Just Between Us Magazine

Weekly Magazine | Being a Peacemaker in Today’s World

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:01:51 GMT

Dear Friends,

Have you noticed how exhausting it is to carry tension? Whether it’s a hard conversation you’ve been dreading or the constant noise of a too-busy world, it wears on us.

Being a peacemaker isn’t about being a pushover or going silent on the things that matter. It’s about learning to carry both boldness and gentleness in the same way Jesus did. It’s about choosing the kingdom over the argument, the relationship over the win, and love over the need to be right.

What does it actually look like to pursue unity in a divided world? And when the conversation gets heated, what does love require of us? We’re diving in to those questions and we’re happy to be asking them alongside you.

Encouraging you in God’s truth,

Can I Be Bold and Gentle? | Amy Gannett
Amy Gannett wrestles honestly with what it means to be a strong woman who is also called to gentleness. Through Scripture and personal reflection, she discovers that boldness and gentleness were never meant to be enemies, but partners in the image of Christ.

The Art of Getting Along | Jill Briscoe
Jill Briscoe takes on one of the church's greatest challenges: learning to live in harmony with people who do things differently than we do. Practical, honest, and rooted in Paul's letters, this piece is a needed reminder that unity is a spiritual art worth practicing.

Living for a Different Kingdom | Ashley Thomas
Ashley Thomas asks a question that cuts right to the heart: What is the evidence of the kingdom you belong to? In a season when division has become almost expected, she invites us back to the posture of a good neighbor, one who loves beyond convenience and seeks to unite even when it's hard.

Also:

The NIV Illustrating Bible

The NIV Illustrating Bible helps you interact with Scripture by giving you room to journal your thoughts, reflections, and insights right alongside the Bible verses that inspired them. The large size and spiral-bound format allow the Bible to lay completely flat, giving you the ideal surface for writing and drawing. It’s the perfect way to engage with God’s Word and deepen your faith.

Can I Be Bold and Gentle?

What God's Word Says About Strength and Gentleness.

By Amy Gannett

In our search to be Christian women who are both bold and gentle, we must avoid the pitfalls of either side.

I took a deep breath and put the book down. Sitting in bed with books and my Bible, the clock neared 5:30 a.m. Even in that earliest of hours, I could feel the fire in my belly being stoked by the words on the page.

I was born with fire in my belly. My parents often tell stories of my early childhood. Like the time when I was playing in our unfinished basement. I wanted to climb the metal post and swing like Tarzan, onto my dad’s tool bench. Thankfully, I didn’t make it far, but with the rope secured in my bite, I slipped—ripping out six of my teeth.

I was always on a mission. If I saw something that piqued my interest, I went after it. I was a go-getter with the best of them, always trying new things, always bold, and always brave.

As I’ve grown, this bold, “go-get ‘em” spirit hasn’t gone away. I still have a fire in my belly. I’m the woman who questions much of what she hears and researches to get to the bottom of those questions. If I see a path I want to pursue, I’m more likely to take three steps in any direction than to wait until I find out the best route to take.

It should come as no surprise to you that “gentle” is not a word often used to describe me. “Pit bull on Red Bull”? Yep. “Tiger meat wrapped in barbed wire?” Check. Rarely have I been called gentle. Though I have met women to whom gentleness comes as naturally as baking, I have not stumbled upon either naturally. Gentleness is something I have had to work for, train for, learn about, and seek out. Sometimes I feel as though I’m straddling a line: on the one hand, I like that I’m a bold woman. On the other, I know I need to seek gentleness. As I straddle this line, I’ve wondered: are the two mutually exclusive? Does being bold mean I can’t also be gentle? Does being gentle mean I will lose my confidence and curiosity?

Can I Be Bold and Gentle?

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:01:44 GMT

By Amy Gannett

In our search to be Christian women who are both bold and gentle, we must avoid the pitfalls of either side.

I was always on a mission. If I saw something that piqued my interest, I went after it. I was a go-getter with the best of them, always trying new things, always bold, and always brave.

Living for a Different Kingdom

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:01:34 GMT

By Ashley Thomas

“You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill. This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God” (Matt. 5:21-24, MSG).

