It must have been disappointing after centuries of suffering and silence to find hope in a manager. To hear story after story of this great Messiah, only for him to arrive hidden and vulnerable. Maybe that’s the point. Roses aren’t born in bloom; they start as seeds. Hope isn’t fully realized until it’s time; it has to start somewhere.
My dear, I am not sure what God’s plan for you, but I know it is great. What you are doing right now is one of God’s gifts that was given to you. You touch so many lives. You help me see things in a very smart logical way. Your common sense and intellect blows me away. I honestly believe with all my heart that you can succeed at anything. That is how smart you are. Write a novel, work at NASA, anything. I know you can do it.
I think we can all relate to the current season you’re in. We have all felt like what is the point of this lack luster life? I pray that God sparks in you a new fire for living. I pray the seeds He has planted in you since before birth begin to sprout. And I pray that it happens in such a big way there is no doubting it. May the zeal for living life return in a mighty way. You are brilliant beyond your years and the way you articulate your thoughts is truly a gift. We are so lucky that you share even a sliver of who you are with us. I pray that the kind words from strangers carries you until you hear God’s voice! 🤍
I have been reading your content for years and feel as though I know you. I always want to hear what you have to say about just about everything you write (I'm not a big movie-goer). Your analysis and opinions are typically spot on and often offer a different perspective than I may have had. Your voice is calm, clear and level-headed. I appreciate you and feel as though I 'know' you. In my spiritual life I often go through seasons where I feel as though I'm not only lost but floundering a bit not sure of what or how to do. In those moments, I lean on Psalm 46:10 and choose to Be Still. I'm praying for you this morning that God will reveal His plans and carry you through this valley. <3
Dear Savvy, I am in a place where I am feeling very much this same kind of numbness, though also thankful of knowing the Lord's provision of a scape goat for us and His redemption in my life, and for all of our lives if we will only chose to accept that we need it.
I'm writing because, while I don't know you and live across the pond in the UK, your astute observations and intelligent thoughtful content brought me hope that there are still those in the next generation that the Lord is using to bring things into the light and to expose the various brands of identity politics for the folly that they are. I sense that the Father very much has a plan for you in this generation - we need people like you who do not shy away from saying things straight. I pray He will give you a strong assurance of your calling and that all the specifics of what that calling looks like will be revealed in Father's order and timing, bringing you fullfillment, purpose and hope.
I bet this resonates with many of us, especially around the holidays. Life is often just one foot in front of another and it is hard to find purpose in it, even as Christians who believe God gives us all we need for life and godliness. Your writing is inspiring and I'm sure, helps loads of readers. My life Bible passage is Psalm 16:5-6, boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, something I memorized when life was decidedly unpleasant... Praying you are filled to overflowing with peace and joy this December, and that your hope continues to grow. In His grip and grace, Marybeth
Ditto on Psalm 16:5-6, in the face of extraordinary odds, (see The Voice Behind the Curtain in a comment above) you've never known ANYONE more blessed than me!
I have been following you for a while and think you are the most well spoken, intelligent person! I always look forward to your posts no matter what the subject. I think it is truly a gift!
Savannah, you are not alone in feeling like God is not near you, but what we all need to know is God is always with us, Emmanuel, God with us. When we feel this we should ask ourselves, “Am I close to Him?” At Baptism we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit, So He is with us! In January of this year I started the Bible in a Year podcast with Father Mike Schmidt, and it has been an incredible journey, I am learning something every day and I now have a better relationship with God. Just as our relationships with friends and family grow or fade, it takes work on our part to stay connected. Again, I ask myself what am I doing to grow my relationship with God? Perhaps I should send up my prayers to Him, carry my cross and lay it as His feet. I learned Hope is a confident expectation of a guaranteed result that changes the way I live. It is not based on my wisdom, faithfulness or power, but on the awesome power, love, faithfulness, grace, patience and wisdom of God. God bless you and may you feel His love, mercy and grace. 💜
I love your writing and perspectives. That's why I became a subscriber! And I definitely understand the feelings you're expressing here. I would offer that, when I feel the rut (and I've felt it often), I have practiced reaching out to those around me, my neighbors, work colleagues, or church family to see who could use my help or support. God made us for community and he made us in a way that we need Him AND we need the body of Christ. Reflect on how you can be a conduit of blessing to others face-to-face, not just us through the screen. (Although, I'm sure we'd all be happy to join you on a zoom call any day!) Try to remember that Jesus didn't just come to bring each of us hope, he also instructed us to remind each other of THE hope. (Mathew 28:19-20) Sending love and prayers for your heart to be encouraged!
Savannah, you have brought so much light to me and my kids. We love watching your content and (I love) reading your blog. I have been the person who hopes to never wake up before closing my eyes at night. It ebbs and flows and I think Christmas is more about sharing God's love, which you clearly possess. How about volunteering somewhere or finding some random acts of kindness to do. This is a blip in your matrix. You get to decide how your day goes and feels. The mind is a battlefield. You got this!
