The God Who Weeps:

Finding Strength in Honest Emotions

I often hear people say, “If you trust God, then you shouldn’t be sad, angry, or upset.” But I don’t believe this is sound biblical teaching. 

The Bible is full of examples of God Himself expressing emotion: righteous anger, grief, compassion, even jealousy (Exodus 34:14; John 11:35; Mark 3:5). 

To dismiss our own emotions as weakness overlooks the truth that we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). That means the capacity to feel deeply is not a flaw, it is part of the divine imprint within us. 

Of course, some might counter with, “But God is sovereign; He can do whatever He wants.” That is true according to Psalm 115:3, and yet, the other truth remains: God created us to bear His likeness. Our emotions, when surrendered and aligned with Him, can become bridges to deeper intimacy. 

David poured out his sorrow and frustration in the Psalms (Psalm 13; Psalm 42:11). 

Jeremiah is called “the weeping prophet” (Jeremiah 9:1). 

Even Jesus withdrew to solitary places to pray and wept openly (Luke 5:16; John 11:35). 

Scripture does not demand emotional suppression; it invites honesty before God. 

The world, however, is loud with its opinions. Noise about how to worship, how to pray, how to behave in church, how to measure faith. Yet beyond the commands to love God, love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39), and to fellowship together (Hebrews 10:24–25), there is no rigid formula dictating how an individual must engage God. 

Worship is not confined to pews or pulpits. Worship is also in the tending of the temple of our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), in the care of our spirits, in listening for the still, small voice of God (1 Kings 19:12). 

As I reflect on history, I wonder how and when the Church became so fragmented. I know some of the context: the union of church and state, the Crusades, denominational splits, but I also believe tradition often overshadows the heart of God.

Jesus consistently pushed back against the weight of man-made rules that distorted God’s intent (Mark 7:6–8). People still, at times, choose to worship leaders rather than God Himself. That’s not a judgment—just an observation. 

Some lead with fear, some with charisma, some with genuine love, and sadly, some with manipulation. Which is why I’ve learned to value wise counsel while still seeking God personally for how I am to live, serve, and worship. 

True worship, I believe, is expressed in tangible acts of service (Matthew 25:35–36), in caring for those in need, in gathering in community, and in stealing away for quiet moments of prayer and renewal. 

I love small groups, learning in community, and the sweetness of fellowship. Yet as an empath, I also need solitude—time to just be with God. Even Jesus modeled this balance (Luke 5:16). 

This world will always hand us rules and expectations. But ultimately, it is you and God who will walk your path together. Don’t let the cares of this life pull you in a hundred directions. Be grounded, like a tree planted by streams of living water (Psalm 1:3). Find peace within, for God intended us not merely to exist but to live abundantly (John 10:10). Nature itself testifies to God’s design—a rhythm of rootedness, growth, and flourishing. 

Closing Reflection: 

When we strip away the noise of tradition, judgment, and human expectation, what remains is God’s invitation to be fully alive, emotions and all. To walk with Him in honesty, not pretense. To love, to weep, to grow angry at injustice, to rejoice in beauty, to rest in His presence. 

If we are made in His image, then our humanity is not a flaw to be hidden but a reflection of His own heart. The world will always demand more rules, more masks, more performance. But God desires your presence, not your perfection. 

So breathe deep. Root yourself like the tree by living waters. Let your life be worship, not just your words. And in all things, remember, you are not alone on this journey. God sees you. God knows you. And God delights in you, even here, even now.

With Love,

Stacie J. 

The Lord Weighs the Heart:

Finding Grace in the Midst of Disagreement 

How a devotional reminded me that conviction and compassion can live side by side 

Today’s reflection was sparked by a devotional reading from Joshua Dubois’ The President’s Devotional. His words presented me with both a challenge and an invitation to reconsider how I approach disagreement in my own life. 

In his devotional, Dubois reflected on a heated policy debate and realized something vital: 

“You can question policy decisions. You can disagree with people—even vehemently. But you should be very, very careful before you question others’ motives…The Lord weighs the heart—not me, not anyone else but God.”
 

— Joshua Dubois, The President’s Devotional. 

That struck me. 

Too often, especially in our political climate, we turn disagreements into character assassinations. We make people who see things differently into our enemies. But what if, like Dubois, we chose another way? What if we fought passionately for what we believe, but also recognized that others are doing the same from their vantage point? 

This landed deeply because I know what it’s like to live on the vulnerable side of policy. 

Years ago, I received a small raise, just one dollar more than the income threshold for state health coverage. That “extra” dollar disqualified my children from medical care, but it wasn’t nearly enough for me to afford private insurance. I was a working mother, stretched thin, and my kids went without consistent healthcare for a season. Bills piled up. The stress was heavy.

That experience solidified my conviction in health equity, particularly for women, children, the elderly, veterans, and other vulnerable populations. 

So yes, I hold strong convictions. I know the stakes of policy decisions because I’ve lived them. But Dubois’ reminder helped me see something crucial: my convictions don’t give me the right to judge someone else’s heart. 

Proverbs 21:2 says, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.” God alone sees the inner landscape of a person’s intentions. 

As I reflect, I realize that perhaps our true “enemies” aren’t other people at all, but our unchecked egos, our fear, and our unwillingness to listen. 

What might change if we approached political, personal, or even family disagreements with humility: seeking not just to win, but to understand? 

My hope is that we can begin to find middle ground. Not a ground where everyone gets everything they want, but one where human dignity and care are safeguarded on all sides. A ground where we argue policy hard and fair, but resist the temptation to call someone’s heart corrupt simply because it beats differently from our own. 

