I think we can all agree—these last few years haven’t been easy. We’ve all felt it, haven’t we? Holding Onto Hope can seem difficult. The weight of the world is pressing down, the uncertainty creeping in with every news report, the way it feels like we’re all just holding our breath, waiting for the next disaster. It’s a lot. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or maybe even scared, you’re not alone. I’m right there with you.
There’s something so human about wanting to protect the people we love from the chaos of the world, but what do we do when the world feels like it’s falling apart? How do we keep going when everything feels like too much? I don’t have all the answers, but I do believe this: even during the most challenging storms, there is still hope. There has to be.
Join me for a conversation about how to hold onto hope and find peace in turbulent times.
Feeling the Weight of the World
Let’s just start by acknowledging the truth: everything feels heavy right now. It’s not just in your head. You’ve been carrying so much, and it’s okay to admit it’s hard. Sometimes, we’re afraid to say it out loud because it feels like if we do, the weight might finally crush us. But the opposite is true—when we speak our fears, worries, and sadness, we begin to take away their power.
It’s okay to feel what you’re feeling. And it’s okay to take a moment to say, “This is hard.” Because it is hard, you’re human. You’re not supposed to be able to handle all of this without feeling it. And you’re not alone in carrying it.
Turning Toward What You Can Control
When the world feels like it’s spinning out of control, one of the most powerful things we can do is focus on the small things we can control. I know it might not seem like much, but the most minor actions can help us feel grounded in times of chaos. Maybe it’s making your bed in the morning or taking a few moments of quiet with your coffee. Perhaps it’s choosing to turn off the news for a while and let your heart rest.
These small acts remind us that we still have agency and that we can still choose peace even when everything around us feels chaotic.
Finding Peace in the Present Moment
I know it’s tempting to worry about tomorrow, next week, or even next year, especially when the future feels so uncertain. But here’s the thing: all we truly have is right now. This moment. And if we can learn to come back to the present, even just for a few minutes, we can find a little peace amidst the storm.
Try this with me—take a deep breath, hold it for a second, and slowly let it out. Do that a few more times. Close your eyes if you want to. Feel your feet on the ground; feel the air filling your lungs. This moment, right now, is where you are. You are safe. You are loved. The world might be chaotic, but in this moment, you are okay.
Leaning On Others
When life feels too heavy, it’s natural to want to retreat, to pull away from people. But that’s when we need community the most. We need to lean on each other to remind ourselves that we don’t have to do this alone. Maybe it’s reaching out to a friend or sharing a meal with someone you love. Maybe it’s just sending a text that says, “I’m struggling today. Can we talk?”
We weren’t meant to carry this burden alone. And when we share it with others, it gets just a little bit lighter. We find strength in those connections, even when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.
Holding Onto Hope
I won’t lie to you—there are days when hope feels distant. But I’ve also found that hope has a way of showing up when we least expect it. Sometimes, it’s in a kind word from a friend, a quiet moment of reflection, or the beauty of a sunrise after a long night. Hope is what keeps us going, even when we don’t know what the future holds.
Desmond Tutu once said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” And I believe that with all my heart. Even when things feel hopeless, light is still there, waiting to be found.
A Final Word on Holding Onto Hope
I want to remind you of something important: you are strong. You’ve carried so much already, and while I wish I could tell you the hard times are over, what I can tell you is this—you are not alone. We are in this together. And together, we will get through it.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed today, take a breath. Feel the ground beneath your feet. Reach out to someone you trust. And remember, even in the midst of chaos, peace is possible. It might not come all at once, but it comes in moments—moments where we choose love over fear, hope over despair, connection over isolation.
Albert Einstein said, “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” Understanding ourselves, our emotions, and the people around us is where peace begins. So let’s keep seeking it together.
Wrapping Up Holding Onto Hope
In an increasingly overwhelming world, it’s easy to feel the weight of disasters, unrest, and political turmoil. This blog acknowledges that heaviness and offers heartfelt advice on how to find peace amidst the chaos. We can find moments of peace by focusing on what we can control, grounding ourselves in the present, leaning on others, and holding onto hope. The blog’s message is simple: you are not alone; together, we will get through these difficult times. It emphasizes the importance of understanding ourselves and others as the foundation for peace.
Quote: ”Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” — Albert Einstein
Scripture for Holding Onto Hope:
Jeremiah 29:11“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Isaiah 41:10“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.”
