Learning to Lean In
Weekly Grace | Edition #11
*Weekly Grace is your go-to Sunday newsletter for starting each week on a positive note. Each edition offers encouraging words to uplift your spirit, practical resources for a fulfilling week, and heartfelt prayers. Begin your week with grace, inspiration, and encouragement.*
Sunday Reflections
As I type this, I’m sitting on the couch in my childhood home in Michigan next to my grandmother, my younger brother, and my mom.
When I was preparing to travel home for Thanksgiving, I debated whether I should park at the airport or just Uber. What I didn’t consider, and honestly, rarely consider, was asking someone to drop me off. At least not until the day before my flight.
That’s when I felt the Lord nudging me to ask one of my friends for a ride. As someone who is borderline allergic to asking for help, I really did not want to do this. But when the Spirit’s voice got too loud to ignore, I swallowed my pride and asked. Of course, my friend was happy to take me. And the Lord also put it on my heart to do something for her in return.
If you listened to my podcast episode on community, then you know that this has always been an area of struggle for me. But this small situation taught me something new. Community is not just about humbling yourself enough to ask for help, though that is an important part. It’s also about the opportunities it creates to encourage one another.
It encouraged me and blessed me financially that my friend drove me to the airport. I was able to encourage her in a small way, too. None of that would have happened if I hadn’t been willing to lean in.
It makes me wonder what else I’ve missed out on because of my reluctance to let people in.
So, I pose the question to you as well: What are you missing out on because of an unwillingness to lean in?
In what ways might God be calling you to lean in, even if it means humbling yourself or pushing past your pride?
May your lean be rewarded with love. 🤍
Prayer:
Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that I was never meant to do life alone. You see the parts of me that resist asking for help, the places where pride or fear make me pull back instead of leaning in. I confess those places to You. Help me release the need to be self-sufficient and to trust the ways You want to care for me through other people.
Teach me to recognize Your nudges, even when they push me outside my comfort zone. Give me the courage to ask, the humility to receive, and the sensitivity to notice when someone else needs encouragement, too. I don’t want to miss the blessings You place in front of me simply because I’m afraid to learn in.
Shape my heart into one that welcomes community, gives generously, receives graciously, and reflects Your love in every interaction.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
As you prepare for the week ahead…
Here’s your weekly roundup of resources and inspiration.
G – Good Reads
📖 Successful Failure by Kevin Fredericks → I have never in my life LAUGHED OUT LOUD as much as I have listening to this audiobook. KevOnStage is an amazing storyteller and narrator. This book is definitely worth the read/listen.
📝 From the Archives
Come Back to Your First Love
·“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have
R – Recommendations
I finally got around to releasing the finale episode of season four of the Black Girl Theology podcast. I talk about why we can trust God using Henry Cloud’s Five Essentials of Trust. Take a listen!
A – Announcements
I put together a little bundle of resources for Black Friday. I’ll be sending an email on Wednesday with more details, but if you want to check it out before then, click the button below.
C – Community
👉🏾 This week, I want to highlight Yana Jenay Conner. If you've listened to the podcast, you know that she recently released a book on forgiveness. If you haven’t purchased a copy, you need to! It’s theologically rich and a helpful charge to the Church today.
E – Essentials
💊 Mary Ruth’s Vitamin D Liquid Drops → Something is different about the time change this fall. The days are a little longer and much darker. If you wrestle with seasonal depression or know your Vitamin D levels tend to run low, these liquid drops are an easy, gentle way to get the nutrients your body needs.
That’s it for this week’s round-up. Praying for a blessed week ahead!
With grace and glory,
Ashtyn 🤍