Reflection Questions: 

1. Where have your personal experiences shaped your convictions?
    
2. Can you recall a time when you assumed someone’s motives instead of listening to their perspective? 
   
   
3. What would it look like to “fight hard and fair” in your own context: at work, at home, or in the community? 

With thoughtful reflection, 

Stacie J. 

 

60 Day Countdown To 50!

Miles, Milestones, and Memories

  

This is my golden year of turning 50! I am super excited and feel absolutely delighted that today marks the 2-month countdown to my birthday! 

This year has been filled with more self-reflection than I think I've done all my life. I feel that I've changed in such deep and divine ways. 

For those of you who have been following the journey, you've witnessed a remarkable transformation. 

I have literally been running races, not fainting or giving in...and trust me, sometimes I wanted to. Like when my body tried to throw me off with an uninvited cyst this year. 

I'm shedding weight and pounds (literally and figuratively). 

Overcoming fears, challenges, and setbacks like they were unwanted guests, I finally dared to kick out. Pressing forward towards the mark of the higher calling within me...I mean, because when you live for half a century, your perspective doesn't just shift, it deepens. 

You put on internal glasses, flex the muscles you've worked hard to build while simultaneously developing new ones you never imagined could blossom. And, suddenly, so much of what you carried in the first half of your life seems completely unimportant. 

People may not always understand me, and that's okay. Sometimes they judge what they see and often what they don't see, and that's okay too, because I am focused on continuing to grow. I'm starting to develop a love for reading things that are not academically inclined. 

I am reengineering my life, rewiring old circuits, tossing out the tangled cords of past trauma, and still keeping my heart intact (even while lending it out to support others). As my good Sis, Ubani always says, multiple things can be true at the same time. 

I am super grateful for all the people who have given to my 50/50/50 Campaign for my wellness and coaching business. 

And now, here's how you can celebrate with me:

From October 24th - November 24th, I'll be walking and running 50 miles in 30 days while raising $50,000 to expand my coaching and wellness services for women.

This isn't just a birthday; it's a movement of healing, legacy, and joy in motion. Whether you join the 50-mile challenge, donate, or simply cheer me on, you are part of this journey. Every mile, every milestone, every memory counts...yes, even the sweaty ones! 

Ways to get involved:

👟 If you would like to join the Virtual Walk/Run Challenge, click here: 50/50/50 Virtual Walk/Run Registration Form

🧧 If you would like to give, click here: 50/50/50 Campaign Donation

🎉 If you would like to send a message of encouragement, support, or early birthday greetings, email me at GodsGiftLLC@gmail.com 

With Joy, Excitement, and a Touch of Sweat,  

Stacie J. 

Finding Balance in the Everyday: Movement, Nourishment, and Creativity

Movement, Nourishment, and Creativity

This morning I chose balance.
Not the frantic kind that demands perfection,
but the gentle kind that whispers, “Here; start here.”

I laced my shoes, leashed the dogs, and stepped into the fresh air.

For an hour, we walked...not rushing, not dragging, just enough to feel my heart beating in a mild, steady rhythm. The breeze brushed my cheeks, the sun reached between the trees, and for a while, I was part of the quiet dance of the morning.

Back home, I turned to nourishment. Garlic, kale, onions, turmeric, red and yellow peppers met the sizzle of olive oil, releasing aromas that felt like medicine. I folded them into an omelet, crowned it with creamy slices of avocado, and added a pinch of salt. Food as fuel, yes, but also food as a gesture of gratitude.

With my body moved and nourished, I turned to creativity. A few moments with my pen and notebook. Some colors on a page. Space to let my mind wander into possibilities.

This, I’m learning, is balance:

Movement that energizes, food that heals, and creativity that replenishes.
It’s not about rigid schedules; it’s about weaving together small choices that let you feel whole.

Reflection

Balance is not a fixed destination; it’s a series of gentle adjustments. It’s the way you choose to pause when life tries to rush you, nourish when the day demands more of you, and create when your soul craves expression.

Journaling Prompt

Where in your daily life could you add a small moment of movement, nourishment, or creativity to bring yourself closer to balance?

With thoughtful reflection,  

Stacie J. 

When Heaven Says Yes:

 Speaking Life into Your Healing

How do you use your words and the power of God's written Word to speak healing into your life?

For me, I've learned that what we speak inwardly and outwardly shapes our reality. I didn't always know this. There were seasons when my thoughts ran unchecked, my words carried more fear than faith, and my body felt the weight of it. But over time, God showed me that my voice is not just sound, it is power!

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

(Proverbs 18:21)

That verse isn't just poetry. It's a law of life. What we say matters. Our words build or break, heal or harm, uplift or undo. When I began practicing speaking life over myself, God's Word, affirmations of truth, and declarations of faith, I noticed something shift. My mind became calmer. My body carried less stress. My spirit felt nourished. 

One of the voices that inspired me along the way was Florence Scovel Shinn, an early 20th-century teacher who believed in the power of words, faith, and divine order. Her affirmations remind me of biblical truth: that God is not a God of confusion but of order (1 Corinthians 14:33), and that when we align with the word, we walk in clarity, peace, and power. I often take her affirmations and repurpose them through the lens of scripture, creating declarations that feel like a conversation between my soul and the Spirit of God. 

For example, instead of rushing through my morning in worry, I pause and declare:

• God has ordered my steps today (Psalm 37:23).
• I trust that what is for me cannot pass me by (Romans 8:28).
• Every detour is preparation, not punishment (Jeremiah 29:11)

When I begin my day this way, I feel anchored. I know I am walking in divine flow. Even delays and disruptions no longer shake me because I believe God is orchestrating all things for my good. 