If we are being honest, it has been another difficult year to intentionally be a “good neighbor.” Many of us have found ourselves stuck on a side, or stuck somewhere in the middle hopeful of not saying the wrong thing. Stepping outside of our front door has been a pretty vulnerable thing because we are unsure of who or what we are going to be met with. We want to be heard, we want to be right, and (really) we want others to be like us, but it has come at a pretty high price.

Recently I sat across from a close friend and had the conversation—you know the one that touches on every hot button topic of the present. Both of us knew going in the angle the other would take—and we were prepared with passionate opposition to each point made. The conversation got intense, voices raised, and when I was on the brink of shutting down out of frustration—this question was posed: What kingdom are you a part of?

The Art of Getting Along

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:01:16 GMT

By Jill Briscoe

Harmony is concord or agreement. Another word for harmony is “peace”–and making peace is often very hard work. For example, it took a few hundred diplomats to work out a peace agreement in May 1983 to end the conflict between Israel and Lebanon that began in 1982. Then it took thousands of soldiers to enforce and maintain the peace. The same principle is true for believers: achieving harmony is hard, but being a peacekeeper once a truce is declared is even harder. It’s a spiritual art.

The testimony of a community of believers often hangs on the ability of its members to live in harmony and to keep the peace once it is made. Paul appeals to leaders and followers alike to be sensitive to the Spirit’s directives and to become ambassadors for unity.

The Spirit’s most difficult work in the church is to promote harmony among its members. The art of “keeping the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” in Ephesians 4:3, requires believers who are characterized by humility, persistence, and a passion for the body of Christ. We give God honor when we pursue harmony.

Sadly, other human beings are our biggest obstacles when it comes to practicing the spiritual art of harmony. Sometimes it seems as though the church would be a great place if we could get rid of the people! But how do we do church with people?

NEW Spring 2026 Print Issue of Just Between Us

Just Between Us magazine — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:01:21 GMT

Dear Friends,

We’re so excited to share something special with you—something many of you have been asking for! If you’ve missed holding Just Between Us in your hands, this Collector’s Edition was created especially with you in mind.

Today, we’re introducing the Just Between Us Collector’s Edition—a 28-page faith-filled magazine created to be printed, held, and kept.

This is a special offering, designed as a tangible companion to the encouragement you receive from us each week. It’s not a subscription and it doesn’t replace our weekly digital magazine. It’s simply something extra… something lasting.

Inside this Collector’s Edition, you’ll find:

• Longer, deeply rooted articles grounded in Scripture.
• Exclusive columns from writers you know and trust.
• Space to pause, reflect, and journal.
• A Bible study for personal growth or small-group use.
• A familiar Just Between Us cover—made to feel like home.

It’s the kind of magazine you can curl up with… underline… pray through… and return to in every season.

BUY NOW

Choose the format that fits you best:

This special edition is offered separately and isn’t included with digital memberships.

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW: Print-on-Demand — $12.99
Professionally printed and mailed to your door—beautiful and ready to hold.

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW: Digital Printable Download — $4.99
Instant access. Read on your device or print at home. Download the beautifully designed printable magazine edition today!

Whether you’re looking for something meaningful for yourself, a thoughtful gift for a friend, or a resource to revisit again and again, we hope this special edition refreshes your soul.

Our weekly digital magazine will continue to meet you week by week.
This Collector’s Edition simply gives you something you can keep.

Thank you for being part of the Just Between Us community. It’s a joy to create resources that encourage your heart and point you back to God’s truth.

Enjoy!
Just Between Us Team

P.S. If you’ve missed holding Just Between Us in your hands, this NEW Collector’s Edition was created especially with you in mind.

When Your Faith Falls Apart

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:02:35 GMT

By Lysa TerKeurst

Trauma has a way of making us lose hope. We start to doubt God could ever bring new life from something this broken… this awful.

In my own life, there have been areas of devastation where I doubted God ever could bring restoration. I more than doubted—I flat-out told God I couldn’t believe Him for something so impossible.

I trusted Him to help me survive. But to bring life and restoration to my situation? I was too tired and traumatized by what I could no longer see to hope beyond the obvious.

Maybe you’re in that place right now—unable to hope beyond the heartbreak in front of you. That’s why I want us to look at what might seem like an unlikely passage of Scripture, but I promise it holds great hope.

