whose faith has grown deeply — both in the Bible and in my own community — walked through seasons of rejection, misunderstanding, or loneliness, sometimes even within their own families or among those closest to them. This is not a rule, and certainly not a measure of spiritual worth, but it is a pattern Scripture acknowledges.
Joseph was betrayed by his brothers.
David was overlooked before he was anointed.
Jeremiah was warned that even those of his own household would act treacherously toward him (Jeremiah 12:6).
These stories do not romanticize pain. They remind us that God often draws near when human support falls short.
If there is one reason I am writing this short reflection, it is to remind you that you are not alone — even if those closest to you feel far away right now, for reasons you may not yet understand. You can have a Father in heaven. It is not a coincidence that you are reading this today. Write it down if you need to. I promise that one day it will make sense, even if right now you struggle to see it.
As for me, I believe I am here today because God is faithful, even after years of ignoring His gentle signs. Recently, He woke me at four in the morning to pray and read Ezekiel, and I was reminded again that He is intentional — not only with me, but with you as well. The simple fact that you are still reading tells me that your heart longs to follow Him, even if you don’t yet know where to begin, or even if your faith feels tired after a low season.
The Bible reminds us:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
When I sought help to process my own experiences, I also realized how prideful I had been at times — resisting the help God places in our lives through others. God often uses people, wisdom, and even unexpected places to bring healing. Scripture tells us that “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27). We never know who God may use, or how He may work through a simple conversation, a clinic visit, or a moment of honesty.
Learning to walk with discernment has become one of the greatest tools in facing my daily internal battles, no matter where they come from. As we allow God to heal our hearts, He teaches us to forgive without denying reality, and to love without losing wisdom — all so that our lives may point back to the glory of His name, the One who saved us and loves us unconditionally.
Jeremiah lived in a time when trust between neighbors and even brothers had eroded, yet God remained faithful and near. That truth still holds.
This understanding has not hardened my heart. Instead, it has taught me to rest in God when human bonds feel fragile, and to recognize that His presence is often most tangible in quiet surrender.
And before you go, let me remind you of something simple: please eat today, even if it feels hard. Take care of your body — this temple of the Holy Spirit — because you are deeply loved and cared for, even on days when it doesn’t feel that way.
Thank you for reading this. It is not perfect or polished, but it is genuine — written from the tender places of my heart.
With love,
And yes — Jesus loves you too.
V31 Ministry 