                                       

"You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; and light will shine on your ways." (Job 22:28)

That's why I speak boldly, because faith is not silent. Faith has a voice. And when I speak what God says about me, that I am beloved, chosen, healed, whole, prosperous...Heaven responds with yes. 

So I ask you: 

What are you saying to yourself today? Are your words aligned with God's truth, or are they rehearsing old wounds, doubts, and fears?

Every morning, I choose to declare divine order over my mind, body, spirit, and affairs. I affirm that I am in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing. And when I don't feel it yet, I still say it. Because what begins as faith spoken in hope becomes faith fulfilled in reality.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

Friend, you have the same authority. Your words are seeds. Plant them well, water them daily, and watch God bring forth the harvest in perfect timing. 

Sacred Soul Work Reflections: Words to Water Your Growth 

1. What words have you been speaking to yourself most often? Do they reflect faith or fear?
   
   
2. Choose one scripture that resonates with you today and rewrite it as a personal affirmation.
   
   
3. Reflect on a past season when your words shaped your outcome for better or worse. What did you learn?
   
   
4. What does "divine order" mean to you, and how can you invite more of it into your daily rhythm?
   
   
5. Write out 3 faith-filled declarations you want to begin speaking over your life each morning.
   
   

Warmly, 

Stacie J. 

The Power to Flourish Is Within You

 Faith, Flourishing, and the Fruit of the Spirit

As I was out walking this morning, I noticed a tree; something about it made me pause. One side of the tree stood bare, its branches stripped, and a few crumbled leaves hung on. But the other side was flourishing, lush, full of bright, vibrant green leaves. It was like looking at two different seasons living in the same tree. And suddenly, I thought, this is life. 

Right now, we are living in a world full of stark contrasts. On one side of the same coin, there's abundance, and on the other, lack. Some are flourishing while others are just surviving. Some have peace, while others wrestle with unrest. Some have more than enough, and others are praying to make it through the day. But then I was reminded, we get to choose what flourishing looks like in our own lives. 

Yes, there are challenges. Yes, there are obstacles, most of them internal. But we still get to choose how we show up. We get to choose what we focus on. 

Do we listen to the noise of the world, or do we go inward?  We get to build ourselves up, mind, body, and spirit. We get to connect with the God within us. 

To hear the still, small voice. To dream, to envision, and then to walk boldly toward the life we know we're capable of living. 

Think it. Dream it. Become it. 

"Be strong and courageous. Overcome evil with good."

God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we can ask or imagine. As mother, Mother Mincy, from Target Word Prayer Ministry would say, "Trust Him." So, who am I trusting? Are you trusting?

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." 

We don't talk enough about how God lives within each of us. That divine spark? It's in you. God uses people, ordinary people, to bring about flourishing on this earth. And we each have a role to play. The Word says we are all members of the same body. So if you're the eye, see well. If you're the foot, walk strong. If you're the hand, mold with care. Whatever your role is, show up and serve with excellence.

The Bible also says that we will do even greater things than Jesus did. What are those greater things? What does that look like in a time when faith is being tested from every side? 

We all have some unearthing to do, mind, body, and spirit. There's healing and excavating to be done. God allows the wheat and the tares to grow together, and for a long time, I didn't understand that. But now, I'm grateful. Because without the pruning, the hardship, and the contracts, I wouldn't have this perspective on life, on God, on myself, or on my neighbor. It's easy to get caught up in ourselves. It's harder to walk the righteous path to love God, love ourselves, and love our neighbor as ourselves. 

And here's something important: Some people don't yet know how to love themselves. So they love others the way they love themselves, poorly. But instead of judging, let's extend grace. Let's offer patience, kindness, and compassion. Let's live out the fruits of the Spirit, especially when it's hardest. Don't let someone else's struggle change your heart. Love people through their pain. Love them right where they are. Forgive them whether they understand the hurt or not. 

And remember: Some plant, some water, but God gives the increase. Let God grow the good things that have been planted in you and in others. So today, love your neighbor well. But first, love yourself well. Be kind to you. Be compassionate with yourself. And keep growing. 

I love you with the love of Christ. 

Have a phenomenal day!

Stacie J. 

Balance in the Deep Waters of Feeling

A few nights ago, my dream was vivid, layered with memory, emotion, and meaning. My mother was there and just as alive and radiant as ever, and for a moment, it felt real. Then I remembered: she had transitioned long ago. A wave of sadness rose, but instead of letting it pull me under, I reminded myself to feel it fully...and then let it pass. 

That, I realize, is an empath's sacred practice: to feel deeply without becoming paralyzed by the weight of it. My mother, my superhero, taught me so much about the power of silence, the precision of words, and the strength of presence. In the dream, she was still teaching me without saying a word. 

The scene shifted to a celebration. I was surrounded by people from every chapter of my life: family, old friends, even my children in their youth. Pink polka-dot dresses, curled hair, and a hall filled with hundreds reminded me of both a wedding and a milestone birthday (which ironically, I am celebrating this year). Perhaps it was both...a union with myself as I step into a new season, my 50th year of life. 

Later, I was helping a friend who had lost her mother, sorting through dresses and memories. I told her gently it was okay not to have the strength to decide what to keep or release. In truth, I was speaking to myself as much as to her. 

Somewhere in the dream was water, a symbol of feeling, cleansing, and flow. And an old car. A reminder of the journeys I've taken and the ones still ahead. 

