Living with integrity may cost us in the short term, but it blesses us in ways the world can never offer. When we refuse to conform to the world and instead let God direct our thinking, we walk in His perfect will.
Scripture Reading
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Standing Firm in Integrity
In business and in life, it’s easy to feel the pressure to do what everyone else is doing. Sometimes that pressure comes in the form of a subtle nudge: “Just bend the truth a little.” Other times, it’s more direct: “If you don’t cut corners, you’ll fall behind.”
I am a real estate broker, and I remember a time early in my career when I faced a moment when I was urged to smooth over the facts in order to make a transaction move forward more quickly. On the surface, it seemed harmless. No one would get hurt, and no one might even notice. But in my spirit, I felt the weight of that decision. Would I conform to the pattern of the world, or would I stand firm in truth?
I chose integrity. The deal didn’t move as fast as others hoped, but God gave me something much more valuable: peace in my heart and the confidence of knowing I had honored Him. Later, I realized He also strengthened my reputation. Clients knew they could trust me because I was unwilling to compromise, even if it meant moving things along more quickly. Cutting out steps in the process would have meant closing the transaction sooner; however, these missed steps had the potential to be an issue in later years.
That’s the beauty of living God’s way. Integrity may cost us in the short term, but it blesses us in ways the world can never offer. Romans 12:2 reminds us that when we refuse to conform and instead let God direct our thinking, we walk in His perfect will.
Reflection Question
Think of a time when you were tempted to compromise your integrity. How did you respond? Looking back, what do you think God wanted to teach you in that moment?
Practical Application
Today, commit to one action that reflects integrity in your work or personal life. It may be as simple as telling the truth in a difficult situation, keeping your word even when it’s inconvenient, or refusing to take an easy shortcut. Trust that God will honor your obedience and strengthen your witness.
Prayer: Lord, I don’t want to conform to the ways of this world. Help me to stand firm in truth and integrity, even when it costs me something. Renew my mind so that my choices reflect Your will, and let my life be a testimony of honesty that points others to You. Amen.
God’s timing is not always ours. We may feel abandoned, but the truth is, He is preparing us for what’s ahead. Seasons of silence are not signs of rejection; they are times of preparation and growth.
Scripture Reading “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
Reflection Recently, I found myself walking through some of the lowest valleys of my life. At seventy years old, I thought I would have “found” myself by now; surely my purpose would be clear. Instead, I struggled with silence from heaven and the weight of unanswered questions.
I tried harder, worked longer, and sought to prove myself worthy of God’s attention. But instead of fulfillment, I felt emptier than ever. Then, as if silence weren’t enough, I began to lose loved ones, friendships, income, and even peace of mind. My life felt like it was unraveling thread by thread.
In that place of despair, I cried out one more time. Though I still didn’t hear an answer, God met me where I was. At church, during worship, the pastor prayed over me, and for the first time in a long time, I felt joy breaking through the hollow spaces of my heart. Later, a friend reminded me that this season of loss was preparation. God was not taking from me to punish me; He was making room for where He was leading me.
That reminder brought me back to Scripture: to everything there is a season. When we wait on the Lord, even in silence, He promises to renew our strength and lift us on eagle’s wings.
Application God’s timing is not always ours. We may feel abandoned, but the truth is, He is preparing us for what’s ahead. Seasons of silence are not signs of rejection; they are times of preparation and growth.
Reflection Question Have you ever felt like God was silent and doubted His timing? How might God be preparing you in this very season?
Prayer Father, thank You for reminding me that Your timing is perfect, even when I don’t understand it. Help me trust You in the silence, and strengthen me to wait on You with hope. Renew my spirit so that I may walk faithfully into the season You are preparing for me. Amen.
I wrote this post because people often ask about my political beliefs. But when I try to explain where I stand, especially when my views differ from theirs, I’m often met with interruptions, condescension, or outright dismissal. Instead of having a respectful dialogue, I’m treated as if my beliefs are too offensive to even be heard.
Let me be clear: I listen. I stay open to what others have to say because I know we live in a world full of misinformation, manipulation, and media spin. Deepfakes, fake news, and agenda-driven narratives are everywhere. So, who can we really trust?
