I read a story during my morning devotional this week that brought conviction to my heart. The anecdote touched me even more because it spoke of a subject that I had just been tested on the day before: steadfast kindness. It’s the story of an old man who always carried a small can of oil wherever he went. If he came across a door that squeaked, he would squirt a little oil on the hinges. If he tried to enter a gate that was rusty and hard to open, he would promptly oil the latch. Everywhere Continue Reading
All Articles by Patricia Holbrook
Grace is amazing. Breathtaking… Empowering… Everlasting… All-surviving… Grace makes you soar.
And as you browse through my messages,
Come Soar with me!
Do Your Words Promote Peace… Or Provoke War?
The story of Abigail is found on 1 Samuel 25 Her husband honored his name once again by disrespecting a great man of war - worse yet, the anointed future king of Israel! Nabal, “the fool”, a rich business man, had denied hospitality to David and his men, even though David had blessed his household and offered peace. His folly angered the future king, who prepared his men for war. And then there was Abigail - wisdom and discernment personified. No, seriously. Abigail was the full package: Continue Reading
Sometimes Gratitude Is Changing Perspective {Atlanta Journal Constitution}
“For several minutes, we both sat silently watching the gulls soar overhead, listening to the surf break on the beach. Then Jones began to gather the empty cans and place them in the plastic bag. Standing, he extended his hand and helped me to my feet. ‘Incidentally,’ he said with a smile, ‘you ate sardines and Vienna sausages in the sand. I dined on surf and turf with an ocean view.’ He slapped me on the back. ‘It’s all about perspective.’” The text above is an excerpt from one of the most Continue Reading
Two Lessons on Thanksgiving in One Day
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 It happened last Sunday. As churches across America started celebrating Thanksgiving week, I had a front-seat opportunity to witness thanksgiving attitudes from two opposite altitudes: the valley and the mountaintop. I was walking into the choir room when I saw her. She had her usual smile across her face, but her eyes were shining with Continue Reading
Find Purpose While Sharing God’s Love {Atlanta Journal Constitution}
Not long ago, I had a conversation with a lady in her 70s, who is suffering from depression because one of her daughters is absent from her life. This daughter is alive and well, but she chooses not to participate in her mother’s life, even though she lives close. Almost every time I talk to this mother, the conversation turns to the pain and suffering that she is experiencing with her daughter’s absence. And every single time, my advice to my friend is the same. “You cannot help other Continue Reading
Atados… Al Legalismo
“Estad, pues, firmes en la libertad con que Cristo nos hizo libres, y no estéis otra vez sujetos al yugo de esclavitud.” Gálatas 5:1 Ella observaba como el pájaro posaba en la silla del patio por varias mañanas seguidas. Ella tomaba su taza de café y lo veía desde la ventana de la cocina. Cantaba las canciones más bellas, mientras el sol de la mañana bañaba sus plumas azules. Un día, ella tuvo una idea. Ella trajo una jaula bella, abrió la puerta y colocó una semilla de pájaro muy Continue Reading