In Ezekiel Chapter 47, we find the prophet Ezekiel sharing the details of a powerful vision God wants conveyed to His exiled people. It’s a promise of restoration spoken to hearts that might feel leery of letting hope in after spending many years in captivity.

But God wants them to know what He still wants us to know today: There is always hope with Him.

Weekly Magazine | Creative Soul Care

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:01:03 GMT

Dear Friends,

Some weeks call for a slower pace. This is one of them. This issue is devoted to creative soul care, and we hope it gives you permission to pause, breathe, and tend to the inner life you so often set aside for everyone else.

One thing that helps so many of us stay connected with God is journaling. Sitting with a notebook and a favorite pen and just pouring out your heart to the Lord with everything you happen to be carrying. Some days the words are joyful and filled with gratitude, and then there are days when the struggle is real. He welcomes it all.

Creative soul care isn’t just a luxury when you have time; it’s a lifeline that helps you in your everyday faith. If you’re like me and enjoy journaling, we have a year-long intentional journal below for you to print and use right away.

As you enjoy the articles in this issue, remember that Jesus wasn’t someone who rushed from one thing to the next. He took time to pray and listen to others, and knowing He did that can help us remember that it’s okay if we do the same.

Let’s slow down together.

Encouraging you in God’s truth,

Drawing Closer to God Through Journaling | Andrea Tice
What happens when we finally put pen to paper and tell the truth? Andrea shares how journaling brings clarity, emotional healing, and deeper fellowship with God. Through honest reflection and prayerful writing, we learn to release burdens and hear His voice more clearly.

BONUS DOWNLOAD: Be sure to look later in this issue for your Intentional Year Journal—a beautiful, purpose-filled resource designed to help your faith flourish all year long.

An Appointment for Soul Health | Sandy Mayle
If your soul could speak, what would it say? Sandy invites us to imagine placing our inner life on God’s examining table. Through solitude, self-examination, and learning to speak truth to our own souls, we discover rhythms of maintenance and restoration.

Spending Time Alone with God | Sharon Gamble
Why is it so hard to walk away from our responsibilities, even for a day with Jesus? Sharon shares her practice of a monthly “Time Alone With God” and explains why stepping away is not selfish, but obedience to the greatest commandment.

Also:

The NIV Illustrating Bible

Drawing Closer to God Through Journaling

Finding Clarity, Healing, and God’s Presence on the Page.

By Andrea Tice

“What is making you anxious?”

As a facilitator of journaling workshops for military veterans, I ask questions like these to help participants begin the process of self-reflection. As participants begin writing their thoughts and feelings on paper, for many it is the first time they begin to see the tangible burdens on their hearts.

In a recent workshop, an older gentleman raised his hand to answer. As he began to open his mouth to speak, he promptly closed it. His whole body crumbled, and tears began flowing from his eyes. He covered his face with his hands, unable to speak.

He carried burdens in his heart that he was able to write on paper, but could not speak out loud. For some of us, our feelings and emotions can be difficult to verbalize.

When we put pen to paper, we can come face to face with what may be buried deep within. We can experience life twice—both in the moment and in reflection of that moment. Through the practice of journaling, we are given an avenue to gain clarity and direction to who we are. When we journal in fellowship with our Father, we are given an opportunity to cry out to God as we seek His guidance and reflect in His presence.

Spending Time Alone with God

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:02:28 GMT

By Sharon Gamble

I wake up with the usual battle raging in my head every time it’s my day to “run away.” My practical side points out all the important things waiting to be done and whispers, “A responsible person gets her work done before she takes a day off.” My heart side reminds me that the most important thing of all is actually a Person—and I’ve committed to meet with Him today. The phone rings, and yet another responsibility threatens to pull me back into the ebb and flow of daily living.

But, for almost a decade now, I’ve been spending one day alone with God each month, and still I’m bombarded—every single month—with mental pictures of all the responsibilities I’m walking away from. “It’s always hard to leave.” “There is always too much to do.” It takes courage to pick up my TAWG (Time Alone With God) bag and walk myself out of the house and into the car—but I do it.

The worship music I chose the night before is waiting for me as I start the car. As the music begins, my heart starts to sing. “You chose time with God over all that stuff at home!”