The truth is, in today’s world, “truth” often depends on what we choose to believe, and too often, our beliefs are shaped by sources that aren’t as honest or reliable as they claim to be. That’s why I think for myself. I seek out facts. And I form beliefs based on personal experience, reflection, and discernment.
This post isn’t about converting anyone to my way of thinking. It’s about having the space to share my perspective without being silenced, mocked, or dismissed. These are my beliefs. My truth. And I’m choosing to express them here, fully and freely, because every voice deserves to be heard with dignity, even if others don’t agree.
I’ve come to a place in life where I understand what matters most to me and my household. When I vote, it’s not about political parties. It’s about policies, policies that allow me to build the life I’ve worked hard to create.
Why I Vote the Way I Do
Over the years, I’ve noticed specific patterns. People in different life stages or economic situations often align with different parties. For instance, those working for others or facing financial hardship may find that Democratic policies better support their immediate needs, such as healthcare, job programs, or housing support. I can relate. When I was just starting out, I leaned that way, too. I needed support, and I appreciated the programs that helped me get on my feet.
But later, when I became a business owner, my perspective shifted. I began to see how certain regulations and tax requirements made it harder for me to keep my business going, let alone help it grow. In one particularly challenging year, I had to lay off and let go of my employees. The financial strain from government mandates was just too much.
Then, when the political landscape changed and new policies were introduced, ones that lightened the tax burden and made running a business more feasible, I was able to rebuild. It wasn’t about party loyalty. It was about what allowed me to continue providing jobs, serving my clients, and supporting my family.
I believe in paying my fair share. I believe in treating employees well. And anyone who has worked with me knows that I give generously when I’m able. But to give, I first need the freedom to grow, and sometimes, that means voting for policies that support businesses.
I also understand that people have different needs. Some voters may base their decisions on issues such as education, healthcare, or the environment. That’s their right, and I respect it. We all live different lives, and we all vote with the hope of improving them.
As for political affiliations, I don’t claim any one label. I vote based on alignment with my values and the future I want for my home. Do I agree with everything any one party says or does? No. But I try to choose the candidates whose policies will best serve my family’s needs.
On the topic of immigration, I believe this country is built on the strength and beauty of its immigrant roots. I’ve known many families who came here legally, worked hard, and became citizens. What I struggle with is the idea of bypassing the process. Like any home, I believe our country deserves the right to know who’s coming in and why, just as I would want to know before someone walks into my own home uninvited. That’s not about a lack of compassion. It’s about order, safety, and fairness.
At the end of the day, no matter who holds office, I choose to pray for them. Whether I voted for them or not, whether I like them or not, I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in praying for wisdom, for guidance, and for leadership that benefits all of us. That’s what my faith teaches me.
For People of Faith
For those who are people of faith, I think it’s important to remember what Scripture says about our leaders. Here are a few verses that guide me:
1 Timothy 2:1–2 (ESV) – “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions…”
Romans 13:1 (ESV) – “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God…”
Philippians 4:6 (ESV) – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
These verses help center me when politics feel divisive or discouraging. I believe our time here on earth is part of a greater test: to live by our faith and our values, regardless of what the world looks like around us. My role, as I see it, isn’t to complain or tear others down, but to live out my beliefs through love, prayer, and trust in God’s bigger plan.
So, when I cast my vote, I think about the bigger picture, my household, my faith, and how I can best contribute to the well-being of those around me. And I trust that others are doing the same, even if their choices look different from mine.
This is simply who I am: someone who chooses prayer over protest, love over labels, and faith over fear. I may not get everything right, but I try to walk this journey with integrity, grace, and compassion for all people.
Let’s Talk
I shared these thoughts not to argue or persuade, but to invite an honest and respectful conversation. These are my beliefs, shaped by my experiences and perspective. You may agree, or you may not, and that’s okay. My only ask is that we listen to each other with open minds and mutual respect. Let’s have the kind of discussion where every voice is heard, even when we don’t see eye to eye.
We grow up in life expecting that life will be grand as we move out on our own and make our own decisions. Instead, as we maneuver through the world, we are met with disappointments, broken promises, and broken hearts. We discover the reality of this world. We find out that living life is not easy.