I so look forward to your posts, I often have felt you are speaking for many of us in such a thoughtful and eloquent way. Your gift of putting into words such great insight into what is happening in your life and the world is truly a gift from God. I pray that God ignites a flame in you and many of us for revival. A revival of seeing Gods plan and feeling alive again. We love you, keep writing and sharing!
"What do I expect from God? I stopped expecting things from him because part of me believes He’s done with me." Me too friend! https://bobhoebeke.substack.com/p/the-voice-behind-the-curtain But He's not done with you, He's only beginning. Your enclosed testimonial will touch a lot of people who feel the same way. Life is a proving ground - we're here to learn and grow in the grace and mercy of God. When we finally get life right, He'll call us home. And HOME will be unimaginable!
"But every Christmas, I’m reminded that suffering produces promise, and in between the seed and the bloom is perseverance." The Bible defines "Hope" as 'the expectation of things longed for, and the evidence of things not seen.' Hebrews 11:1 You're headed in the right direction Savvy, keep going!
I am praying that the soil in your heart bears abundant fruit. God has a way of surprising us, so fasten your seatbelt. I remember years ago thinking that our life was too easy - beautiful home, two young daughters we home schooled, and my hub owned his own business. Three years later the business was sold, a renter moved into our home and we ended up on the mission field in Tanzania. Wow, never saw that coming, but I wouldn't change it for the world. God knows what he is doing. ❤️
Everyone in the comments above has expressed my thoughts better than I can - so I cheated and just "liked" each one!
The thing that brought us all here is YOU, Savannah, and your unique and thoughtful assessment of all kinds of issues swirling around our society - please don't believe Satan's lies... you're gifted and used by God "for such a time as this!"
However, it's been a hard couple of years and it's taking a toll on your faith. And I think there may be truth in the comment above about grief stealing your ability to feel joy and purpose. If that is the case, this old song "Hard to Get" by Rich Mullins (sung by him shortly before he died in an accident over 25 years ago - he was also single and struggled to fully hope in Jesus and not get caught up in the "stuff of earth"), really resonates with me. I've listened to it every time I've encountered troubling situations - and now I'm recommending it to you. Perhaps it can further diagnose what is causing you to feel like the Lord is done with you, and allow you to grieve ....and bolster your hope? Praying for you in this season!
My dear, I am not sure what God’s plan for you, but I know it is great. What you are doing right now is one of God’s gifts that was given to you. You touch so many lives. You help me see things in a very smart logical way. Your common sense and intellect blows me away. I honestly believe with all my heart that you can succeed at anything. That is how smart you are. Write a novel, work at NASA, anything. I know you can do it.
God bless you , young lady. We love you.
I think we can all relate to the current season you’re in. We have all felt like what is the point of this lack luster life? I pray that God sparks in you a new fire for living. I pray the seeds He has planted in you since before birth begin to sprout. And I pray that it happens in such a big way there is no doubting it. May the zeal for living life return in a mighty way. You are brilliant beyond your years and the way you articulate your thoughts is truly a gift. We are so lucky that you share even a sliver of who you are with us. I pray that the kind words from strangers carries you until you hear God’s voice! 🤍
I have been reading your content for years and feel as though I know you. I always want to hear what you have to say about just about everything you write (I'm not a big movie-goer). Your analysis and opinions are typically spot on and often offer a different perspective than I may have had. Your voice is calm, clear and level-headed. I appreciate you and feel as though I 'know' you. In my spiritual life I often go through seasons where I feel as though I'm not only lost but floundering a bit not sure of what or how to do. In those moments, I lean on Psalm 46:10 and choose to Be Still. I'm praying for you this morning that God will reveal His plans and carry you through this valley. <3
Dear Savvy, I am in a place where I am feeling very much this same kind of numbness, though also thankful of knowing the Lord's provision of a scape goat for us and His redemption in my life, and for all of our lives if we will only chose to accept that we need it.
I'm writing because, while I don't know you and live across the pond in the UK, your astute observations and intelligent thoughtful content brought me hope that there are still those in the next generation that the Lord is using to bring things into the light and to expose the various brands of identity politics for the folly that they are. I sense that the Father very much has a plan for you in this generation - we need people like you who do not shy away from saying things straight. I pray He will give you a strong assurance of your calling and that all the specifics of what that calling looks like will be revealed in Father's order and timing, bringing you fullfillment, purpose and hope.
God bless you.
Ian
We love you Savannah!
Beautiful Savannah! I will pray for you to hear the whisper of God's voice and feel his love for you.
