Hey friends, I left you.
No really, I quit us.
2025 has seemed eerily similar to 2024, and I am not thrilled by that notion. The one thing the Holy Spirit consistently impresses on my heart is to write. So, naturally, that is the one thing I refused—because I tend to resist the process. At times, it feels like I am at war with my own soul.
But I have to share two quick things, so I come to you with this peace offering, two quick ideas.
Recently, a friend asked me what I did when my doubts started. I said, "Funny enough, I wrote about this on my Substack. But if you want a quick, three-step answer, here it is:"
I had a community. I immediately went to them, shared my heart, and asked them to gather the saints and pray as if my life depended on it. It was a small circle, but I trusted them.
I spoke it out loud. Jennie Allen wrote about a similar battle, and she said that the moment she spoke her doubts out loud, they started to lose their grip. Doubts dissipate when exposed. So I spoke them out loud—quickly and as often as necessary. The brain believes what we tell it. When I verbalized my struggles and explained why, I could hear myself, and red flags would go off in my mind. Ask the questions. Go to trusted pastors and counselors. Let them be a sounding board. That was a precious gift I had. I have a group text with my pastor friends and it rich full of doctrine and questions and answers and prayers. It is a cherished treasure.
I focused on truth. I have learned that whatever you focus on expands. If I look for doubt, I will find it. But if I look for truth, I will find that too. Kind of like Philippians 4, right?
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise—think about these things." (Philippians 4:8)
My heart settles when I can hold on to what I know is true. My doubts are things I may never fully understand this side of heaven. So I had to choose—would my faith rest in man and science, or in Jesus? Because both require faith. There is no certainty, so what was I choosing? I had to stop hyper-focusing on my doubts and choose my thoughts wisely.
I lamented—and still do. Lamenting is a beautiful gift woven throughout the Psalms. A friend recently texted me, saying, "Did you know Lamentations actually means 'How?'" I find myself asking that a lot lately, so I smiled and said, "Makes sense."
Number 2.
I started writing a book—maybe for myself, maybe for the world. I’m not even sure yet. But each time I write, I feel alive. It’s the same rushing experience as being on stage.
Anywho, this is your reminder to do the thing that God created you for. How could you possibly know what that is? It is not a secret. It is the thing you are naturally gifted in—the thing no one can take credit for but God himself because it is so natural for you. It fills your heart with so much joy you can’t even explain it.
Do those things. That is what you were created for.
Until next time, Meg