Psalm 46:1“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Philippians 4:6-7“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Lamentations 3:22-23“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.”
Romans 15:13“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
1 Peter 5:7“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Joshua 1:9“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Matthew 11:28-30“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Do you need to Kindle Your Spark? Some might say they would like to (re)kindle their spark. With the demands of everyday life, we can often feel like what we once had has all but disappeared. If you feel this way, I want to let you know you aren’t alone.
Today, my friend, Rachel Marie Martin and I discuss how to Kindle Your Spark. We want you to look in the mirror and not wondered, “Where did I go?” It’s true life is busy, but we don’t have to feel poured out and empty. The dreams, hopes, and joy we longed back in the day don’t die. We can reignite that inner fire we often lose as moms.
Join us for an honest conversation about how to reignite that inner fire within.
Why Do We Lose Our Spark
Moms are the heart of the home. We’re caregivers, problem solvers, chauffeurs, chefs, and a million other things. But while meeting everyone else’s needs, we often forget about our own. The spark dims as we trade our dreams for endless to-do lists, and we start to believe that who we are now is who we’ll always be—tired, worn-out, and lost. Or we lose our identity by replacing it with I’m a mom, wife, daughter, or ____________. But you and I both know there’s more to the story. We are more than what we do or the titles we wear.
Give Yourself Time to Find Yourself
When was the last time you did something just for you? I’m not talking about the two-minute coffee break while the kids are napping. I mean carving out real time for yourself to reflect on what brings you joy and lights up your soul. I know it’s hard. And now I’m watching my daughter and daughter-in-love struggle to get any break with a toddler and newborn underfoot.
Life is busy, and you’re needed by so many people. But finding yourself again isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. You are more than the roles you fill every day.
Allow yourself space to dream again, to rediscover the passions that made you feel alive before life got so complicated. It won’t happen overnight, but little by little, you’ll start to see glimpses of the person you were and, more importantly, the person you’re becoming.
Remove the Regulators That Eliminate Possibilites
You know those little voices that say, “You can’t,” “You’re too old,” or “It’s too late”? Yeah, those. They’re regulators—limiters that keep you from taking any action towards your goals. They tell you that what you desire isn’t possible. But those thoughts and feelings aren’t always accurate.
Remove those mental barriers. Replace them with, “What if?” What if you allowed yourself to pursue that dream, no matter how big or small? What if you stopped limiting yourself based on what you think you’re capable of and instead just tried? The truth is, you’ll never know what’s possible until you start removing the limits you’ve placed on yourself.
Fight for Your Story
Mom, your story is still being written. You’ve gone through hard things, and yes, maybe your spark has dimmed along the way. But that doesn’t mean the story ends here. You have a choice: You can let life’s challenges steal your light, or you can fight for your story—fight to find the woman inside of you who refuses to give up.
It’s not always easy. Some days, it feels downright impossible. But you’re not alone in this. We’re in this together, fighting for our stories, fighting for the lives we want, and fighting to show up as the women we know we’re meant to be. May I add that you can be a fabulous wife and mom and still keep the fire of who you are alive?
Be Willing to Be Vulnerable
And here’s the final key: vulnerability. Let go of the idea that you have to have it all together all the time. That’s just a lie we tell ourselves. The truth is, it’s in those raw, vulnerable moments that we connect with others and with ourselves the most. Be honest about where you are. It’s okay to say, “I’m struggling,” or “I don’t know who I am right now.” Vulnerability doesn’t make you weak—it makes you brave! I’ve seen too many people portray perfection only to crash when life gets blurry.
When you let yourself be seen, truly seen, you open the door for healing, growth, and transformation. You’ll find your spark again, not by pretending everything is perfect, but by embracing the mess and still choosing to show up.
You Are Worth Fighting For
So today, we asking you to do one thing: fight for your spark. Give yourself permission to chase after it, to fail, to try again. You are worth the fight, and your story is still being written.
