Movie Review: He Calls Me Daughter

When Momentum Influencers Network (MIN) asked me to review the film titled “He Calls Me Daughter”, I agreed because it looked like a movie that would make a significant difference in the lives of females who are suffering from father wounds and struggling in their faith walk with Jesus Christ. 

Before I share my review with you, I’d like to share a word from Momentum Influencers Network about this film:

A Heavenly Father changes everything. True healing isn’t found in earthly relationships, but a relationship with our heavenly Father. He Calls Me Daughter is for women who have felt unseen, unsupported, or unsure of their worth. Through intimate, first-person stories, viewers follow women as they begin to name the pain they’ve carried for years: father wound. Audiences are invited to reflect on their own story as they walk alongside these women on a journey toward healing. He Calls Me Daughter is an invitation to experience the love of a Father who does not withdraw—One who offers peace, belonging, and restoration.

~*~

My Review of “He Calls Me Daughter” (film):

Captivating. Poignant. Transformational.

Those are three words to accurately describe this film aptly titled “He Calls Me Daughter”. If you are a female who has had a complicated relationship (or no relationship) with your earthly father so much so that it has distorted your view of your Heavenly Father, then this movie is for you.

Filled with real-life stories and testimonies from women in the real world, this movie will touch your heart and transform your mind to see God as who He really is—a loving Heavenly Father who will heal your wounds inflicted by your earthly father if you let Him.

This movie highlights the pain of several women—a few who are not well-known but have influence and the rest who are famous, including Christian comedian Chonda Pierce and Lynsi Lavelle Snyder-Ellingson who the owner and heiress of the In-N-Out Burger company that is most popular in the state of California. The testimonies shared by these ladies are both heart-touching and heart-wrenching at the same time. But the powerful point in everyone’s story is how God has touched the broken hearts of these women and carefully restored their faith in His Love which is greater than the love any earthly father can give his daughter.

I like how this movie showed a full-circle journey for each woman featured. I also appreciated how they featured stories that a variety of women from different backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures and backgrounds can relate to. This movie leaves no stone unturned in getting their core message across to women who are hurting.

This film was worth the time I spent watching it. At the end of the film, the hosts talk to the audience for a few minutes to point them to a resource you access by scanning a QR code. The resource is a curriculum for women who need help healing from their father wounds. I’ve included the direct download link to this resource toward the end of this blog post today.

He Calls Me Daughter will play in theaters only this March 17 and March 18. You can buy your tickets to see this movie online via this website: https://www.fathomentertainment.com/releases/he-calls-me-daughter/

I highly recommend this movie to all females who are suffering from father wounds and need a healthy dose of hope and healing from their Savior.

~*~

Watch the trailer for "He Calls Me Daughter" here.

Visit the official website for He Calls Me Daughter film here:
https://hecallsmedaughter.org/

Download “Healing the Father Wound” curriculum (free of cost) here:
https://hecallsmedaughter.org/resources

#HeCallsMeDaughterMIN #HeCallsMeDaughter #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Disclosure: Many thanks to "He Calls Me Daughter" for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Devotionals for the Heart: The true treasure of praying to our Creator

The Heart and Power of Praying to the Almighty God
A devotional by Anne Madison

“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”

—Luke 11:1 (KJV)

Undoubtedly, the most well-known prayer was prayed by Jesus as recorded in Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV), “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”

Prayer is not merely a ritual or an obligation for believers; it is the critical tie that connects us directly to God. Through prayer, we acknowledge and declare God’s unique position as our Heavenly Father, and embrace our identity as His children. This correlation reminds us of who we are, to whom we belong, and the authority we wield in prayer.

More than a one-time-a-day event, prayer is an ongoing, continual conversation with the Creator of the universe. As we pray, we open ourselves to God’s presence, trusting Him to lead and guide us and to reveal His will for our lives. Through this dialogue, we are invited not only to know God’s will but also to align ourselves to do it, walking in step with his purposes and direction for us.

