Our greatest dreams are great to have. They motivate us individually and can be quite beneficial to our families and community…but, they are nothing compared to what God wants to see happen.

When we overwork ourselves and other people we step out of the rhythm of the life we were intended to have and the results are deteriorating. This is why God doesn’t just invite us to rest our bodies, minds, and souls…he commands it.

There is one more thing that comes with storms that most of us often overlook because it is underneath the surface: moisture. Even though storms can bring noise, destruction, anxiety, and stress they also bring moisture.

God had retaught and affirmed me that this week was designed for me to be exhausted, and that being exhausted was going to aid in God be glorified. God was calling me to lead from exhaustion...which was actually my biggest fear going into the week.

Dear Church, tread lightly. I believe that we are at, or near, a very pivotal part of the history of Christianity. How we handle these tough situations and differences between us will say so much more about us than the policies we inevitably land on.

The harsh reality is that many of us struggle with acceptance due to the fact that we have only projected "half-true" versions of ourselves. People have accepted these "half-true" versions of us, and that helps...but it doesn't make us feel wholly loved and truly accepted.