Kindle Your Spark
I truly enjoyed reading Get Your Spark Back. Why? Because friend, I’ve lost my spark. I’ve let the fire dim. I lost myself in the various roles I’ve filled. And let me tell you, you have to work to get it back. But you can kindle your spark if you are intentional
Remember: “No decision is a decision.” Rachel Marie Martin
About Rachel Martin Morris
Rachel believes in the power of the human spirit to overcome, to thrive and to find deep joy and because of that she pours out her heart via these platforms: she is the writer behind the site FindingJoy.net and author of Get Your Spark Back, Mom Enough and The Brave Art of Motherhood and a founding partner in Audience Industries – a company designed to train and equip entrepreneurs in their ventures.
Does overcoming obstacles seem nearly impossible? They sure have for me. But, I’ve learned practical ways to overcome obstacles and find a path to getting unstuck that might help you and your children.
We all encounter obstacles, but not everyone has the tools to turn these challenges into stepping stones. With faith, a positive outlook, and a few actionable steps, you can learn how to overcome obstacles that can keep you stuck. Whether you’re struggling with work, your personal life, or your child is struggling, there’s a way to gain forward movement.
While obstacles are common, learning to overcome them can change your future. Challenges don’t have to defeat us or keep us stuck. That’s why consistent time with the Lord and a community of friends can change that.
We all encounter obstacles, but not everyone has the tools to turn these challenges into stepping stones. That’s why I’m excited to share this episode with you and your family. I want you to learn not only how to get unstuck but also how to run your race with excellence.
Overcoming Obstacles by Identifying and Assessing
We can’t overcome obstacles if we don’t understand the problem. Which is why you have to be honest with yourself.
I like to begin by gathering as much information as possible about the circumstances, feelings, behavior, and thought patterns that are keeping me stuck. You can do this too.
Pray and ask the Lord to give you insights
Ask trusted friends or your family what they have observed about me
Write down why you feel the way you feel
Carefully examine where your thoughts and beliefs are coming from that you are believing about yourself.
The benefits of carefully assessing and identifying why you can’t overcome obstacles using these steps can be eye-opening. Once you or your child has completed these steps, I recommend looking for triggers and patterns that you might not realize are happening.
Understanding Triggers and Patterns
Learning to get beyond struggles that might be holding you back, requires identifying triggers and noticing patterns of thought and behavior.
What specific situation causes you to feel stuck?
What is your emotional reaction?
Do you have recurring thoughts and behaviors that cause you to pause?
By spending time on reflective listening, we can identify triggers and patterns of thought and behavior. The words we think and believe about ourselves are powerful, which is why we must not focus on addressing them.
Overcoming Obstacles Through Reflecting Listening
The purpose of reflective listening is to help one understand any deeply held beliefs about oneself or the world. When you take the time to pay attention to what you think or say, you can start to construct a plan that will move you forward.
I’m not good at ______?
I lack self-confidence.
What if I fail?
Fear of failure
Our underlying beliefs can cause internal frustration and emotional paralysis. The next step in getting unstuck is to identify where our thoughts, beliefs, and patterns are coming from.
Acceptance and Skills Development to Overcome Obstacles
Learning to accept where you are is a pathway to knowing what skills you need to develop to move forward. To do this well, we need to learn practical problem-solving skills to deal with specific situations that might be causing us to get stuck. Here are a few
Tell yourself the truth about a situation. Being honest with yourself is essential to learning.
Remind yourself that no one can make you feel or stay stuck. Others may say or do things that knock you down. They don’t have the power to keep you there.
Pray: Ask the Lord to help you develop problem-solving skills. Trying to get around obstacles on your own makes any situation more difficult. God has a plan for your obstacle; you need to know the plan.
Every new skill requires practice. I encourage you to write down the behavior you need to improve, the thoughts you want to change, and the patterns you want to challenge. Remember this: When God instructs us to lay something down, we are told what to pick up. It is easier to replace old habits with new ones. That takes practice.
Evaluate and Readjust
Throughout your life, you will be faced with many obstacles. For this reason, make it a habit to evaluate and readjust as needed. Consider what is working and change what isn’t. There is freedom in the pivot. Your approach to overcoming obstacles will change as you and your children grow and mature.
My prayer is that you can gain insight into the processes you need and learn effective ways to overcome obstacles so that you can move forward. I encourage you to tailor these tips to your specific needs and circumstances. The goal is to equip yourself with skills and tools that you can use when obstacles present themselves.
