Join us for a two-hour chat + chew to engage the creative, intrepid, and brave woman of God. “the Hive” is a place where women nurture their power and create meaningful connections with other women. What to expect: -Cinco De Mayo themed catered lunch -Resources/worksheets to use during our discussion -Actionable takeaways on how to […]

If you build it, they will come. Last Saturday, To Be Praised hosted a Cinco De Mayo themed Chat & Chew. It was our first installment of the in-person Bible studies under the new name “the Hive”, but to be honest…a name is a name. The energy, the vibe, the encouragement, love, and sisterhood was […]

“Thus the Lord God showed me, and behold, there was a basket of summer fruit.” – Amos 8:1 When “To Be Praised” first launched, it was November. The Earth had just begun to stiffen, and the cold air surrounded us as we sipped pumpkin flavored coffee and tea. It doesn’t seem that long ago. We had less than […]

“Don’t look back, you’re not going that way” I did a poll on Instagram to inquire about what topics ladies were interested in reading about for this week’s devotional email and someone responded with my favorite topic: focus forward. Naturally, and with huge bias, I decided to use it 🙂 What does “focus” mean to […]

When we look back over the years of our lives we can see so much more, now, than we ever could when we walked forward step by step. Forward is a process, a steady one, and too often we grow tired and frustrated because we want to be there already. But where is there? Right before Jesus’ […]

The past is always pawing for our attention; It is an itch we fight to scratch, a sensational that comes out of thin air and weighs over you almost like a security blanket that instead of making us secure, suffocates us. I’ve cautioned myself, many times this year, as I focus forward, to ignore the […]

Make room Everything you’re hoping and praying for requires you to make room. The good stuff God wants to give you requires you to open up your hands, your heart, your home, and your life in new and challenging ways. The beauty of the breaking you’ve experienced is a blessing. 2019 has been generous to me, and I’m […]

The shift must happen inside of you before it manifests on the outside in the living, breathing world. The shift is like applying slight pressure to reposition you on your heels, and then, suddenly, your whole body adjusts in an uncommanded rhythm. When your hand swiftly moves in and out of grooves to ensure you […]

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A few years ago, at the Church of Christ Caribbean Lectureship, I met some of the most friendly and sweet men and women of God — residents of the Bahamas and Caribbean. When my family couldn’t navigate our way back to the home we rented, a woman with a young son volunteered to be our […]

There was a lot of publicity a few years ago about studies indicating a "genetic predisposition" to homosexuality, but there has never been anything near proof that homosexuality cannot be helped and is genetic. If someone contends that it is genetically driven, the burden of proof is on the one making that contention. It cannot be proven. Some other thoughts:

1. Homosexuality is "conduct". We do not deny that someone may have homosexual thoughts or temptations. But what makes someone homosexual is committing homosexual acts. Most people confuse a "tendency" or a "temptation" with the act. I may be tempted…