Our focus in today’s PoP (Place of Pause) is on witnessing and courage. What I mean by witnessing is simply companioning others – walking with, cheerleading, listening, and loving those near (and far). It’s going it, T O G E T H E R , and making our way with courage.

This matters all the more to me right now, as my husband (Brandon) and my grandma-in-law (Nana) are going through some major health challenges. It’s not been easy – we’ve needed to practice “couraging” throughout our days … and I welcome your thoughts, blessings, and prayers for each of these beloved ones.

Our Nana seems as though she may be near “the end” of her life, as far as human beings can tell in the mystery of life and death. Yesterday, I basked in a few moments with her to cuddle up and tell her how much I love her, sang a few songs, prayed, and read Scripture (her favorite is Psalm 23 from the Bible). It was sweet and dear … and sad, too. I love living life with her. She is such a JOY and LIGHT to me and to so many.

And my Brandon’s vision has been decreasing over the past two weeks, such that he’s lost 80% of his sight in his left eye. We’re hoping the treatment he’s getting this week will halt and ultimately restore his vision fully. The days have been difficult and intense, to be sure, but our heavy loads have often been lightened by the companionship of the “3 F’s” of our friends, family, and faith.

If you, too, have had moments in your days that require courage and faith, my heart and prayers are with you. May today’s PoP encourage you to grow your roots deeper than ever, be tenacious in your companionship of others, and persevere in hope today. 

First, BE Still. Surrender.

Here we are, again.
At a place of pause.
At a place of being.
No need to do or think about one thing.
Not any to-do’s or need to resolve the past.
Set aside anything other than resting, being,
breathing, and
opening.
Ahh.

Practicing courage, compassion, and connection in our daily lives is how we cultivate worthiness. The key word is practice. Mary Daly, a theologian, writes, ‘Courage is like—it’s a habitus, a habit, a virtue: You get it by courageous acts. It’s like you learn to swim by swimming. You learn courage by couraging.’ -Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection

Ponder: Think back to or imagine a time in which you were hiding, discouraged, or derailed, a time when a tribe member supported you to come on out, in that less-than-perfect moment. Write about your experience. How did they “find” you? How did they encourage you to come out of hiding? What happened as a result of their support?

A nudge: Reach out to someone you know in your life who is in hiding, someone who may need you to go and find them, to talk together, hear your perspective and your voice, describing the hope awaiting them. Give them a helping hand to pull them up and walk out of hiding with them.

For a guided Place of Pause (PoP), check out this PDF reading, the video below about today’s PoP, or the complete video series (all are free) of 10-minute PoPs.

Given the state of our world – the Corona virus pandemic, school and work closures, challenges to global markets and personal paychecks – we must take a few moments to BE still and to pause. These days, more than ever, there has been much clamoring for our attention 24-7 with LOUD, FEAR-based, PANIC-inducing messages – but let’s practice peace, together, amidst these stormy days. I share these PoPs so you can FILL UP with peace and navigate this wild and crazy season with strength and courage.

OUR VILLAGE IS REMARKABLE! 2 thank you’s – and an invitation – from my heart to yours. ❤️

THE FLOOD of prayers and blessings for my book deadline were so enCOURAGing! Amidst the full-to-the-brim week of health challenges in our family, I was able to complete this final round of writing, whoosh off my book to my editor, and meet my deadline this past weekend! I am in awe and grateFULL, with all my heart! Stay tuned for more about this passion project…

THE SEEDS COMMUNITY continues to make a mighty difference ’round the world through extraordinary generosity and big hearts! (We are over halfway past our goal of $4,000 this month!!) Learn more and/or donate to to combat human trafficking, reduce child marriage, and offer a bright future to the next generation in Nepal. Facebook | GoFundMe

My love is with and for you, my friend. Have a most blessed and beautyFULL day!

You are loved.
You belong.
We belong to each other.
Let’s standTALL together and light up the world!

xo, -Sarah DT ❤️