Overcoming rejection is possible when we focus on our emotional actions, mental actions, physical actions, and spiritual actions! I don’t like to be rejected. And chances are you don’t either? Honestly, no one likes to be rejected, but overcoming rejection is a part of life that we must learn to do well. Today, we’ll continue our topic on rejection. Last week, we focused on navigating rejection. While navigating rejection is vital to understanding what is happening in your child, overcoming rejection helps us protect the bond during the healing process.
It is possible to overcome the sting of rejection and experience the joy of restoration.
Overcoming rejection can be tough, but there are several action steps you can take to heal emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Here are a few suggestions to help you move forward and regain your balance:
To mend these breaks, try to understand the source of rejection. This might take several conversations and sincere prayer, but it does help your hurting hearts mend and see relationships restored. It isn’t easy, but it is worth every step.
Emotional Actions to Overcome Rejection
Understanding these manifestations of rejection is the first step in a long journey of healing and restoration. Verbal rejections cut deep, but they often spring from a place of frustration or a child’s need for autonomy. Physical withdrawal and the pursuit of privacy signal a natural progression towards independence, while criticism and embarrassment reflect their budding self-identity and social consciousness.
Allow Yourself to Feel: Acknowledge your emotions without judgment. It’s okay to feel hurt, disappointed, or frustrated after being rejected. Allowing yourself to truly experience these feelings can actually help us process them more naturally.
Express Your Feelings: Talk about what you’re going through with someone you trust. Expressing your feelings can lighten your emotional load and help you gain insights into your personal experience. Sometimes, just hearing yourself talk can help you understand more about what you need to heal.
Seek Professional Help: If your feelings of rejection are overwhelming, consider talking to a pastor or counselor. They can offer professional guidance to help you work through your emotions constructively.
While all forms of rejection are hurtful, learning to stay focused on your relationship goals will help you overcome the rejection with hope and healing.
Mental Actions to Overcome Rejection
I’ll be honest: being rejected by your child is painful regardless of the type of rejection you experience. The path to restoration is paved with open conversations, where listening is just as critical as talking. It involves acknowledging your child’s feelings without dismissing your own, creating a safe space where vulnerability could lead to understanding.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: Pay attention to and challenge any negative thoughts that arise from rejection. Replace thoughts like “I’m not good enough” with “I am good enough, but this wasn’t the right fit for me.”
Focus on Growth: Use the experience as a catalyst for self-improvement. Whether it’s enhancing skills, expanding your knowledge, or simply cultivating a new mindset, focusing on growth can turn rejection into a stepping stone.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness exercises such as prayer or deep breathing techniques. These practices can help center your thoughts and reduce the rumination often associated with rejection.
While practicing emotional and mental steps to overcoming rejection, there are physical actions your can take that will help you navigate the conflict.
Physical Actions to Overcome Rejection
Stay Active: Engage in regular physical activity. Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and reduce feelings of stress and sadness.
Maintain a Healthy Routine: Ensure you get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, and maintain a regular schedule. A healthy body can support a healthy mind, making you more resilient.
Do Something You Love: Engage in hobbies or activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s painting, hiking, reading, or cooking, doing things you love can provide a great emotional lift and a positive distraction.
It was through prayer that I found the grace to release my pain and embrace hope, trusting that the strength of our relationship could weather the storms of rejection. God uses the rejection we experience from our children to cause us to read the Word and trust the Lord to help us work through the struggles.
God Will Help You Overcome Rejection
Remember, rejection is a part of life that everyone faces at some point. It’s not a reflection of your worth or capabilities. With these practical steps, you can nurture your relationship and overcome rejection. Someday, you will look back on those moments of heartache and learn to see them not as scars but as landmarks of our journey toward healing.
You might wonder what my relationships with my adult children are like. Well, they are deeper and more profound because of the challenges we’ve overcome. It’s a testament to the faithfulness of the Lord, of the love we cultivated over the years, and the transformative power of forgiveness. And it can be for you, too.
To any parent walking through the shadow of rejection, know that this is not the end of your story. With time, prayer, and a heart willing to heal, what was once broken can be made whole. The journey may be fraught with challenges, but it is also filled with opportunities for growth, understanding, and an even deeper connection with your child. Remember, the echoes of rejection can eventually lead to the harmonies of reconciliation and love.
If you find this podcast helpful, please subscribe and leave a review. It’s a great way to support the show and help others build stronger families and closer relationships. And it only takes a few seconds.
Have a Question or Want to Book Connie to Speak?