Corrie Ten Boom, a notable Christian writer, said: “The wonderful thing about praying is that you leave a world of not being able to do something and enter God’s realm where everything is possible. He specializes in the impossible. Nothing is too great for His almighty power. Nothing is too small for His love.”

Prayer is far more than bringing our laundry list of needs before God. It is the sacred moment when we turn from our human limitations and look to God’s infinite power and grace. In prayer, we acknowledge both our deep need and our complete dependence on Him. Guidance is found in Paul’s words to the church at Philippi as recorded in Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV), “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

A strong prayer life grows through intention and consistent practice. As we seek to deepen our connection with God, a simple call-to-action guide can help focus our prayers. One helpful tool is the acronym P.R.A.Y., which offers a meaningful way to shape our thoughts about prayer.

P = Pray

· Prayer enables us to step away from the busyness of life, providing a moment to slow down and quiet our minds. God says in Psalm 46:10 (KJV), “Be still and know that I am God.”

· Prayer changes our attitude and vision. 2 Kings 6:17 (KJV) says, “And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”

· Prayer draws us to the heart and presence of God. James 4:8 (CSB) says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

R = Remember

· Repent. Psalm 51:1-3 (KJV) says, “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.”

· Restoration comes when we pray. Psalm 51:10 (NIRV) says, “God, create a pure heart in me. Give me a new spirit that is faithful to you.”

· Rejoice evermore. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (KJV) says, “Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

A = Action

· Approach the throne of grace with confidence. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

· Align our will to His. “And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, “Pray that ye enter not into temptation.” And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done.”

· Abide in Him. John 15:4 (NKJV) says, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

Y= Yearn

· Yearn for God. Psalm 42:1-2 (NKJV) says, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?”

· Yoke up. Matthew 11:27-30 (NKJV) says, “All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

· Yes (say this) to His promises. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (MSG) says, “Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God’s Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit, he has stamped us with his eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete.”

Let's Pray:

Father God,

Teach us to pray not only with words, but with hearts that trust You. Teach us to come to You honestly, boldly, and often. Remind us of who You are when we forget. Shape our desires so they reflect yours. Thank You that nothing is too much for us to bring before You, nor too much for You to manage. As we come before your throne, attend unto our prayers for your glory and our good. We truly need Thee every hour. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “The Lord's Prayer (It's Yours)” by Matt Maher. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Our Father” by Don Moen. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Just Pray” by Shawna Edwards. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “When I Kneel to Pray” by Elen Amor. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “In Christ Alone” by Josh Groban. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “Don’t Stop Praying” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7: “Draw Me Close to You” by The Katinas. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #8: “Create in Me a Clean Heart” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #9: “When We Pray” by Tauren Wells. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #10: “Abide in Me” by Ana Laura. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Anne Madison is a devotional writer whose words gently guide women toward a deeper connection with God through personal reflection, scripture, and everyday experiences. 

Based in Iron River, Wisconsin, Anne is continually inspired by the natural beauty around her and the strong sense of community she calls home.

A dedicated journaler for over 46 years, Anne draws from a rich well of spiritual practice and daily life to craft devotionals that are heartfelt, relatable, and deeply rooted in faith. Her writing speaks to women seeking encouragement, stillness, and spiritual renewal amid the busyness of life.

Anne has a unique gift for noticing God in the ordinary. Whether it's a cup of morning coffee, a walk through the woods, or a quiet conversation with a friend, she uncovers sacred messages that reveal God’s goodness and the blessings hidden in everyday moments.

In addition to her writing, Anne is pursuing her certification as a Life Coach through the Life Mentoring School, further deepening her calling to encourage and uplift others.

She finds joy in simple pleasures—quilting, reading, and spending time with her beloved family and friends.

~*~
Connect with Anne:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lessonsinthejourney    
Email: lessonsinthejourney@gmail.com  

Devotionals for the Heart: When God calls you to move beyond comfort

When God calls you to move beyond your place of comfort
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” –Exodus 3:4 (NIV)

I’ve always found comfort in writing. I kept a diary as a child and journaled as a young adult.

