August 2025 – Voice of Hope by Marlene

The Power of Gratitude: Finding Joy in Everyday Blessings

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to focus on what’s missing in life? Gratitude has a way of shifting our eyes away from what we lack and fixing them on what God provides.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to focus on what’s missing in life? The goals we haven’t yet reached, the resources we wish we had, or the problems that seem too big to solve. Gratitude has a way of shifting our eyes away from what we lack and fixing them on what God provides. When we choose thankfulness, our perspective changes, and so does our heart.

There was a time I lived without gratitude for the wonderful lifestyle I had. During this time, I lived in one of the largest houses in the neighborhood. It was a five-bedroom, three-bathroom, 2500-square-foot house with a large yard and other fine amenities. Still, I would see houses in what I perceived were more prestigious neighborhoods and wish I had one of those houses.

One day, all that I had was lost. My husband and I lost our jobs on the same day due to what companies were calling at the time, “right-sizing.” The result of this situation is that we suddenly had no income. We ended up losing the house and had to move into a small rental house until we could find jobs and buy a home again. This time, the house we purchased was in what I considered a less prestigious neighborhood. But I was happy and proud of my little house. As I look back at what I used to have, I realize I had more than enough. In fact, I had more than most people could ever imagine having.

It took losing everything to begin to appreciate the little things. I love my new life, and I am grateful for everything God gives me, no matter how small.

Gratitude trains our hearts to see God’s daily goodness.
The truth is, God shows up in our lives every single day. Sometimes it’s in the big, undeniable moments, and other times it’s in the small details: a warm smile from a friend, the beauty of a sunrise, or the peace that comes with prayer. Gratitude opens our eyes to these blessings, reminding us that God’s faithfulness isn’t occasional, it’s constant.

Joy grows when we thank God for even the smallest moments.
The Bible says, in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV), Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Joy isn’t found in perfect conditions but in a heart that chooses to give thanks. When we pause to thank God for the little things, we cultivate joy that no trial can steal. Gratitude is like watering a garden. The more we pour into it, the more it blossoms.

Gratitude draws us closer to peace.
When anxiety and worry press in, gratitude is the antidote. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) tells us, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. The promise is clear: thanksgiving leads to peace. Gratitude is not just a nice thought; it’s a spiritual practice that connects us to the calm assurance that God is in control.

A Closing Nudge
What if you began today with a simple gratitude list? Write down three small things you thank God for right now. It could be the breath in your lungs, the meal you just enjoyed, or the presence of a loved one. As you make gratitude a habit, you’ll begin to see how God is weaving goodness into every part of your life story.

What It Means to Live Authentically Through God’s Eyes

Living authentically is about walking in truth. It means letting go of the pressures of the world, the opinions of others, and the weight of expectations that don’t belong to us.

From the time I can remember, I have felt a deep calling to teach, to encourage, and to help others discover who they truly are in Christ. Recently, that calling took on a new dimension when I completed an intensive program to become a Certified Authenticity Life Coach.

On my very first day of certification, I met with a woman who faced a struggle many of us can relate to, choosing between pleasing others and honoring her own God-given path. She has a servant’s heart, always eager to help, but this time she was torn. Someone wanted her to take on a responsibility that didn’t align with her true calling, and she felt pressured. Her heart said no, but her fear of disappointing others said yes.

That moment reminded me of the truth found in Psalm 139:13 (NKJV):
“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.”

God did not create us by accident. He carefully designed every part of who we are, our bodies, our personalities, our emotions, and even our unique ways of serving others. When we ignore that divine design and allow others to push us away from our true purpose, we step out of alignment with the life God created us to live.

The Holy Spirit whispers to each of us, guiding us toward the purpose that brings glory to God and fulfillment to our souls. Your talents, your passions, and your voice are not random; they are gifts meant to be used authentically.