When I woke, I carried with me not just the images, but the lesson: I can be fully present with my feelings without letting them consume me. I can celebrate, remember, and grieve all at once. And in this balance, I honor my mother, myself, and the life I am still creating. 

Your story might not look like mine. Your waters may be stirred by different memories, people, or seasons of life, but the current is the same. We are all invited to stand in the waves of our emotions without drowning in them, to let grief and joy hold hands, and to find our own rhythm in the tide. What memories still rise in you, unannounced, and how might you allow them to teach you something new today?

With Thoughtfulness and Balance,

Stacie J.

When Healing Demands a Little Surgery

This past week has been....interesting. And by "interesting," I mean challenging. I've been walking in growth, healed in many ways (still healing in others), but life still finds a way to drop surprises in my path. 

Most mornings, I start my day in quiet time with God. Not the "let me talk non-stop until the sun comes up" kind of time I used to think was required, but the still, knowing kind. I've learned that God hears even the essence of our silence, after all, God is all-knowing!

So, I lay there...breathing, centering, listening for His voice, feeling the rhythm of my heartbeat. I read scripture and speak it over my family and those connected to me. I pray. I reflect. Sometimes I jot down my thoughts or the dreams I had the night before. Occasionally, that quiet moment births a blog post. 

Then I drink my water, always waiting for me on the nightstand, sometimes infused overnight with lemon and lime, and I consider my day. Depending on time, I might walk, job, do tai chi, kickboxing, HIIT, strength training, or yoga. Not always 2 hours at once, but I fit movement in. 

But this week? My flow was disrupted by an uninvited guest: an annoying cyst right under my bra strap. A cyst with no respect for my healing journey or my schedule. For almost a year, it lived in peace, just a little blackhead, about the size of an unsharpened pencil tip, minding its business. 

Then in less than five days, it blew up like it had been offended, growing to the size of a half  dollar, angry, red, and painful. So painful I couldn't lay back, sit comfortably, or even move my upper body without wincing. The doctor ended up removing a cyst about 3-4 inches deep and just as wide. I'll spare you the picture, but let's just say... I could have charged admission. 

Here's the thing: as I reflected on my healing journey, the books I've been reading and listening to, the supplements, the juicing, the meal prepping, the study, it hit me... of course this came out. My body is detoxing, aligning, and releasing what no longer serves me. 

When we realign, when we tune ourselves to the frequency of God, things buried deep will rise to the surface. Sometimes it's emotional pain. Sometimes it's an old habit. Sometimes...it's a cyst. Healing isn't always pretty. Purging is rarely comfortable. But it's necessary. 

Self-reflection points for your journey:

1. What "old things" in your life might be surfacing because you're finally strong enough to release them?
2. Are you resisting the pain of the purge, or allowing God to remove what no longer belongs?
3. How can you better listen, not just to God, but to your body, your spirit, and your emotions?

I believe God sometimes uses our bodies as living parables. This cyst wasn't just about flesh and skin, it was about patience, trust, and surrender. And now, I'm lighter. I'm freer. I'm covered. 

So whether your purge looks like tears, forgiveness, lifestyle changes, or even a minor surgical procedure, remember: healing is never wasted. The pain has purpose. 

And sometimes...the ugly stuff coming out is the most beautiful part of the journey. 

1. Purging / Removing What Doesn't Belong
   
   "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit." John 15:2  
   
   
2. Cleansing / Renewal
   
   "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10
   
   
3. God's Healing Process

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

Stop Apologizing

A Love Letter to the Empaths Who Carry the Fire

If you’re reading this, you probably already know that being an empath isn’t just a trait. It’s a calling. It’s a lens. It’s a whole way of being, a blessing and sometimes a burden.

We empaths carry a peculiar aura, an archetype shaped by everything we’ve endured, everything we’ve seen, and everything we still dare to hope for. We are forged by fire. We learn to read a room before a word is spoken. We feel everything: the joy, the grief, the hidden stories that others don’t speak aloud.

That is why we must be mindful, know when to step back, to steal away, to renew our spirits. Restore, discern, and guard the light we carry.

Carl Jung wrote, “Discernment is love in its highest form.” That’s something every empath should tattoo on their soul.

---

The Boat and the Lighthouse

Carl Jung once described the soul as a boat adrift on dark waters, seeking the steady light of a distant shore. I’ve felt that journey in my bones, the pull of tides both gentle and fierce, the fog that swallows sight, nights when the stars seem too far away to matter.

There were seasons when I thought the storm would claim me. Yet even then, a quiet voice whispered: Row.

The lighthouse, the faithful beacon, wasn’t always in view. Sometimes I only felt its warmth in memory, a glow just beyond the veil. Each small stroke of the oar, each breath of courage, brought me closer.

One evening, I understood that the light wasn’t just ahead, guiding me. It was within me, pulsing from my heart’s own harbor.

Jung gave me the image, but life gave me the truth: the boat is my spirit. The sea is my becoming. The lighthouse is both home and self.

---

For the Empaths Who Feel Too Much

You are a prophetic gift. You are ancestral fire. You are not here to fix others, though I know how hard it is to believe that. Your truest role is to hold space for them, to be the calm shore where they can rest, to allow the sacred circle. the Sangha, to do the healing.

Stop apologizing for your unique perspective. Stop letting emotional energy vampires drain your flame. Protect it. I’m grateful I learned that, though it took time.

As Jung said, “Softness is not weakness. The gift of feeling is not the end of the journey, but a doorway.”

---

The Shadow Side

Here’s the truth we don’t admit too often: When we ignore our own needs, the empath’s gift can warp into defensiveness, numbness, or paradoxically, narcissism.

