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We have rounded another year. I say “another” as if it retains any semblance to the others. It doesn’t. But I have lived (somewhat), written, felt and survived to do it all again. I am so very thankful that the challenges of 2020 pushed me closer and closer to my Heavenly Father, but now I would like them to end (said in jest – sort of).

I want to thank you, bloggy friend, for taking the time to follow my writing and for any amount of time sacrificed to read these words. It means more to me than you could possibly know. And each and every comment left was like a present for me to open. While I know now more than ever that I have no idea what topics the future will provide for this website, I still plan a little, holding it loosely. Proverbs 19:21 says, Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. NIV I desire deeply for God’s purpose to be fulfilled here.

So I looked back for research at what posts you all enjoyed most from last year. This information helps me hone in on what is helpful and meaningful to you. So I present to you (in case you missed any of these or would like to revisit) the top 10 most viewed posts from my site in 2020. And thank you again being such an important community for me. (Also, take a gander at my list of the top posts of 2019 here.)

10. The Good Thing V. the God Thing February 7, 2020

Mark 1:40-45 tells the story of a man Jesus cured of leprosy only to command him to keep his miraculous healing to himself. Common sense seems to say that Jesus’ ministry would only be enhanced by the sharing of this good news. But God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), so we must seek His guidance in all things and not forge ahead using only our own feeble wisdom.

9. God is Good…but Life is Still Hard March 6, 2020

Certain situations and events from the year past drove me to study Job. Good ol’ Job who lost his wealth, his family and finally his own health. Although he lamented (this can be so healthy), Job never lost his faith in God. In the midst of his heartache – before any earthly blessing was restored to him – Job exclaimed, “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.” (19:25) When all else slips away, we can cling to that.

8. I Love… February 14, 2020

This Valentine’s Day post only touched on romantic love. It’s more about the many things and people I love and am thankful for in this life. Even though I wrote this pre-Covid 19, reading the list again encouraged me. So many of my treasures I still enjoy in the midst of it. I hope it encourages you too.

7. Better Late than Never – My Thoughts on Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Others June 5, 2020

As the death of several black Americans set our world on fire last summer, I struggled with whether or not my voice in matters of systemic racism and injustice mattered. But I finally had to speak – with people that I know and with my computer keys. I forced myself to examine my privilege and any biases and prejudices with which I view the world. I don’t pretend to be “woke” to the things I’ve been blind to, but I am determined to keep working on it. All life has value. Genesis 1:27 says God created mankind in His own image. The Bible lists no exceptions to this. Black lives matter.

6. The Pursuit May 8, 2020

Using a different translation of Psalm 23:6 gave me a deepened perspective on God’s vast love for us. He created us, He loves us, and He wants us. In this world that is still so full of uncertainty, I find great comfort in this. In Him.

5. Farewell to February February 28, 2020

This was the only month end review to make the list. Reading again about all my social activities pre-virus almost brought a tear to my eye. May it be again soon, Lord.

4. Today I Cannot…a Coronavirus Lament May 15, 2020

The title of this one explains itself pretty well. It took me a couple of months of lock down to reach this boiling point, but many of these things still grieve me (although some days my will to endure stays stronger than the moment in time I penned this). Maybe you can relate to some of my things. And maybe you just need to read the verse at the end for comfort and hope.

3. A Conversation on Race, Part 1 June 19, 2020

Two fellow bloggers of color, Yvonne Chase and Calvonia Radford agreed to an interview on the issues of racial injustice that news journalists and the everyman with a cell phone brought to the forefront of our consciousness. I will warn those of you that look like me that it’s not easy to read. But I pray you will be prompted to examine your own heart against the feelings and facts they share. We still have a long way to go in the arena of race relations in America. You might just find a good start here. And don’t miss the links to their websites. Read Part II of this conversation as well. “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.” – Angela Davis

2. These are a Few of My Favorite Things (100 to Be Exact) November 6, 2020

“If I am losing it beyond the normal parameters of losing it, I write out or say 100 things I am grateful for.” – Jami Amerine. She calls this a gratitude blitz and I tried my hand at it a couple of months ago. That this list landed in the #2 spot tells me a lot about our need for positivity right now. Hopefully something you read here will touch you, encourage you, entertain you or motivate you to make your own list. And maybe we will decide – at least for a moment – that things really aren’t that bad.

1. Dear Teenage Daughter, You Aren’t Entitled February 21, 2020

I suspect from this #1 post that some of you deal with the challenges of an entitled generation. I promise you that this letter, written two days before my teen’s birthday has a happy ending. And she gave me her permission and approval. Part rant, part lesson and confession from me – it is all heart. And I could not love her more.