The fact that chores await me seems less urgent once I’m on my way. I stop and splurge on my favorite drink and speak out loud to my King, “Forgive me, Lord. It’s still hard to leave even though I want to be with You, and I know this is Your will for me. Bless this day, Father, with Your Presence and Your words. I give myself to You. Use me as You choose, teach me as You please, and help me to set aside all else for the pure joy of being ‘just us’ today.”

Drawing Closer to God Through Journaling

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:02:28 GMT

By Andrea Tice

“What is making you anxious?”

He carried burdens in his heart that he was able to write on paper, but could not speak out loud. For some of us, our feelings and emotions can be difficult to verbalize.

An Appointment for Soul Health

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:00:20 GMT

By Sandy Mayle

Have you noticed how organs that are usually concealed inside our bodies have been coming out of hiding and auditioning for TV commercials? A unibrowed “Gus the Gut” lifts a window in his teen’s t-shirt to growl his hunger. An animated blue-eyed bladder persistently tugs its person toward the bathroom. And in an exam room, a red heart worriedly watches doctor and patient discuss high cholesterol numbers. The message of these formerly concealed organs? We need you to pay attention to us. Take care of us.

I wonder… if our soul somehow stepped out of our body and took us by the hand, what would its message be? Perhaps I need your attention, or I’m wounded; please help me. But we’d have to be in touch with our soul for that to happen. And many of us… well, we know we have a soul—but what is it? What does it do? And what do we do with it?

The Workup

The soul is that non-physical, never-dying part of us—the deeper self, the inner “us” that includes our minds, hearts, and wills.

Our soul, if healthy, has trusted that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, has asked His forgiveness for those sins, and is allowing Jesus to lead our life. As our soul climbs up on the examining table, the Great Physician notes an outward glow of God-confidence and detects a strong, steady heartbeat of love and a sufficient flow of the Holy Spirit’s power.

But even the healthy soul requires ongoing maintenance and frequent refreshing, for it will meet disturbances and challenges. It will experience pressures and perplexities. And, just like the physical heart, the soul carries a genetic predisposition (Gen. 3) that makes it vulnerable to “viruses”: temptations, stressors, enemy attacks, and other challenges to inner wholeness. So, our souls benefit greatly from our care and attention.

This seems logical… but where do we begin?

Weekly Magazine | Still Becoming: Why Your Dreams Aren’t Over Yet

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:02:50 GMT

Dear Friends,

Have you ever wondered, Is it too late for me?

Too late to start. Too late to try again. Too late to believe that the dream God once placed in your heart could still unfold.

As long as God gives you breath, He is not finished writing your story! Your life is not a closed chapter. It is a living testimony in progress.

Sometimes we shelve dreams because of fear, disappointment, responsibility, or simply exhaustion. But God is faithful. The gifts He planted in you were never an accident. And the calling He whispered to your heart has not expired.

So, what does it means to still be becoming? (We’re learning what that means right along with you.)

Encouraging you in God’s truth,

Don’t Let Your Dreams Die | Melva L. Henderson
Melva compares our lives to a blank page, which is full of possibility. Through personal reflection and biblical encouragement, she reminds us that God has placed unique gifts within us for a reason. The question isn’t whether we have them but what we’re doing with them.

Determining If a Door Has Closed | Anita Carman
When doors shut, how do we know if it’s God redirecting us or opposition testing us? Anita walks us through the apostle Paul’s experiences to help us discern between a closed door and a call that still stands.

What Is God Calling You to Do? | Shannon Geurin
Courage often comes down to one decision. Shannon challenges us to stop delaying obedience and step boldly into what God is asking, knowing we are never alone and never unequipped.

Also:

The NIV Illustrating Bible

Don’t Let Your Dreams Die

Stepping Out of Comfort and Into God’s Purpose for Your Life.

By Melva L. Henderson

When I start writing, before one word hits the page, the sheet of paper in front of me is white, clean, and clear. The white paper is like a canvas waiting for the painter to create something wonderful that he and others can enjoy. The blankness represents opportunity.

When you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, your life was like that white sheet of paper, clean and clear. You get the opportunity to be the painter of your own life. I know that ultimately God is the Divine Painter, the Master Craftsman, but He gives us opportunities, gifts, and talents. We can use them to open great doors of blessings for our lives. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (Jas. 1:17).