We become “wounded healers,” those who pour from an empty cup, and in doing so become cautionary tales.

Self-sacrifice is not love. Your purpose is not to bleed for others. Your calling is to transform wounds into wisdom.

Resolve past pains, and your aura will radiate. Heal at your core, and you can love deeply without being drained.

Brené Brown said, “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.”

---

My Prayer for You

Don’t let the church, or the world, tell you you’re broken, too much, or wrong because of how you see, how you feel, how you love.

God gave you this softness, this discernment, this fire, because He believed you could carry light into darkness.

So, beloved empath, stop apologizing for who you are. You are not here to carry the river. You are here to shine.

(Truth from Jung, truth lived and spoken.)

---

Keys for Empathic Living

Protecting your inner light while navigating the world

1. Anchor in Stillness
   Begin or end each day in quiet reflection, prayer, or meditation to steady your “boat” before the waves rise.

2. Name the Storms
   Learn what drains you. Boundaries aren’t walls; they are shoreline markers that protect your inner land.

3. Seek the Beacon
   Identify people, practices, and sacred spaces that restore you, and return to them often.

4. Tend the Flame
   Nourish yourself with rest, joy, and healthy rhythms so your inner lighthouse never dims.

5. Travel Light
   Release the guilt of saying no. Every “no” to what dims you is a “yes” to what sustains you.

With Love, 

Stacie J.

Ready, Set, Register!

 50/50/50 Virtual 10K / Race Registration is Live

Miles. Milestones. Memories. 

Goal: Raise $50,000 by my 50th birthday
Mission: To fund accessible wellness coaching, healing-centered events, and scholarships for women...all rooted in community, storytelling, movement, and purpose. 

The countdown to November is on! As we step into a new month, I'm inviting you to lace up, wherever you are in the world, and join me for the 50/50/50 Virtual Run. This is more than miles; it's about milestones, memories, and momentum. 

Whether you decide to sit on the sidelines and watch, complete a 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, or 50 miles with me, you can do so at your own pace from October 24th to November 24th. So sit, walk, jog, or run at your own speed, in your own space, and be part of a community moving toward health, reflection, and celebration. 

Registration is now open! Tap the link below to secure your spot, and visit my website for more details on the mission, purpose, and vision behind the 50/50/50 Campaign. 

Register for the Virtual Run Here

Excitedly,

Stacie J

I See You

A Sacred Returning to Self

This morning I walked the dogs under the gaze of the rising sun, trotting and breathing with the trees as my witness. I sat in the grass barefoot, present, and grateful. My hands cupped prayers, my lips shaped affirmations, my heart pulsed with scripture. Then came breakfast: vibrant and healing eggs with garlic, basil, and turmeric, accompanied by slices of carrots, cantaloupe, and cucumber, kissed by the morning chill, as well as ruby red grapefruit and tea made with cinnamon bark and pau d'arco. Sacred nourishment for sacred terrain. 

I am reminded: My body is sacred land. My voice is sacred thunder. My presence is prayer. 

This isn't just about me. It's about all of us. 

You are seen.  You are loved. You are supported. You are protected. You are provided for. You are part of a royal and holy lineage, flowing through your veins like ancestral rivers stretching across continents, across generations, across all the names you carry and the ones you've yet to remember. 

A Return to the Divine Within

God is not a system. Not a pulpit. Not a punishment. And certainly, not politics. 

God is breath. God is blood. God is the whisper before the thunder. God is the soft yes in your bones when you finally trust yourself. 

You are not separate from the Divine. You carry the sacred in your marrow. When you honor your needs, when you rest, nourish, create, and pray, you honor the sacred fire within you. The rituals of your life are holy. Your laughter, your tears, your resistance to what no longer serves: these are all hymns. 

Lessons From the Ancestors

Like the Akan people who greet life with reverence...

Like the Cherokee who believe in the seeds of Eloheh (harmony, wholeness, abundance, peace); the sacred, just, and sustainable earth...

Like the Blackfoot and Sioux who commune with wolf spirits and wind songs...

Like the ancient drummers of Dahomey, the herbalists of Mali, the Irish seers who know the skies...

Your story is wide, woven, and worthy. 

We remember, like the story worlds of Avatar, that to live well means to listen to the land. The blue beings did not dominate nature. They lived with it, loved through it, and greeted one another with a soul-deep, "I see you."

May we do the same, starting with ourselves first. See your own holiness. Witness your own strength. Sing your own return. 

Reflection Prompts for You, Beloved One:

1. What part of your life feels sacred right now, no matter how small?
2. How does your body speak to you when you slow down and truly listen?
3. What rituals are calling you to reawaken your inner fire?
4. In what ways can you greet yourself and others with "I see you" from the soul outward?

You are becoming. And you are already whole. You are awakening. And you are already wise. You are healing. And you are the medicine. 

May your food nourish your spirit. May your movement remind you of your power. May your rest be wrapped in peace. May your days be laced with unseen hands of those who walk with you still. 

And may you always remember: You are the prayer. You are the altar. You are the sacred space.  

Amen, and so it is!

Peace and Love,

Stacie J. 

Earth, Water, & Rebirth

 A Weekend Reminder to Rest

Today, I gave myself a quiet, sacred yes: a swim. Not long. Not loud. But just enough. Enough to feel held. Enough to remember. The water welcomed me gently, cool, clear, and restorative. It met me like an old friend who knew what I needed before I could say it out loud. And just like that, my soul softened. I settled into a chair afterward, letting the breeze move across my skin like a song. I closed my eyes and listened, not just to the soft music playing nearby, or the occasional hum of airplanes overhead, but to my body and spirit exhaling. 