However, about five years ago, something changed. I felt God calling me to write with purpose and encourage women in their faith walk with Jesus Christ by sharing my stories. But lately, I’ve wondered if I’m getting too comfortable.

I have a favorite armchair in a cozy corner of our family room in our home. Each time, I settle in, put my feet up, slowly sink into its welcoming arms, and heave a big sigh. This is where I talk with Jesus every morning. I read the Bible and listen for His voice—all in the comfort of my little corner, in my favorite chair.

During my quiet time, I feel safe and secure amid the chaos of life. I talk with God, and He speaks to me through His Word and His presence. I wonder if I’ve become so comfortable that it prevents me from living the abundant life Christ wants me to live. Is it possible that an excess of comfort is a breeding ground for complacency?

Not long ago, I sensed God’s nudge regarding my writing because I kept it to myself. I’d been writing for quite a while but hadn’t shared it with anyone except my husband. It felt as though God gently tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Colleen, you need to share this with others.” I was terrified. Sharing my writing with others felt like bearing my soul through an intercom for all the world to hear. Once words take flight, they can’t be unheard or unread. What if I mess this up?

A few days passed, and reality took over. Realizing God didn’t ask me to read my writing on stage to a crowded auditorium, I got a grip on my fears. He asked me to share my pages with two trusted friends. They were kind, encouraging, and supportive. If I hadn’t taken that first step, no one would be reading these words now.

A few weeks later, I was reading chapter three in the Bible book of Exodus where Moses was tending to his flock. Suddenly, his attention was captured by a bush on fire. But oddly, even though the fire continued to rage on, the bush never burned to the ground. Moses approached the bush to get a closer look, and something remarkable happened! He heard God call his name.

When Moses left his comfortable position with the flock and walked toward the flames, God showed him that the bush was on fire but wasn’t being consumed. If Moses hadn’t taken those first steps of faith, he might never have been had such a powerful relationship with God. However, Moses took those brave steps and God used him to deliver the Israelites from bondage in Egypt.

When I feel my love for what’s comfortable is holding me prisoner, it’s time to walk toward the holy fire of God. He wants to free us from the false sense of security the enemy provides. God saved me from becoming an “armchair Christian” as I’d call it, by giving me the faith and courage to leave my cozy chair and take action. He can do the same for each of us.

When we ask Jesus Christ for courage, we’re able to take steps of faith and move outside of our comfort zones. As we become aware of God’s presence, we also gain the benefit of His leadership and our mission.

Let’s Pray: Dear Father God, I ask You to continue to give me the courage to step over my self-imposed boundaries and take action. Give me the faith to live a life of abundance. Position my heart to align with yours and open my ears to hear your calling on my life. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “I Will Follow” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “He’s Calling You” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “I Will Go” by Steve Green. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Alone in the Presence” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a follower of Jesus Christ, educator and writer. She lives with her husband in the Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are relentless and the winters are a little slice of Heaven. 

Colleen earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. This degree opened opportunities to write science curriculum, develop district programs, work with Arizona teachers, community leaders, and more. With NASA Grant funding, she was also able to work with teachers all over the country and expand their knowledge of teaching science as a collaborative effort.

Over the last few years God has placed a strong desire in Colleen’s heart to shine a light on God’s presence throughout ordinary days and encourage women in their faith walk with Him. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, Colleen believes that if you fix your eyes on Jesus then you will see the heart of God.

Colleen’s writing has been published in the following online publications: Living By Design, Her View From Home, Inside Out Worldwide, Inkspirations, and in anthologies like From Ruins to Restoration, Mountains Moved: 45 Devotions of Bold Faith, and The Miracle of Prayer. She is a monthly blogger for Dressing in God’s Love.

~*~
Connect with Colleen:
Website: authorcolleenchoward.com

Devotionals for the Heart: When God places you where you belong

When God Places You Where You Belong
A devotional by Terry Overton

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”—Romans 12:2 (ESV)

Have you ever taken an action and then wondered if it was the right thing to do?

You prayed about it, talked it over with loved ones, and trusted God. Later, you found yourself quietly wondering, Did I get this wrong?

This happened to me.