At birth, you came into the world with gifts, and these gifts were given by God. What you do with your gifts is entirely up to you. I once heard this statement: “Many people live and die and never enter into the first phase of the ministry that God has for them.” Many people live and die, never allowing the gifts that are within them freedom of expression.

Some of you right now are sitting with great potential inside, but you are afraid to step out.

Determining If a Door has Closed

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:03:04 GMT

By Anita Carman

As I lead the ministry of Inspire Women into second decade, I am in awe of God who has led me every step of the way. There were days when I felt I was flying blindfolded and longed for a map, a “Help Me” book, or even some directions scratched on the back of a napkin to give me some semblance of direction. On those days, God reminded me I was entering uncharted territory and no map other than God Himself could be found. But what does God being our map mean? Often, it means remembering who we are as daughters of the King and looking to the Bible for guidance from our faith siblings.

Learn the Family Code

In every family, there is a family code of behavior. When we accepted Jesus as Savior, imagine God writing our name in a box in His family tree. The characters in the Bible are not just Bible characters but our faith siblings. My younger son used to watch to see if his brother got away with something in our family before attempting the same thing. He would then modify his actions depending on whether his older brother got away with a behavior. In the same way, to learn God’s family’s code of behavior, we are to model after the choices of our faith siblings.

What Is God Calling You to Do?

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:02:06 GMT

By Shannon Geurin

One of my least favorite things to do as a mom when my girls were young was to ask them to clean their room. Why? Because I knew it was going to be a fight. You’d think I was asking them to donate a kidney. Rarely did they ever clean their rooms after the first ask. And now that I think about it, I merely “asked.” I never commanded initially; I requested.

I love Joshua’s story in the Bible. God told Joshua multiple times to be strong and courageous. Multiple times. Finally, He said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous” (Josh. 1:9).

Why did God tell Joshua multiple times to be strong and courageous? Maybe He knew it was a big task and He knew it was bigger than Joshua could handle on his own. Maybe He knew Joshua could become easily discouraged. Or just maybe it was because Joshua simply couldn’t make the decisions.

Now, let’s go back to the room-cleaning situation because I’m sure you’re wondering how that story fits here. A command is an authoritative order. So, if I simply request that Averee clean her room, she’s probably not going to do it. But if I command her to clean her room, then she has a decision to make. Either she obeys or she doesn’t and reaps the consequences.

So, with this in mind, God was basically saying, “Joshua! Make up your mind and do what I’ve called you to do!”

You’re One Decision Away from Courage

Ask yourself—what is God calling you to do?

Don’t Let Your Dream Die

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:02:06 GMT

By Melva L. Henderson

Some of you right now are sitting with great potential inside, but you are afraid to step out.

He is Risen

Just Between Us magazine — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:30:37 GMT

He is risen!

May the hope of the empty tomb fill your heart with peace, and the power of Christ’s resurrection renew your faith today.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” — 1 Peter 1:3

Rejoicing with you this Easter,

Resurrection Life

Live in the light of Easter every day.

By: Jill Briscoe

Who Will Roll Away the Stone

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:30:44 GMT

Who Will Roll the Stone Away?

“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.” — Luke 24:1

As the women hurried to the tomb carrying the spices with which to anoint the body of their Lord, they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”

Some of us face such a problem this Easter time. We would reach out to a loved one perhaps, but a great stone lies in the way. Between us and that dear one a great barrier has appeared, one so big that our puny desires appear ludicrous beside it.

Perhaps you face a hostile teenager and, with your hands full of good things sweet and special presents carefully prepared, you have hurried toward her only to be confronted with that huge stone of anger or resentment, misunderstanding, or deceit. “Love can’t find a way for me; I know, I’ve tried,” you say.

Jesus’ friends must have known some of our feelings. As the women hurried toward their insurmountable “mountain” of trouble ahead of them, they couldn’t think of anyone in the whole world except Jesus Christ Himself who had the power to roll that stone away; and that was their biggest dilemma Jesus Christ was dead! They had every right to believe He was lying there, sealed into ineffectiveness by the very stone they confronted.

Good Friday

Just Between Us magazine — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:18:43 GMT

By: Jill Briscoe

Suggested Reading: Luke 23: 44-56

“Easter comes around as quickly as Christmas, Lord, or so it seems,” I murmured as I slipped into a back pew.

“Yes.”