Even my watch seemed to exhale, detoxing itself from the water, reminding me that rest heals more than just the body. And, I smiled and chuckled to myself.  

Water as Womb, Earth as Anchor

In that still moment, I remembered what I've always known: Water heals. Air clears. Earth steadies. And rest restores. We were made for rhythms like this, for floating, breathing, listening, releasing. Water reminds us of where we began, in the safety of the womb and the promise of rebirth. And stillness gives us permission to remember who we are without the noise. 

A Gentle Practice for You

1. Find your water - a pool, a shower, a bath...whatever holds you in calm. 
2. Be present - No pressure, just pause. Let the water carry what you've been holding. 
3. Rest afterward - Sit somewhere quiet. Let the air kiss your skin. 
4. Breathe - Inhale slowly, exhale more slowly. Feel your body at the same time as the world.
5. Whisper this truth - "I am here. I am whole. I am home."

A Gentle Nudge

I've lived in this space for two years. But today was the first time I said yes to the pool. There's even a jacuzzi I've yet to enjoy. And that's the lesson tucked into this moment: How often do we live surrounded by rest, beauty, and healing, but keep postponing our own permission to receive it? So let this be your reminder. Use the keys you already hold. Say yes to your joy. Make time for your exhale. 

To you, dear reader, may this weekend carry its own quiet water. May it wash away your worry. May you find a chair, a breeze, and a breath that says:

"Welcome back to yourself!"

With love and gratitude,

Stacie J.

Exactly 4 Months to 50: The 50/50/50 Campaign Begins!

Miles, Milestones, and Memories In Motion

Yesterday, July 24th, marked a powerful turning point: we are exactly four months away from my 50th birthday. 

If you know me, you know this journey has been anything but linear. Doctors once said that I would not live this long. But God had other plans. Every breath I take is proof that purpose always wins. 

So yes, this milestone deserves celebration.
But even more than that, it deserves intention. 

This year, I'm walking into 50 with movement, meaning, and mission.
And, I am inviting you to walk with me. 

Introducing: The 50/50/50 Campaign

A soul-led journey to honor my life and legacy by committing to:

• Walk/run 50 miles between October 24th and November 24th. 
• Raise 50,000 to grow my wellness coaching and peer support services (will support scholarships)
• Celebrate turning 50 on November 24th
• Honor nearly 100,000 blog views from this amazing community built on love, learning, and healing. 

This isn't just a personal milestone.
This is a collective movement for healing, for legacy, for community impact. 

It's about saying yes to wholeness.

Yes to visibility. 

Yes to transformation one step at a time...LITERALLY!

Join Me for the 50/50/50 Mile Campaign Challenge

Let's walk into healing together between October 24th and November 24th. 

• Walk or run 50 miles over 30 days (your pace, your path)
• Post weekly photos or videos of your progress
• Receive a special keepsake when you finish
• Know that your $50 registration fee directly supports coaching scholarships for women seeking support on their healing journey. 

This is movement with meaning. A sacred walk of support and shared joy. 

Not a walker? That's okay. Maybe movement looks different for you. You can still be a part of this. Your energy, encouragement, and donations are deeply valued. 

Over the years, so many of you have stood beside me. You've read my words. Shared my journey. Encouraged my growth. Shared your personal stories. 

Now, I'm asking you to stand with me again as I step into this next divine chapter.  

Want to join the challenge or donate?

Email me at GodsGiftLLC@gmail.com and I'll share all the details.

You can also support now via PayPal - Click Here

More updates are coming: early registration, behind-the-scenes moments, and a growing 50/50/50 Community built to support this sacred mission. 

Let's celebrate healing in motion:

Every mile. 

Every memory. 

Every miracle. 

Exactly four months from now, I turn 50. 

And I'd love for you to be part of every step that gets me there. 

Excitedly Yours, 

Stacie J. 

From My Kitchen to the Continent: A Mandela Fellowship Gathering

When Botswana, Angola, and Arizona Meet at the Table

Mandela Fellows Dinner | June 28, 2025

A few weekends ago, my kitchen became a portal, a place where stories, laughter, and cultures from thousands of miles away met under the soft glow of candlelight and the hum of jazz. I had the profound honor of hosting two Mandela Washington Fellows, brilliant young women from Botswana and Angola. What began as a simple dinner quickly transformed into something sacred. It reminded me that we are all woven from threads of resilience, love, and hope. 

It was an evening filled with culture, comfort, connection, and courage. The kind of soul-stirring community that leaves a lasting imprint. We shared far more than a meal; we shared pieces of our stories, childhood memories, favorite foods, dreams, challenges, and the shared hope that bridges continents. 

Laughter echoed (cornbread is now affectionately known as "cake" 😄), the tea was soothing, and the conversation was deeply nourishing. We explored themes of identity, spirituality, therapy, family, and purpose. By the time my guests (sisters from the Motherland) left, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for divine alignment, meaningful exchange, and the truth that we are never truly alone in our journeys. 

This was more than hospitality; it was healing. A reminder that though we live in different places, many of us are navigating similar questions, hardships, and awakenings. Together, we've chosen to lean into love, wisdom, growth, and joy, to take chances, to expand, and to keep showing up. Thank you, ASU, for the opportunity to connect with these phenomenal women. I'll carry this evening with me always. 

With gratitude,

Stacie J. 

 

We Are Still Here

 A Journey into Memory, Spirit, and Belonging

Not long ago, I had the pleasure of walking into the Heard Museum. I did so with childlike curiosity. As I walked, my soul stirred. 