Not long ago, my husband and I moved from the warm, sunny coast to a place more than five-hundred miles inland. Once we decided to make the move, after several weeks of prayer and discussion, we listed our house and found one that seemed to meet our needs and check all the boxes. It was closer to family and on the outskirts of a city full of resources for health, plenty of shopping, restaurants, and services.

But after many cold winters, snowy, and icy days, we began to talk about how much we missed the warmer weather of the coast. With that in mind, I planned a two-week long vacation in the middle of the winter. We could visit our long-time friends, play golf, go on walks, eat in our favorite beachside cafes, and go to the beach. Wondering if moving north had been the right thing to do in this season of life, we discussed the possibility of looking at some of the currently listed homes in our old neighborhood on the coast. The two-week rental seemed perfect, and they allowed us to bring our sweet dog.

What happened next was a clear message from God that He had indeed planned for us to move north and, He put an exclamation on our move during our trip back to the coast. The two-week vacation was shortened to a mere five days. Why? We both wanted to be back in our “own home”. As the verse above states, we should not be conformed to this world or our desires. For me, it meant God was saying, “Do not think you know the path? When guided by Me, do not look back. Only through testing, will you discern My will.”

Just a few days into our dream vacation, my mind was transformed and my appreciation for the wonderful home up north was renewed. When we moved north, it was because He knew there was something better for us in the new location. The short trip underscored His plan for me and helped me to understand to surrender to His plan, I must give up my longing for control. By planning an extended vacation to the coast, I had intended to control outcomes. But God asks us to surrender all outcomes to Him. I was reminded that He plans my steps. He directs my route.

Sometimes God lets us revisit what we thought we missed, not to take us backward, but to show us how much we’ve changed. What once felt like home may not fit who God is shaping us to be now. What once made us long for the past may now feel strangely empty. It’s not because it was wrong, but because it belonged to a different time.

When we returned to our current home, I felt blessed beyond belief. It was God’s plan for us to move here. This was home. I no longer had doubts about His plan. I feel His purposeful presence here. The only way I can discern His plans and transform my own understanding is to be faithful, let go of control, and place everything in His hands.

My visit to the coast confirmed that God had already placed us exactly where we belonged. What once seemed uncertain became a powerful reminder that God sometimes allows us to revisit old places to show us how He has transformed our hearts and redirected our lives.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for providing tests of faith that provide true understanding of Your will. Forgive me for wanting to control the outcomes You have already set in motion for me. Help me to stay close to You and strive to know Your path for me.

In Jesus’s name I pray.

Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “He is with Us” by Love & The Outcome. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “I Need Thee Every Hour” (Hymn). Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. 

Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean.

She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

Terry’s background in teaching adults and children shine through her stories that often include a character with educational or learning challenges. Her Christmas series, The Oddball Ornaments, features a box of misfit ornaments who first learn the meaning of Christmas and then discover the meaning of forgiveness. In The Underground Book Readers series, one of the main characters is on the autism spectrum yet is one of the leaders of the group of teens. Book one of a new series, The Messiah Brigade, features an awkward middle school nerd who helps his school turn around a bully gang of kids. Adoption and family issues are the focus of her new book, Charlotte McMaster and the Messenger Angel.

Terry lives in Texas and enjoys reading, taking pictures for devotional posts on social media, visiting with her family, playing golf, and writing.

~*~
Connect with Terry:
Website: https://www.authorterryoverton.com
Blog: https://terryovertonbooks.com
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/overtont

Devotionals for the Heart: What plants taught me about being deeply rooted

How Deep Are Our Roots?
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” —Colossians 2:7 (NLT)

Whack! Whack! Whack!

This was the sound of the instruments we used to dig up plants. The plants had deep roots and every time we hit the ground with the hoe, we pulled up through the dirt an incredible number of weeds. These weeds ran deep. I had never seen so many attached to one plant.

Our voices echoed each other with deep sighs of, “Oh my goodness. There are more here. Come back, there’s another one!” More than once, we had to return to the same place to chip away at the long stalks of weeds that had wound themselves tightly in the earth. We swung at them, then pulled and put the instrument deeper to dig down to finally see an end to the annoying strands of weeds.

