Awakened to Grace: Prayer

Awakened to Grace: Silence

Last week, we unpacked prayer and explored what it means to pray—and why our prayers matter. This week, I want us to lean into another spiritual discipline: silence. Now honestly, when I told someone I was preaching on silence, I immediately regretted it. I think my exact words were, “Why did I say I would preach on silence?!” And without missing a beat, she said, “Ah yes… silence. The thing you love so much.” And listen—that’s fair. I love to talk. I love conversation, stories, laughter, noise. I love to yap. But somewhere along the way, we’ve confused being busy with being spiritually healthy. We fill every quiet moment with music, podcasts, scrolling, notifications, or our own thoughts. And because of that, many of us have forgotten how to simply be still before God. Yet Scripture says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Silence is uncomfortable because it forces us to slow down. It strips away distractions. It exposes what’s really going on in our hearts. But silence is also sacred, because when the noise fades, we begin to hear the voice of Jesus more clearly. If we never embrace silence, we may miss the Love, Light, and Hope Christ is trying to speak into our lives. Silence is not the absence of God. Sometimes, it is the very place where God speaks the loudest. Passage: Mark 1:32-39 CEB

Awakened to Grace: Prayer

As Annual Conference gathers the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church here in Lakeland, we are invited into a powerful theme: awakening to grace. In the Methodist tradition, we believe God meets us through the means of grace—through prayer, worship, communion, Scripture, service, and community. These practices are not just habits; they are holy pathways that awaken us to the presence and love of God already at work among us. In this new series, we will reconnect with our spiritual heritage while discovering fresh ways to experience God’s grace in our everyday lives. My hope is that together we will be awakened again—to the love, light, and hope of Jesus Christ. May we be rooted deeply in prayer, open fully to God’s presence, and transformed by the grace that has always been reaching toward us. Passage: Matthew 6:5-13 CEB

Like A Girl: A Friend Like Elizabeth

As we come to the close of our series, Like a Girl, it feels fitting that we also gather to celebrate Mother's Day. Every one of us has a mother, and today’s story centers on two women whose lives show us the beauty of shared love and shared strength. Together, they offer us a vision of what life can look like when community matters more than self-interest. Their story invites us into a way of living where care is mutual, burdens are shared, and love is given freely. May we learn to love ourselves well, so that we can love others boldly and wildly. Passage: Luke 1:39-45 CEB

Like A Girl: Lead Like Deborah

In a world captivated by the image of the lone, heroic leader, the story of Deborah reminds us that the greatest callings in our lives are never meant to be carried alone. As Gretchen learned in the Marine Corps, and as we discover in our everyday lives, we always go farther when we go together. Today, I want to remind us all that each of us leads somewhere, and that the best outcomes are often waiting on the other side of collaboration. So may we have the courage, wisdom, and humility to lead like Deborah. Passage: Judges 4:6-9 CEB

Like A Girl: Faith Like Miriam

As we begin a new series exploring the often-overlooked stories of women in the Bible, it feels important to say this: it shouldn’t have to be a series—but it does. Women have always been central to our faith. Their courage, leadership, and witness are woven throughout Scripture. And yet, too often, their stories have been minimized while louder voices have tried to define their place. If those voices have been loud, then ours must be louder still. I’m grateful to add my voice to this growing chorus—people whose faith has been strengthened, challenged, and shaped by the women of Scripture. May we be faithful like Miriam. May we be willing to show up. May we listen, learn, and carry these stories forward. Passage: Exodus 2:2-8 CEB