Though much of the museum focused on the art, history, and survival of Native people of Arizona, like the Navajo, O'odham, and Yavapai, it sparked something deeper in me. It awakened a knowing. A remembrance. A rootedness that whispered, "You belong here, too!" 

As I moved through the gallery spaces filled with pottery, textiles, ceremonial regalia, and stories of endurance, I could feel the voices of my own ancestors rising from within me. I am Cherokee. I am Blackfoot. I am Sioux. I am Tikar from Cameroon. I am Irish. I am Nigerian. My DNA holds codes from the peoples of Mali, Ghana, Senegal, Benin, and several other places from the Motherland. And somehow, in that sacred space, every thread of my lineage felt honored. Unified. Present. 

We are still here.

We are the songs of rivers, the fire of story, the drum of memory.

I stood still in one gallery room, sunlight pouring through the arched windows, and for a moment, I saw her: a grandmother I had never met. A woman who perhaps walked with the earth's pulse beneath her feet, who prayed in song, who knew herbs and how to speak to birds. I thought of my mother, her rich brown skin and soft, round face, her wisdom wrapped in gentleness and fierce love. I thought of my children and the stories they now carry. I thought of every person whose feet have walked with purpose, even when the path was unclear. 

This experience reminded me that though we come from different tribal nations, our stories are braided together by the sacred threads of resilience, reverence, and renewal. 

We are earth-tenders. Story-keepers. Dreamers. Warriors of compassion. 

Affirmations from Ancestral Truth:

• My identity is layered, complex, holy, and whole.
• I am the living prayer of those who walked before me.
• I walk in the strength, wisdom, spirit, insight and resilience of my ancestors.
• I am grounded in the Earth's, wisdom, guided by ancestral memory, and inspired by a future that honors all that I am.
• I am called to be a voice for the voiceless, a vessel for healing, a bridge between worlds. 
• The stories I carry are sacred gifts. 
• I belong everywhere the Creator has placed me, and I bloom again and again. 

Reflections for the Soul:

• What rituals or practices ground you in who you are?
• What part of your ancestry have you not yet explored, but feel called to remember?
• How can you honor the lands you now live on and the people who first stewarded them?
• What stories are you carrying that your descendants will one day need to hear?

In this season of continued transformation, choose to honor every part of your lineage, not just in word, but in love, in learning, in sacred living. The museum reminded me that healing isn't just personal, it's collective. It's generational. It's sacred. 

And, we are still here! 

May we walk gently. May we rise powerfully. May we remember. 

Soulfully, 

Stacie J. 

73,000+ reads. 63 countries. Countless hearts connected.

 THANK YOU!!!

To every single person who has read, shared, or quietly reflected with me along the way...thank you!

This blog has become more than a space for words, it's become a sanctuary for healing, hope, and honest connection. Whether you've been here from the start or just found your way here, please know that your presence matters. Your engagement, seen or unseen, gives life to every post I write. 

Let's keeping growing together with grace, courage, and creativity! 

With love and gratitude, 

Stacie J. 

Vibrations, Veggies, & Vitality

 A Morning Grove To Remember

Let me tell you something about good intentions and loyal dogs: they don't always align. 

After a late night out, I had grand dreams of sleeping in, wrapped up in blankets and denial. But at 6:14 AM (yes, that precise), my dogs reminded me that their body clocks don't care about mine. And you know what? I'm grateful. 

I thought I'd sneak back into bed after our usual "outdoor business" run. But before I knew it, my hands were grabbing workout clothes, as if my soul already knew we were going on a journey. We ended up walking/jogging nearly five miles. At the halfway point, we plopped down in one of my favorite parks. Just me, the pups, the breeze, and the birds. I sat in the grass, prayed, meditated, even sang to the trees (they were kind enough not to judge my morning voice, but instead swayed rhythmically). Another reminder to be grateful. 

I kid you not, I felt vibrations from the ground beneath me. Either I was totally aligned, or the Earth decided to jump-start my spiritual Wi-Fi. Either way...I received it all!

When I returned home, I treated myself to an hour of yoga and a few moments of stillness with soft music playing in the background. Then came the nourishing part: a creamy banana, pumpkin seed, and ginger smoothie with nut butter, and my vibrant homemade juice made of beets, watermelon, mixed berries, and red cabbage. Add in some ice water and a bubble bath steeped in health clay and magnesium, and listen, that was just the reset I didn't know I needed to start my day. 

Here's your gentle reminder: 

Your version of self-care might look totally different. Maybe it's journaling with a cup of tea. Maybe it's dancing in your kitchen in fuzzy socks. Or maybe, like me, it's slow sips and soaking in the goodness of life, minerals, music, and all. Whatever it is, be kind to yourself. If you're just getting started, start small: one breath. One moment of stillness. One walk outside. And if you find it hard to stay consistent, consider joining a community of like-minded people who care about wellness, wholeness, and showing up for themselves every day. 

Cheers to slow sips, steady movement, deep breathing, and meaningful connections; to the Earth, to others, and most of all, to yourself. 

With love and support, 

Stacie J. 

The Sacred Power of Grounding

 A Spiritual and Scientific Look at Earthing without the Woo-Woo

Grounding is not a “trend” or strange ritual; it’s an ancient practice rooted in creation itself. 

Sitting beneath a tree or walking barefoot on the Earth is one of the simplest ways to realign with your Creator, your breath, and your body. 

This post explores how something so natural can support our spiritual, physical, and emotional wellness, and why it’s time we reclaim these sacred rituals without fear, guilt, or confusion.