The aspect of being rooted really came alive to me in a new way that day. I felt like I had a practical window into why Jesus Christ spoke often about soil, plants and farming when communicating to the people in The Holy Bible. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Colossian church and in it, he told them to let their roots not only grow but also go deep and be anchored and strong in Christ. What roots was he referring to? Paul was speaking to their faith and confidence in Christ.

He wanted them to ensure that their conviction of who Christ is be so strong and solid that nothing could shake their belief. When you know something is true it will take a lot to shake you out from that belief because you’re deeply rooted. When you read the scripture, meditate on it and understand it in context it is planted in your spirit. However, when that Word is tested by the firestorm of a trial or storm in life, then the depth and security of that root is also tested.

As a child, I developed a love for memorizing scripture even when I didn’t fully understand what those Bible verses meant. As I became a teenager, I would read those passages again and they took on a new meaning to me. Many times, I would be experiencing something in my life and a verse that I had memorized would give me a better understanding and comfort for what I was experiencing in that moment. The Word of God was taking root in my heart.

As an adult, I still face challenges that are common in this life on Earth but because the truth of God’s Word had taken root in my spirit, I am always encouraged and comforted by The Holy Spirit. The Bible stories and verses always give me hope. When I read The Bible, God reminds me that He is with me, so I am never alone.

Day by day, as I spend time with God in Bible study and prayer, I continue to grow stronger. As a result, my heart overflows with gratitude to God. I was thankful for His Word. I can tell you with full confidence today that just like a plant being placed in good soil—watered and nurtured—we each have to do the work to ensure we are grounded in our relationship with Jesus Christ. When the Word of God is rooted deep within us then there is nothing that can uproot us.

The storms will come. The trouble will come. The disappointments will come. Yet, because we have taken the time and care to plant our faith in God’s Word, growing our spiritual roots deep in our Firm Foundation (Jesus Christ) then our faith and trust in God will remain secure and unmovable.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promises in your Word that give us hope and confidence. As you told us in Your Word to meditate on your truths day and night, I will meditate on them so I can become strong in You. Thank You for every blessing I receive from hiding your Word in my heart to not only keep me from sinning but also to guide my every step through this life on Earth. I love you, Lord. Thank You for being here for me and all of humankind. 

 

In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “The Anchor Holds” by Ray Boltz. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Promises” (feat. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine) by Maverick City | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Into the Sea (It’s Gonna Be Ok)” by Tasha Layton. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit, as well as Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey. 

Patricia writes, speaks, and teaches on the power of God’s Word to heal and empower you to become all that you are purposed for. She has traveled internationally and shared her gifts with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through word and song. Patricia has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers including Anne Graham Lotz and Rev. E.V. Hill.

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 34 years. Together they serve the community through their local congregation as well as providing premarital and marriage coaching. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches’ others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

Patricia has released two gospel music recordings: “Draw Me Nearer” and “Lord, I Trust You”. In March 2022, she launched her podcast “Becoming Resilient” which can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts and also seen on YouTube.

When not reading or studying, Patricia loves to eat Thai food and spend time with “Lucy” – her daughter’s Yorkie-poo who has taken up room in her heart.

~*~
Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/
Email Patricia: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: God adores a gentle and quiet spirit in women

The Strength of a Gentle Spirit
A devotional by Erica J. Hill

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”—1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)

In a world that celebrates strength as hardness, God invites women into a softness that heals, protects, and transforms.

March is Women’s History Month, a time when we often hear the phrase coined by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, “Well-behaved women seldom make history.” This quote suggests that women who follow the rules rarely create change. Yet those same women are often labeled too assertive, too aggressive, and other unbiblical things. This tension has created a quiet exhaustion for many women, helping explain why so many have been drawn to the idea of the soft girl era. At its heart, this movement reflects a longing to pursue dreams, protect peace, and move out of survival mode into gentleness and emotional safety.