We discover that no one can guarantee us a life of bliss. Even God, our Creator, does not promise that we will live a life without chaos. He does say, however, that He will carry us through the chaos. See Isaiah 43:2 (NIV) –
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
There is so much turmoil in the world, and I know that worrying about it day and night will not do more than cause my blood pressure to rise. And so, it is my quest to live a life without worrying about all of those matters. I’m not saying I do not care about what happens to others in the world, and I do my part to help others when I can. I mean to say here that I prefer not to spend my life worrying about turmoil day in and day out.
It is easy to become overwhelmed, and when that happens, I refer to the bible. One of my “go-to” passages is in Matthew 6. In particular, the verses in Matthew 6:25-34 make me stop and recognize that my life is all taken care of. After reading those verses, I ask myself, what am I worried about? I realize God has me in the palm of His hand. He will make sure my needs are met. No matter what I need, He will provide it.
Even when it seems all is lost, somehow, if I step out of the way and let God have control of my life circumstances, everything works out more beautifully than my little mind could have ever planned it.
Oh, please don’t think I go through life willy-nilly, without plans. Oh, I plan! I plan many things, but here is what I do now that I did not do in the past. I take my plans and discern as best as I can if my plans are in tune with the desires of God. And, not being all-knowing, I am fortunate enough to be smart enough to give my plans to the Lord, who intercedes on my behalf to take my plans to God. I ask the Lord to look at my plans, and if they fit in with what God has planned for me, He would take them to God for me.
And then I go on about my life, and as my life unfolds, I see which plans come to fruition and which plans go by the wayside. I am pleased either way because I know God has my back.
Do Not Worry
I do not worry about things as much now as I had in the past. Please read Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) to see what God wants us to know about worrying.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
When I read that final sentence, “Each day has enough trouble of its own,” I realize that God wants us to wake up each day and receive what He has in store for us in that day and that day alone. Isn’t it wonderful that our Heavenly Father takes care of us so that we do not have to worry about anything? We don’t need to worry about tomorrow. We only need to get through today.
You Are Not Alone
When you feel that all is lost, when you feel like you can’t possibly live another day, reach out to your Heavenly Father. He loves you, and He will carry you through whatever you are going through at any stage of your life.
When you feel sad, it is okay to cry. And, I want to encourage you to let go of your tendency to turn to the coping skills you may have used in the past. Instead, rely on God because He has you in the palm of His hands. He can remove all obstacles to make your world right. Rely on God for all things, big and small.
Reach for your bible for words of encouragement. When you feel that all is lost, remember the following verses that offer words of hope. Remember, God created you; God loves you, and God will never let you fail.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you
And remember that each time we go through a hardship, it is likely that we are going through that situation so that we can learn to trust in God more. Our Lord is here to help us get through life. One way He does that is by helping us learn to lean on Him for everything. You have noticed by now, that each time the Lord brings you through to the other side of a hardship, especially those times when you relied on Him, you came out of it a much stronger person than you were before. He has you in the palm of His hands.
We all have those days when we are so exhausted that we don’t
even know if we will be able to get through the day. We burn the candle at both
ends, we work hard, getting up early and going to bed late, trying to stuff 36
hours of tasks, errands, a social life, and recreation into a 24 hour day. At
some point we begin to wonder what life is all about. Doubt and fear begin to
etch their way into our minds. We feel tugged in too many directions and have a
difficult time figuring out which way to go. We lose focus as we chase after the
fame and fortune we so desire. We lose focus as we try to make it happen.
Whenever we find ourselves wandering and floundering through
life, worrying if this or that will happen, it is time to stop. Take a break.
Take a step back.
Refocus.
Change your goal. Change your direction. Change your thought
process so that, instead of focusing on your goals, you are now focusing on our
Heavenly Father. Seek His wisdom and guidance for what He wants you to do each
day. Start each day and each task with a prayer asking our Father what He would
have you do. Trust in the answer. Trust in the results.
Trust in the direction our Father takes you. When you abide
in Him, you will see that you struggle less in life because you have given your
life’s direction over a God who loves you unconditionally and wants only what
is best for you. There is no better direction to go than that.
Praise be to the Lord,
to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalm 68:19 (NIV)
Voice of Hope by Marlene 