Jesus said in John 8:32 (NKJV):
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Living authentically is about walking in that truth. It means letting go of the pressures of the world, the opinions of others, and the weight of expectations that don’t belong to us. Instead, we anchor ourselves in the promises of God.

When we choose to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” as we are reminded in Matthew 6:33 (NKJV):
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

…we find a freedom this world cannot give. We discover peace, joy, and fulfillment, not because life is perfect, but because our hearts are aligned with God’s will.

To live authentically through God’s eyes is to live in truth. It’s to accept that He made us intentionally. We are to love ourselves as His creation, and boldly walk in the path He has prepared.

When we do this, life becomes lighter. Our service becomes more meaningful. And our joy? It overflows.

Reflection

Ask yourself today: Am I living the life God designed for me, or am I letting the expectations of others pull me away from His purpose? Remember, authenticity in Christ is not selfish; it is obedience. When you embrace the person God created you to be, you not only walk in freedom, but you also bless others with the unique gifts only you can give.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for creating me with intention and love. Help me to hear Your voice above all others and to walk boldly in the path You have prepared for me. Teach me to live authentically, seeking Your Kingdom first, and trusting that everything I need will be added in Your perfect timing. May my life be a reflection of Your truth and grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Destructive Power of Gossip

Gossip not only harms the one being spoken about, but it also damages the heart of the one spreading it.

At first glance, gossip can seem harmless. A whispered conversation here, a casual remark there. It may even feel like a way to bond with others. But gossip is far from innocent. Words spoken in secret often have the power to wound, destroy reputations, and leave people feeling broken and isolated.

The Bible warns us many times about the dangers of gossip. “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends” (Proverbs 16:28, NIV). What may feel like light talk in the moment can actually sever relationships and plant seeds of distrust that last a lifetime.

Gossip not only harms the one being spoken about, but it also damages the heart of the one spreading it. Jesus reminds us that “everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36, NIV). Our words are not empty. They carry weight, either building others up or tearing them down.

For those who have been the target of gossip, the pain can run deep. Hurtful words have a way of echoing in our hearts long after they were spoken. But God offers healing. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” If gossip has left you wounded, know that God sees your pain and draws near to comfort you.

As followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. Instead of gossiping, we are commanded to use our words for encouragement. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs” (Ephesians 4:29, NIV).

Imagine if, instead of tearing others down with gossip, we chose to speak life into them. Imagine if we guarded our tongues and replaced idle chatter with words of hope, kindness, and truth.

Allow me to distinguish the difference between sharing about others in a private counseling session and sharing about others in a gossiping session. When you share with your counselor, it is not considered gossip. In counseling, your resolve can be significantly enhanced by knowing the details of who you are referring to, as the counselor guides you toward healing and resolution. On the other hand, sharing about others in any other situation would rightfully be considered gossiping.

Sharing about others can even be disguised as helpful when it is, in fact, gossip at its finest. For example, when someone says, “I’m only sharing this with you so you know what to pray for,” that’s not concern, it’s gossip wrapped in spiritual language. Don’t fall into that misconception. Instead, pray for others without needing to reveal their private struggles. God already knows the details.

Today, let us take a moment to reflect:

Are my words drawing people closer to Christ, or are they sowing division?
Do I use conversations to build trust or to spread rumors?
How can I encourage someone today with words that heal rather than words that harm?

Let us commit to being people who speak with love, grace, and integrity. After all, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21, ESV). May we choose life, always.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to guard my tongue and resist the temptation to gossip. Let my words be filled with grace, encouragement, and truth. Heal those who have been hurt by careless speech, and use me as a vessel of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Forgiving Ourselves: Walking in God’s Grace

When you have repented and asked God for forgiveness, He has already forgiven you. If the Creator of the universe has washed you clean, who are you to keep punishing yourself?

I wrote a blog post titled “Forgiving Ourselves: Embracing Who We Are Today.”