“I’m glad so many people come to Good Friday services. I’m glad I can be here.” Silence.

“I’m trying to concentrate, Lord; to focus on what it’s all about.”

“It’s hard for you when you’re so worried about your son,” He said simply.

“Yes.”

I tried and tried to keep my mind on the service, but at the end of the day there I was worrying myself into a state. The last hymn was announced and I gave a guilty start.

Day 5 | Rising into New Life

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:02:45 GMT

Dear Friends,

Happy Easter!

After days of looking at loyalty, suffering, waiting, and death, we arrive here—at the empty tomb. And yet, Easter does not erase what came before it. Instead, it redeems it.

Resurrection did not come quickly. It came after silence. After grief. After long hours when Jesus’s closest followers believed hope had been lost. But on Easter morning, God revealed what had been true all along: death was not the end of the story.

Rising into New Life reminds us that resurrection often begins quietly. What looks lifeless may simply be waiting. What feels forgotten may be undergoing transformation we cannot yet see. Just as the tomb was not the end for Jesus, the places in our lives that feel stalled, broken, or worn down are not beyond God’s restoring power.

Because Christ is alive, hope is alive.
Because Christ has risen, renewal is possible.
Because Jesus conquered death, nothing surrendered to Him is ever wasted.

Today, Easter invites us not just to celebrate—but to trust. To welcome new life that may look different than what we expected, but more beautiful than we imagined. To live with the hope our Risen Savior brings.

He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!
Your JBU Sisters in Christ ❤️

Rising into New Life

How Resurrection Hope Makes All Things New.

By: Adriana Hayes

Day 4 | Faith Realizes Christ is Alive

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:02:04 GMT

Dear Friends,

Most of us know there is a time to weep and to mourn. This is part of the human experience. Good Friday is a time to reflect on the sorrow, pain, and suffering our Savior went through as well as our own.

In Faith Realizes Christ is Alive, our focus shifts to what faith can do for our sorrow. Sometimes our fears and our tears can keep us from seeing the Risen Christ and what the power of the resurrection is meant to be for us. He is alive, He defeated death, He lives in us! Nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus!

Some sorrows will always remain with us, but resurrection hope brings unexplainable joy at the same time. May Jesus’s powerful, risen life bring you healing and hope.

Encouraging you in God’s truth, Your JBU Sisters in Christ ❤️

Faith Realizes Christ is Alive

Lord, as I go about my days and weeks, help me not to lose sight of hope and the resurrection power of Easter in my life.

By: Jill Briscoe

Snapshot of Serenity

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:01:30 GMT

By: Pam Farrel

My mother is a shutterbug. She has shelves and shelves of photo albums. Her love for capturing the moments of life and love, friends, family, and fun has passed down to me. Photography captures priceless memories. In this world of social media, cultivating your image, and sharing only the outside joys (and avoiding the inner pains) leaves little room for learning to process the trials, traumas, and tempestuous storms. We live in a broken world. So many days seem difficult, discouraging, and downright depressing.

Life is often a mix of tragedy and triumph. It is easy to click, post, and share images of victory, happiness, elation, or adventure. However, when we take the time to learn to process the pain, through the peace only Christ can give, with hope and help from His Word applied to our stress and sorrow, we can find inner tranquility and share ironclad strength and a proven path to serenity with others. Our spouse, our children, and extended family also gain a better, stronger, more resilient, and calmer version of us!

In our own life, the past few years of our social media captured weddings, births of grandchildren, birthday parties, family vacations, travel to exciting places, and a new home on our live-aboard boat slipped in a marina on the Pacific Ocean. Sprinkled among these are raw moments of fears, frustrations, and stressors like the almost two-year process of downsizing, giving away nearly 90 percent of our worldly goods and belongings, then riding a roller coaster of emotions trying to sell our home for over a year, so we could move to take care of two 90-year-old parents.

During these years, God foreknew my life stress and knew I would need to cultivate joy in a new city with the new role of serving elderly parents. Through Scripture I was studying, God handed me snapshots of Christ and as I pondered Him, I gained more personal peace, serenity, and tranquility that transformed dark days into ones empowered and enlightened by God.

Take your pains and pressures, and process them through the following snapshots of Scripture. Bolster your faith by reviewing the goodness of God when sufferings shatter your peace.