This concludes a year in the life of this blogger. A year I honestly hope we never see the likes of again. But important lessons for me – and maybe you – reside here. I hope you are informed or encouraged, and I pray God is glorified here. I thank you, again, for being my reader friends and hope this relationship continues into the new year. Also, happy birthday to the best Papa in the world (and Elvis).

And now for this week’s featured post!

In keeping with the theme of my post for this week, I chose Heather Hart’s Top Candid Posts of 2020 on candidlychristian.com. I would love nothing better than for you to hop over and see some well-loved posts from one of my teammates at Grace and Truth (after you read mine of course). 😉

1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.

2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.

3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).

We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.

MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

HEATHER HART & VALERIE RIESE – Candidly Christian
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LAUREN SPARKS
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Now Let’s Link Up!

To find some great places where I might be sharing this post, click here.

^{I want to start by letting you know about my new e-book This Was Not on My Bingo Card: Essays on Cancer and Other Related Surprises. It is FREE, but the only way to get it is to subscribe to my blog. Do it today in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month! I pray you will be blessed. Now…on to the post:}

¹⁹My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20 NIV

I often pray the words, “Lord, come quickly.” I recently added the prayer, “Let the election pass quickly.” People seem to lose their ever loving minds over presidential elections. Social media turns into a hotbed of hatred and vitriol – even more so than usual. And from my vantage point, Christians often shout the loudest and fling the most poo. This both frustrates and saddens me.

There is a reason people say we should never talk about politics or religion at the dinner table. And it’s not because those topics aren’t interesting. We have simply forgotten (or maybe never taught) how to listen to people we disagree with. I use the election as a current and relevant thorn in my side, but we could just as well substitute racial equality, differences in theology, our response to COVID-19, or a slew of other hot topics.

John 13:35 says, By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. NIV What I have never seen in the Bible is that we will show others we follow Jesus with our anti-fill in the blank rhetoric. I don’t know how “love one another” got translated to “convince you to think just like me”. And even if it did, I don’t see the arguing leading to much convincing. If anything, it’s just causing more arguing.

I think our conversations become so cyclical and fruitless because we fail in the art of listening well. In a debate (friendly or not), we most often listen only long enough to formulate our counter-point instead of listening to understand. It’s a problem as old as time. I mean, did you see the 1st presidential debate? Or some would say debacle? Proverbs 18:13 NIV states, To answer before listening—that is folly and shame. But that foolishness is exactly what most of us do. So how can we listen better, and as a result, conduct healthier dialogue?

1. Be About the Relationship

God is love, and the Bible tells the story of His love relationship with us from beginning to end. His word commands us to love others because He loves us (1 John 4:19) and love is about relationship. Our goal in any interaction – whether in person or online – should be to show Christ-like love. If we are primarily motivated by forming, maintaining or furthering relationship with another, we will naturally use language that encourages, builds up and shows compassion. Care more about the person than your point.

2. Ask Clarifying Questions

In a sermon a couple of months ago, my pastor suggested saying, “Help me understand… (what you said, what you’re feeling, what lead you to your opinion or ideas). How did you arrive at that conclusion?” Knowing where someone else is coming from leads to fewer misunderstandings and promotes empathy, which benefits the relationship. It also gives you the opportunity to think twice and speak once, which also leads to fewer misunderstandings.

3. Present Your “Side” with Permission

This suggestion came from my wise pastor as well. Ask permission to ask questions about what’s been said. Then say, “Is it okay if I share some thoughts on some things I see differently?” Become less of a bulldozer. You are entitled to your opinion, but you aren’t always entitled to share it. Having the humility to ask for permission shows respect for the individual (remember relationship is the goal). And let’s be honest, mowing over someone with your ideas or beliefs never really works.

Let’s open our ears and rain down grace on those we come in contact with. 2020 has been hard enough.

And now for this week’s featured post!

I just featured Barbara Harper of Stray Thoughts last week, but I had to do it again. I think she is somehow reading my mind and my struggles! In What Do You Look for When You Read the Bible, she touched on reading the Bible for truth and not just to speak into our current struggle or feeling. I believe God often does that for us with His word, but this seeking out this type of study is a slippery slope to twisting God’s word to meet our narrative. Thank you, Barbara, for this glimpse of the whole of God’s Word.

1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.

2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.

3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).

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We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.

MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

HEATHER HART & VALERIE RIESE – Candidly Christian
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LAUREN SPARKS
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Now Let’s Link Up!

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To find some great places where I might be sharing this post, click here.