In the above-mentioned post, I share how we should not beat ourselves up because of our past decisions and behaviors. In today’s post, I want to include the same message; however, I want to back it up with sound biblical references.

Friends, as most of us are aware, one of the greatest challenges we face in life is forgiving ourselves. Our past mistakes can feel like chains, holding us back from peace and joy. To make matters harder, some people continue to remind us of who we used to be. They keep pointing to our old failures instead of recognizing the new life God is building within us.

But here’s the truth: in Christ, we are not defined by who we were yesterday; We are renewed, redeemed, and restored today.

God Has Already Forgiven You

The Bible tells us in 1 John 1:9:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

When you have repented and asked God for forgiveness, He has already forgiven you. If the Creator of the universe has washed you clean, who are you to keep punishing yourself? Carrying guilt that God has already lifted is like trying to wear chains He has broken.

Letting Go of the Old Self

Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:17:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Your past is not your prison. Your mistakes do not have the final word. Through Christ, you have been given a new identity. If others cannot see your growth, it does not erase the transformation God has done in you.

Renewing Your Mind

Forgiving ourselves means we stop replaying old regrets and start focusing on the grace of God at work in us now. Romans 12:2 encourages us:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Your mind will try to drag you back to the past, but God calls you to live in the freedom of today. That renewal allows you to see yourself the way He sees you, loved, forgiven, and full of purpose.

Walking in Newness of Life

Every sunrise is a reminder of God’s mercy. Lamentations 3:22-23 says:

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

That means each day is a fresh start. Yesterday’s mistakes don’t define today’s opportunities.

So stop beating yourself up. Stop agreeing with the voices that only remember who you used to be. God has already declared you free.

You are forgiven. You are renewed. You are a new creation in Christ.

And that is what matters most.

Forgiving Ourselves: Embracing Who We Are Today

Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing what happened or pretending it didn’t matter. It means choosing not to keep punishing yourself for something you cannot change.

A sunrise notes the beginning of the day.

One of the hardest things we face in life is learning to forgive ourselves. Mistakes, regrets, and wrong turns are part of every human journey, yet many of us struggle with letting go of our past. Sometimes, it feels even harder because people around us keep reminding us of who we used to be. They may only see the version of us who made those mistakes, not the person we’ve worked hard to become.

But here’s the truth: who you are now matters far more than who you were then.

The Weight of the Past

We all have moments we wish we could erase. Words we wish we hadn’t spoken. Decisions we wish we hadn’t made. For some, those memories replay in our minds like a never-ending film. Add to that the voices of people who refuse to let us move forward, and it can feel impossible to break free from the weight of yesterday.

But holding on to the past doesn’t change it. All it does is rob us of peace in the present.

Shifting the Perspective

The real question isn’t, “What mistakes did I make?” The real question is, “Who have I become because of them?” Every wrong step teaches us something. Every stumble strengthens us. Every regret sharpens our awareness. Growth often comes from the very things we wish had never happened.

If others can’t see your growth, that’s their limitation, not yours. You are not obligated to remain chained to the version of yourself that no longer exists.

Letting Go of Self-Blame

Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing what happened or pretending it didn’t matter. It means choosing not to keep punishing yourself for something you cannot change.

Think about it this way:

Would you hold someone else’s worst day against them forever?
Would you deny someone else the chance to grow, heal, and change?

If not, then why deny yourself that same grace?

Walking Forward in Freedom

Every sunrise brings a chance to live differently, to make better choices, and to create a story that reflects the best of who you are today. Don’t let the echoes of your past drown out the voice of your present.

So stop beating yourself up. Stop rehearsing the old stories. Stop agreeing with people who only want to define you by yesterday’s chapters.

You’ve grown. You’ve learned. You’ve changed.

And that’s what matters most.

“You Do You” and Other Left-Handed Compliments

Left-handed compliments are passive-aggressive. They’re sly. And they often leave you wondering, was that supposed to be nice?