We want to hear from you! To contest with Connie, simply email me: Contact Connie here.
As I’ve traveled this summer, I’ve heard many people talk about being tired and overwhelmed. Just like you, I can’t get everything on my list done in a day! As a part of a recent conference, I participated in a retreat. So today I’m sharing with you the importance of retreating, just as Jesus did in the Bible. There is an urgent need to retreat! Let’s talk about this need for finding quietness and rest amidst the chaos of life and how retreating can provide strength, joy, and a renewed connection with God.
Sometimes quiet is something that we have to make happen. This act of retreating keeps us steady in the midst of chaos and near the heart of God.
“In quietness and rest is your strength.” – Isaiah 30:15
I’ve learned that if we don’t make time for this quiet and stillness, sometimes it is thrust upon us. It is vital that we retreat so we have the needed quiet to allow our minds to be still. God provides strength to us when we retreat. Rest moves us from burnout to breakthrough. Our lives are so busy, and these things are robbing us of the time that we need to be in God’s presence.
When I say retreat, I’m not talking about activities that require money or days away. I’m referring to the simple daily time alone with God.
In Genesis, God modeled the practice of rest after He finished creating. In the Gospels, Jesus modeled getting away from the crowds. If God Himself rested and retreated, it seems that we should follow His example. It is a lifeline for us!
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – Luke 5:16
Exactly how you do this will look a little different from another person. Maybe you do this by taking a walk, sitting on the porch, or a chair where you can sit alone. You might be able to retreat for a minute or ten minutes or an hour.
Also, remember that your children are watching you. They will see how you take this time away with God and how you make spending that time a priority.
Things to consider:
Where can you retreat?
How long can you retreat?
What does God want to say to you?
More Verses to Ponder:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” – Psalm 23:2-3
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” – Psalm 37:7
“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'” – Mark 6:31
“Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” – Psalm 116:7
“The Lord replied, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'” – Exodus 33:14
As the fall season approaches, I encourage you to incorporate retreating into your daily lives. I challenge you to add a time of retreat to your calendar. Guard that time like you do taking your children to their various activities. By carving out moments for stillness and communion with God, we can find strength, joy, and direction in the midst of life’s chaos.
I want to take a moment to talk about God’s faithfulness. The Equipped To Be Podcast has reached a major milestone. With this episode and the transition to Season 3, we have marked three years of episodes! There were ups and downs along the way, but I’m so excited to have shared this journey with you!
The Equipped To Be Podcast launched in February 2020 right before the world was turned upside down by the pandemic. I couldn’t have done this without the team who works with me to get these episodes out to you each week. We wouldn’t still be on the air without you, the listeners, or our partners and sponsors. It’s such a testament to God’s faithfulness.
Equipped To Be isn’t just about one topic. We talk about things spanning the spectrum from parenting to education to faith and so much more because it’s all about helping you know and understand that you’re equipped to be a doer of God’s word. You have a calling and a purpose.
Many thanks also go to the guests who’ve been on the show. (See a list of some notable episodes below.) I also owe a shout-out to Libsyn, my host, who supported me and gave me guidance along the way.
This podcast started because Amanda Pelser from The Pelsers Media was sitting in my office and talking about starting the podcast. I didn’t have the technical skills to pull this off, but Amanda said she’d help me. She and her husband, Josh, have been with me from the beginning of this podcast!
Many days, I would come into the studio and just pray, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” I’d script it out or make some notes and then hit record. Then Amanda would clean and polish it and deliver it to you. Every step of the way, you were in mind because we don’t want to waste your time. It’s too precious and too valuable.
When God tells you to start something, just start. Start ugly as a book from a friend of mine says in its title. Start with what you have. Do the best you can. Go and grow as God leads. This is what we’ve done with Equipped To Be. We’ve added features over time like images and show notes and we continue to add value as God gives us the tools and resources to do so.
Would you take a moment and help us out? Your support means the world to us!
Join our email list using the box below
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I can’t tell you what’s coming next. I’ve been in a very difficult season. I’ve had to strip away many things in my life and ask the Lord what He wants me to add back in. I do know that I have some exciting guests lined up to share stories that will help you in your journey. Back in 2020, I didn’t know if we’d last more than six months, but here we are, still bringing you encouragement. Thank you for listening. This is your milestone as much as it is ours.