I bet this resonates with many of us, especially around the holidays. Life is often just one foot in front of another and it is hard to find purpose in it, even as Christians who believe God gives us all we need for life and godliness. Your writing is inspiring and I'm sure, helps loads of readers. My life Bible passage is Psalm 16:5-6, boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, something I memorized when life was decidedly unpleasant... Praying you are filled to overflowing with peace and joy this December, and that your hope continues to grow. In His grip and grace, Marybeth
Ditto on Psalm 16:5-6, in the face of extraordinary odds, (see The Voice Behind the Curtain in a comment above) you've never known ANYONE more blessed than me!
Thank you for your honesty.
I wonder if what you are touching is grief?
Hard to find hope in grief or mourning.
I have been following you for a while and think you are the most well spoken, intelligent person! I always look forward to your posts no matter what the subject. I think it is truly a gift!
Savannah, you are not alone in feeling like God is not near you, but what we all need to know is God is always with us, Emmanuel, God with us. When we feel this we should ask ourselves, “Am I close to Him?” At Baptism we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit, So He is with us! In January of this year I started the Bible in a Year podcast with Father Mike Schmidt, and it has been an incredible journey, I am learning something every day and I now have a better relationship with God. Just as our relationships with friends and family grow or fade, it takes work on our part to stay connected. Again, I ask myself what am I doing to grow my relationship with God? Perhaps I should send up my prayers to Him, carry my cross and lay it as His feet. I learned Hope is a confident expectation of a guaranteed result that changes the way I live. It is not based on my wisdom, faithfulness or power, but on the awesome power, love, faithfulness, grace, patience and wisdom of God. God bless you and may you feel His love, mercy and grace. 💜
I love your writing and perspectives. That's why I became a subscriber! And I definitely understand the feelings you're expressing here. I would offer that, when I feel the rut (and I've felt it often), I have practiced reaching out to those around me, my neighbors, work colleagues, or church family to see who could use my help or support. God made us for community and he made us in a way that we need Him AND we need the body of Christ. Reflect on how you can be a conduit of blessing to others face-to-face, not just us through the screen. (Although, I'm sure we'd all be happy to join you on a zoom call any day!) Try to remember that Jesus didn't just come to bring each of us hope, he also instructed us to remind each other of THE hope. (Mathew 28:19-20) Sending love and prayers for your heart to be encouraged!
Savannah, you have brought so much light to me and my kids. We love watching your content and (I love) reading your blog. I have been the person who hopes to never wake up before closing my eyes at night. It ebbs and flows and I think Christmas is more about sharing God's love, which you clearly possess. How about volunteering somewhere or finding some random acts of kindness to do. This is a blip in your matrix. You get to decide how your day goes and feels. The mind is a battlefield. You got this!
I so look forward to your posts, I often have felt you are speaking for many of us in such a thoughtful and eloquent way. Your gift of putting into words such great insight into what is happening in your life and the world is truly a gift from God. I pray that God ignites a flame in you and many of us for revival. A revival of seeing Gods plan and feeling alive again. We love you, keep writing and sharing!
"What do I expect from God? I stopped expecting things from him because part of me believes He’s done with me." Me too friend! https://bobhoebeke.substack.com/p/the-voice-behind-the-curtain But He's not done with you, He's only beginning. Your enclosed testimonial will touch a lot of people who feel the same way. Life is a proving ground - we're here to learn and grow in the grace and mercy of God. When we finally get life right, He'll call us home. And HOME will be unimaginable!
"But every Christmas, I’m reminded that suffering produces promise, and in between the seed and the bloom is perseverance." The Bible defines "Hope" as 'the expectation of things longed for, and the evidence of things not seen.' Hebrews 11:1 You're headed in the right direction Savvy, keep going!
I am praying that the soil in your heart bears abundant fruit. God has a way of surprising us, so fasten your seatbelt. I remember years ago thinking that our life was too easy - beautiful home, two young daughters we home schooled, and my hub owned his own business. Three years later the business was sold, a renter moved into our home and we ended up on the mission field in Tanzania. Wow, never saw that coming, but I wouldn't change it for the world. God knows what he is doing. ❤️
Everyone in the comments above has expressed my thoughts better than I can - so I cheated and just "liked" each one!
The thing that brought us all here is YOU, Savannah, and your unique and thoughtful assessment of all kinds of issues swirling around our society - please don't believe Satan's lies... you're gifted and used by God "for such a time as this!"
However, it's been a hard couple of years and it's taking a toll on your faith. And I think there may be truth in the comment above about grief stealing your ability to feel joy and purpose. If that is the case, this old song "Hard to Get" by Rich Mullins (sung by him shortly before he died in an accident over 25 years ago - he was also single and struggled to fully hope in Jesus and not get caught up in the "stuff of earth"), really resonates with me. I've listened to it every time I've encountered troubling situations - and now I'm recommending it to you. Perhaps it can further diagnose what is causing you to feel like the Lord is done with you, and allow you to grieve ....and bolster your hope? Praying for you in this season!
https://youtu.be/VJo1usyisrQ?si=VaZW985Z9sMHCXT5