Since publishing my book Transformation, I’ve been on a personal mission, one that’s both exciting and a little terrifying, to become the most authentic version of myself. I’ve been journaling the journey, collecting the lessons, and slowly shaping them into my next book, Nurturing the Soul. My hope is that it will one day serve as a gentle light for others walking their own path toward self-acceptance.

The very first step? Deciding I was done pretending.

For years, I wore a mask so seamlessly that even I forgot it was there. I smiled, I served, I poured myself out for others, so much so that I started losing sight of the person underneath the performance. Don’t get me wrong, I value kindness and service deeply. But somewhere along the way, “serving” others became a cover for something else: a fear of letting people down. And when you fear disappointing others, you learn to swallow your own needs… and sometimes even swallow insults.

One type of insult I’ve swallowed more times than I can count is what’s known as the left-handed compliment.

What’s a Left-handed Compliment?

Also called a “backhanded compliment,” it’s a remark that sounds like praise on the surface but is wrapped around a little barb of criticism. It’s a way of smiling at you while simultaneously poking you in the ribs.

It’s passive-aggressive. It’s sly. And it often leaves you wondering, was that supposed to be nice?

The truth is, these kinds of comments are less about lifting you up and more about putting you in your place. And while they might seem harmless to the speaker, they can sting, especially if you’re used to brushing things off in the name of keeping the peace.

So, let’s talk examples.

10 Examples of Left-handed Compliments

“You do you.”
Translation: I think your choice is weird, but hey, if you want to be wrong, that’s on you.
“Wow, you look great… for your age.”
Translation: You look good, but let’s not forget you’re no spring chicken.
“I could never pull that off, but it works for you.”
Translation: That outfit is questionable, but somehow you manage to survive it.
“You’re so brave to wear something like that.”
Translation: I would never wear that because I think it’s awful.
“You’re actually pretty good at this.”
Translation: I assumed you’d be terrible, but you’ve exceeded my low expectations.
“That haircut makes you look… different.”
Translation: I don’t like it, but I’ll pretend I’m neutral.
“You look so much better than you used to.”
Translation: You were a mess before.
“You’re so confident!”
Translation: I wouldn’t have the nerve to do what you’re doing, because it’s risky (or silly).
“I wish I had the freedom to dress like you do.”
Translation: You clearly don’t care what people think, and maybe you should.
“You’re surprisingly articulate.”
Translation: I didn’t expect you to sound intelligent.

Nurture Your Soul

Learning to spot these backhanded compliments has been one of the most freeing parts of my journey. They no longer slip by unnoticed. And more importantly, I no longer feel the need to laugh them off to avoid making things awkward.

Peeling off the mask isn’t just about being honest with others; it’s about being honest with yourself when something doesn’t feel right.

The more I practice this, the more I realize that nurturing the soul sometimes means pruning away the voices that don’t feed it. And I think that’s a compliment worth giving… and receiving.

Preparing for Greatness

Whenever God prepares you for greatness, He often begins by removing everything that no longer serves your growth.

Whenever God prepares you for greatness, He often begins by removing everything that no longer serves your growth, like people, habits, places, and even comforts that once felt essential. What feels like loss is often divine pruning. He breaks down what is unstable so He can rebuild something unshakable within you. This breaking is not punishment, it is preparation. It’s God clearing the path for a stronger, wiser, more refined version of you.

Just like a caterpillar cannot become a butterfly without shedding its former self, you cannot transform by clinging to what once was. The cocoon is a place of isolation and undoing, but it’s also the sacred space where wings are formed.

You may feel like your world is collapsing, but in truth, it’s being realigned. Some people will fall away, not because they dislike you, but because they are no longer meant to go where God is taking you. They were part of your past, not your purpose. And that’s okay. As one wise man said, “It’s better to walk alone than to walk with those who are going nowhere.”

Let God do the removing, the refining, and the reshaping. What He rebuilds will be greater than what you lost.