These are not shallow desires; they echo the rest and wholeness Scripture invites us into. Yet when I turned to social media to understand how softness is defined, the picture felt incomplete. What I encountered was femininity presented as an aesthetic—cute clothing, candlelit moments, long showers, travel, luxury dining, and curated comfort.

That emphasis made me pause. In conversations about softness, I rarely hear discussion of godliness. There was little mention of reading God’s Word (The Holy Bible), prayer, fasting, or fellowship with other followers of Jesus Christ. These are practices that anchor peace in something deeper than circumstances. This raises an important question: How can we find lasting peace and practice true gentleness in a hectic world if our lives are not anchored in God?

A biblical understanding of softness must begin within. If we truly want to experience it, we must start with the hard work—inviting God to search our hearts and reveal what needs healing, correction, and surrender. Outward practices are not wrong, but they are not where godly softness is formed. What is of great worth in God’s sight is an inner life shaped by humility, trust, and obedience.

When we look to God’s Word, we see that this kind of softness has always been present. Throughout Scripture, we find women whose gentleness was rooted in spiritual maturity.

Esther stands as a powerful example. Faced with the potential destruction of her people, she did not rush into the king’s presence demanding justice. Instead, she prepared herself through fasting and approached the situation with wisdom and restraint. She trusted God’s timing rather than forcing an outcome. Her softness was not passive; it was courage under control. Read about this in the Bible book titled with her first name (Esther).

Abigail’s story reinforces this truth in a different setting. When she ran to David to save her household, she did not confront him with anger or force. Instead, she spoke with wisdom and restraint, reminding him of who he was before God and calling him back to the future God had promised. Her softness was not silence—it was discernment guided by spiritual clarity. Read about this in 1 Samuel 25:18–35.

Together, Esther and Abigail reveal what our culture often misses: softness is not weakness, avoidance, or appearance. It is spiritual maturity. It is knowing when to speak, how to speak, and trusting God to govern the outcome.

For many women today, the longing for softness goes unfulfilled because the deeper work has been overlooked. Healing wounds and inviting God into broken places is far more demanding than curating a peaceful image.

This is why I believe so deeply in self-care—or, as I prefer to call it, soul care. My desire is not simply to look whole, but to be whole. Soul care is intentional and spiritual. It involves surrendering anxieties to God, consecrating our lives before Him, and allowing what no longer serves His purpose to die. Soul care looks like prayer, fasting, time in God’s presence, and rest that restores rather than distracts.

Soul care also requires allowing God to heal the wounds left by others. Mary Magdalene’s story reminds us that softness follows deliverance, not avoidance. Before she devoted herself fully to following Jesus, He first freed her from what bound her. Her softness was the fruit of healing (Luke 8:1–3). If we do not allow God into our broken places, we cannot expect to experience a soft life rooted in freedom.

Healing and biblical softness are not instant; they are shaped through surrender and sustained by trust in God. This shaping is not always comfortable, yet it is purposeful. True softness cannot be separated from transformation; it requires allowing God to address what we carry and what we have hardened ourselves against. God does not soften us by removing the work, but by walking with us through it, teaching us to release control and trust Him enough to heal what we once guarded.

The beauty of this shaping is found in the hands that guide us. God is gracious. He does not abandon us while He reshapes us. He stays near, patient and attentive, forming something new within us. What emerges is not fragility, but wholeness. Not weakness, but peace.

This is the softness God invites us into—not a curated aesthetic or temporary comfort, but an inner life anchored in Him. A softness that heals, discerns, protects, and endures. Remember, God is the potter, and we are the clay. In His hands, even the shaping becomes an act of care.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, soften the places in me that life has made hard. Search my heart, heal my wounds, and teach me to trust You more deeply. Form within me a gentle and quiet spirit that reflects Your peace, strength, and grace. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Refiner” by Maverick City Music. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Have Your Way” by Travis Greene. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Gracefully Broken” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “The Potter’s Hand” by Helen Baylor. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Erica J. Hill is a wife, mother, and proud grandmother living in Georgia. 