Benefits of Grounding Under a Tree on Grass 

1. Electron Exchange & Anti-Inflammatory Effect
   • The Earth’s surface is rich in negatively charged electrons.
   • When you make skin contact (e.g., bare feet, hands), your body absorbs these electrons, which may help neutralize excess positive ions (from stress, EMFs, inflammation).
   • This can lead to reduced inflammation, better immunity, and faster healing. 
   
   
2. Nervous System Reset
   • Being in natural settings (especially under a tree) calms the sympathetic nervous system (fight/flight) and activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest/digest).
   • Helps reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep.
   
   
3. Tree Connection Amplifies Energy
   • Trees emit subtle bioelectromagnetic frequencies, and when you sit beneath them, you are enveloped in their grounding, stabilizing field.
   • Many believe trees help regulate your energy field (aura) and support emotional balance, think of them as ancient, living conduits of wisdom and Earth energy. 
   
   
4. Boosts Mood and Brain Chemistry
   • Direct contact with Earth increases serotonin and dopamine levels naturally.
   • Exposure to phytoncides (aromatic compounds trees release) improves immune function and elevates mood. 
   
   
5. Vitamin D (if sun is out) + Circadian Reset
   • Morning sun exposure while grounded helps balance circadian rhythms, boosts Vitamin D, and may support better melatonin production at night.

Supercharging with Ions: Is It Real?

Yes, in a simplified sense:

• The body accumulates positive ions from stress, pollution, and electronics (EMFs).
• The Earth is rich in negative ions, which can help restore electrical balance.
• This “exchange” is like recharging your internal battery, hence the feeling of calm, clarity, and even physical energy after grounding. 

Try This Grounding Ritual: 

1. Sit or lie in the grass, bare feet or hands touching the ground. 
2. Lean your back against a tree or gently rest your palms on it. 
3. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. 
4. Visualize the Earth’s energy flowing up through your body, and stress draining down into the Earth to be transmuted. 
5. Stay at least 20–30 minutes (though even 10 minutes can help).

Recap: Grounding supports your health, reduces, inflammation, increases electron absorption, lowers oxidative stress, helps with better sleep, regulates cortisol and melatonin, provides emotional balance, calms the nervous system, promotes mindfulness, boosts circulation, reduces tension, it's an energetic reset, neutralizes EMF exposure, recharges aura and so much more.  

So be sure to take care of yourself. Be still and know!

With love,

Stacie J. 

Heart Swell for Nature & Continued Transformation

Today, a pigeon walked up to me freely and boldly. I smiled and greeted it, only to notice that something was different. “Clokie Warrior,” as I named this brave bird, had two legs but only two toes on one foot, and just one on the other. My heart swelled.

I asked, “What happened to your toes?” Of course, I didn’t expect a reply, but I wanted to speak to him with love. When I realized I didn’t have any food to share, I told him so, still engaging, and still holding space for this vulnerable, wounded creature. Another pigeon approached but veered away, leaving Clokie Warrior alone again. And suddenly, I felt sadness, not just for this one bird, but for all who walk with wounds we cannot see.

I thought about people. Veterans who return home missing limbs. Children born with disabilities. Individuals fighting battles with invisible illnesses. I wondered: In the animal kingdom, do creatures care for each other when they are wounded? And if so, how much more should we as people, those made in the very image of God, do the same for one another?

Scripture Reflections on Compassion & Worth

 “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.” — Luke 12:6 (NIV)


If even the smallest bird is not forgotten by the Creator, how dare we forget each other.

 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (NIV)


God draws near to those who hurt. Shouldn’t we do the same?

 “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these...you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40 (NIV)


Every act of kindness, especially for the vulnerable, is an act of worship.

 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

The law of Christ is love in action.

Reframing How We See the Vulnerable

We live in a time where compassion sometimes seems overshadowed by competition, power, and appearance. It’s easy to dismiss people who are struggling, especially when we label them as lazy or incapable. But Jesus didn’t do that. In fact, He often stopped specifically for those whom others ignored or cast aside.

Yes, Jesus asked the man at the pool if he wanted to be made well (John 5:6), but that wasn’t a challenge; it was an invitation. An invitation to believe again. To hope again. To see that change was possible. What if we approached people with that same grace? Instead of condemnation, what if we asked:

• What would healing look like for you?
• How can I support you?
• What strengths do you carry that the world might not see?

From Nature to Neighbor: Let’s Be More Like Love

I believe we are called not only to observe nature, but to learn from it. In the animal kingdom, there are instances of animals protecting, nurturing, and even grieving for one another. If God placed that within them, what greatness of empathy and divine love must lie within us?

After all, we are God’s hands and feet on earth. We are the chosen vessels to carry His compassion, justice, and healing into the world.

And if Clokie Warrior, the bold, wounded pigeon, can walk with courage and approach another creature in peace, surely we can walk forward in the same manner. With bold love. With compassionate presence. With grace.

Reflection & Action

• When was the last time you slowed down enough to notice someone else's pain?
• Who around you may be “walking with missing toes,” hiding their wounds?
• How can you offer love, not pity, but love with dignity?
• Are there beliefs you need to unlearn about those who are vulnerable or struggling?
• This week, can you choose one act of intentional compassion for someone who might feel unseen?

Closing Blessing

May we have eyes to see as God sees.
Hearts to love as Jesus loved.
Hands that heal.
Voices that uplift.
And spirits anchored in truth:
That every life, winged or walking, is sacred.

With love, peace, and joy,

Stacie J.