BIEnvenido enero de 2026
'for the people who help us remember'
If we are lucky,
if we have eyes to see it
We will have at least one person
who consistently
-no matter the weather of the day-
will remind us of what is true,
when we most need
to hear it.
When the world is losing its ever loving
mind,
or the times we are on our knees
Broken with grief or disease
And it is easy to forget or number out
or hate yourself or others.
This person speaks God's truth to us
And says 'don't sleep on who you were
made to be
Show up fully
Don't slide out of the driver's seat of
your own life and hand fear the keys
God said over and over and over again
Don't be afraid
Remember how incredibly beloved you
are, whose you are
Remember what you deeply believe'
The reminder-ers in our lives
committed to loving us unconditionally
A love not precious or fragile and never
perfect
but tested, walked out and real
Making it gorgeously and gloriously
gritty.
Written by Brooke Erin Stout
December 2025
in celebration of Pastor's and Elder Dean's 50th
Wedding Anniversary
Check out Be The Bridge's Online Academy!
Be The Bridge continues to be an invaluable resource for me on my personal journey of racial healing and a guide as I continue to grow in how I love and show up for my neighbors. The book Be The Bridge by founder, Latasha Morrison was a game changer for me. I have two extra copies and am happy to share if you are interested in having one to study. I am looking for local teammates to continue to study with and grow with! Let me know if you are interested!!
Enero's reflection frOM DR. MARTIN luther King, JR
"Only through an inner spiritual transformation do we gain the strength to fight vigorously the evils of the world in a humble and loving spirit. The transformed nonconformist, moreover, never yields to the passive sort of patience that is an excuse to do nothing. And this very transformation saves him from speaking irresponsible words that estrange without reconciling and from making hasty judgments that are blind to the necessity of social progress. He recognizes that social change will not come overnight, yet he works as though it is an imminent possibility."
The quote and passage above come from The Strength to Love by Dr. King Jr. It is a collection of his most requested sermons and SUCH an encouraging book!
The question of whether I am a Christian or not has made me inwardly cringe for years now, as I do not identify with ,or even recognize my faith in what my country is doing in 'Christ's name'. This year as I have been studying in preparation to celebrate Dr. King's life and legacy, reading his writings and sermons, I reclaim my faith. I do love and believe in Jesus and I need the power of the Holy Spirit to help me continue to heal and be courageous and loving to all neighbors this year. I need more than a tender heart; I need a tough mind as Dr. King spoke about. I have not found a way to walk in that tension without intentionally keeping my eyes on my God.
Questions? I'd love to help support and encourage you!
Understanding racism and working to change our own hearts and our communities to be more honoring and loving of everyone is a life long journey that is SOOOOO WORTH IT!!!! Where ever you are at in your own journey let me know if I can help encourage you as a fellow teammate who is on her own path of growth and change.