With a career spanning both elementary education and higher education, she has served as an elementary and middle grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher and now works as an administrative assistant in higher education. Currently pursuing her master’s degree in Instructional Technology and Media Center Specialist, Erica’s love for learning and teaching runs deep.

Raised in the Southern Baptist tradition, she has faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher and now as one of the youth directors at her church. A lifelong writer at heart, Erica once set her passion aside to pursue other career goals—but recently felt God’s undeniable tug to pick up her pen again, this time to write for His Kingdom.

She is currently working on her first book, Worthy. Whole. Woman. It is a devotional that she hopes will be an encouraging resource created to uplift and empower women—especially women of color—to walk confidently in their God-given identity.

Through her words, Erica blends faith in God, personal reflection, and practical wisdom to inspire women to heal, grow, and embrace the fullness of who God created them to be.

Originally from Atlanta, Erica now calls Macon County home, where she lives with her husband and children. In her free time, you’ll usually find Erica curled up with a good book, working on DIY projects, or planning her next travel adventure.

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Connect with Erica:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahsgrace2931/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahsgrace2931/

Devotionals for the Heart: What plants taught me about turning to Christ

Leaning Toward the Light
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’”—Luke 19:39-40 (NIV)

Have you ever really paid attention to the little kernels of joy God gives us in the everyday? He gives us signs and promises in even the most mundane or commonplace things. For example, my house plants.

As much as I’d love to say otherwise, I’m not terribly great at all things domestic. But one thing I’ve mastered is taking care of my house plants. Through hard work, I’ve figured out how to keep them alive. I’ve actually had one since before my son was born—and my son just turned 20.

My plants—seven at last count—are all grouped together behind my kitchen sink in this little triangular nook, nestled between two large windows. What I think is so neat is how they tilt. It doesn’t matter how I turn them or what position they started out in, but after I’ve watered them for the week, as the week progresses, I noticed them curving ever so slightly to the left, toward where they get the brightest morning sun. Their entire bodies seem to quiver in expectation of the love and nurturing they get from that sunlight. After all, they need that light to grow and thrive, to be healthy and strong.

We are a lot like those plants, only our life source isn’t necessarily the sun—it’s the Son (Jesus Christ), right along with the Father (God) and the Holy Spirit. God, three in one, is the preserver and savior and lover of our souls, the one who provides the only things we truly need.

We think we need the things of this world to survive. We think we need money and shelter and all those other creature comforts, but really we just need the Lord because He provides everything else. He provides exactly what we need, and He takes care of us in every circumstance.

Yet in response, what do we do? Like my house plants, do we swivel our bodies and our hearts and our minds toward Him, desperate for His love and all He provides? Do we stay where we are, sturdy in our own prideful, misguided notion that we can take care of ourselves just fine, thank you very much? Or do we turn the other way and seek comfort in things that have nothing to do with Him? Things like worldly, fleshly pleasures?

I think my plants know best. And I think we’d all do well to mimic them—to let our whole selves naturally incline toward the Lord. Reach for Him. Long for Him. Dance for Him. Bask in His love.

Like the plants, we were created intentionally for the Lord. As sentient beings, we have free will—the will to turn our lives toward God or away. But I think deep down we know what we were created for, and what is truly best for us, just like the plants do and just like animals do.

We were created for the Lord.

I choose to act that way. I hope you do, too.

Let’s Pray: 

Dear Lord, 

I love You—but I don’t always act that way. Sometimes I let other things get in the way of my love for You, my focus on You, and the things You want me to focus upon. I let my worldly wants and cares distract me from what is most important. Help me to honor the pure and righteous relationship You created me to have with You. Help me to push aside the unimportant and instead to focus on You, your love, and your intended purposes for my life. And help me to love others in your name, now and forevermore. In Jesus’s Name I pray.

Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “Thirst for You” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Artist of My Soul” by Sandi Patty. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach. She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. 

Her two Christian contemporary novels, The Memory Garden and Tangled Roots, are Amazon bestsellers. Her third novel, Hidden Seeds, releases in May.

Learn more about Jessica’s writing ministry and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com. 

She has a YouTube devotional, and you can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.