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Author: Kaleathia Murphy

Love just is…

I once asked my husband, “How do you love me no matter what?” He makes loving me look so easy. He cares for me graciously, without complaint, always there for me. At times, I find myself wondering, how on earth did I get so blessed to have a husband like him? He is a real-life example of unconditional love, up close and personal, showing me daily what it means to love with selflessness.

But in my reflections, I can’t help but feel a sadness in my heart, realizing that I don’t love like he does. I fall short. I complain when I don’t feel like doing what he asks of me. I snap at the things he says are best for me, and sometimes, I do things grudgingly. But why? What’s wrong with my heart? Why is it so hard for me to love with the same pure, unreserved love that he gives me so freely?

I believe the answer lies in 1 Corinthians 13, which beautifully describes the way love should be—patient, kind, and selfless. Perhaps, this is the best way to live. A love that isn’t conditional or based on how we feel in the moment. It’s a love that chooses to give, even when it’s difficult, and a love that seeks to build up rather than tear down. I’m learning that loving like this is not just a lofty goal, but the key to nurturing a deeper, more meaningful relationship.

Why it’s okay not to be okay…

It’s okay to not be okay. I’m beginning to understand that this acceptance is a crucial part of the healing process. Admitting that something hurts, feels uncomfortable, or is taking longer than expected is often the first step. This honesty brings the truth about a situation to the surface, allowing healing to truly begin. It’s not about ignoring the pain or moving on too quickly; it’s about acknowledging it, feeling it, and then moving through it to the next phase.

Life is circular, and it brings seasons of peace, disappointment, joy, and grief. Each moment has its place and purpose. If life were filled with only good days, we wouldn’t learn to appreciate them. The difficult moments shape us just as much as the beautiful ones, giving us depth and understanding. I’m learning to embrace the lessons that life offers, seeing each experience as part of a greater design that teaches me more about myself and the world.

Wisdom is the gift that comes from this journey. It is the key to navigating life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience. Learning from each experience—whether joyful or painful—has shown me the priceless value of wisdom. Life, when approached as a teacher, offers an education that no classroom could match. I’m discovering that embracing both the good and the difficult is what leads to genuine growth.

Back Where I Started

I’ve come to a place of acceptance—a quiet but profound shift in my journey. I’m learning to be okay with my current state of being, to sit with where I am and let go of what once kept me from feeling at peace. Pursuing purpose isn’t always the easy, inspiring path I imagined. Sometimes, it feels humbling and uncertain, and I may even look a little foolish along the way. Yet, I’ve released those insecurities that kept me bound, and I’m learning that purpose is less about feeling “ready” and more about showing up, even when the path feels unclear.

So, I ask myself: should I still keep going? The answer has been a quiet, steady “yes,” even if I can’t say I began this quest with enthusiasm. Purpose seems to reveal itself in whispers rather than loud declarations, in small, consistent steps rather than giant leaps. Each challenge I meet along the way might feel uncomfortable, but it’s grounding me, showing me who I am becoming in the process. I am learning that acceptance doesn’t mean complacency—it means allowing myself to be present, trusting that I am exactly where I need to be right now.

Uncertainty

It’s been nearly a month since returning to Atlanta, and this past year has felt like a whirlwind. Yet, I never saw myself here—back at home, with no transportation, staying with family. The reality has brought up so many emotions. I’m grappling with a deep sense of uncertainty, unsure if I can trust myself—my decisions, actions, or even my own thoughts.

In this search for inner peace, it feels like I’m chasing something that stays just out of reach. There’s a tight knot in my stomach that seems to grow every day. I feel sadness and a weight I can’t shake, as if happiness has become a stranger. Looking in the mirror, I barely recognize the person staring back at me, and admitting this brings a deep sense of shame.

Writing this is hard; these feelings are raw and real. I feel everything intensely, and it’s painful. Facing the reality of having no home, no car, and the last of my income is humbling. I hesitate to share such vulnerability, but maybe someone else will see this and know they’re not alone in feeling the weight of uncertainty.

Still, despite all of it, I cling to a mustard seed of faith. It may be small, but it’s enough to hold me steady. This season may not look how I thought it would, but I’m holding on to the hope that somehow, I’m being led through it. Even if I can’t see it yet, I trust that there’s purpose in this season of waiting.

Turning Frustration into Action: How Your Words Can Make a Difference

It’s easy to complain about the state of the world. I’ve found myself frustrated by the things I see around me—social media filled with negativity, people hurting, and a culture that seems more divided than united. But then I realize: if I’m not doing anything to make it better, I’m just adding to the noise. If I don’t like what I see, I can choose to not engage with it or, better yet, post something that brings light into dark spaces.

One way to make a difference is by using my voice to encourage others. I can speak life into someone who’s struggling, offering hope in the middle of their storm. When someone feels unseen or overwhelmed, my words of encouragement might be the one thing that reminds them they’re not alone. A simple message like, “You’re doing better than you think,” can shift someone’s perspective and bring them a step closer to healing.

Another way is to offer insight when people are stuck in unfortunate situations. Maybe they’ve lost a job, ended a relationship, or feel like nothing is going right. Instead of watching them spiral, I can be the voice that says, “This is just a chapter, not the whole story.” Sharing my own journey of overcoming challenges shows that there is hope on the other side, and my testimony might inspire them to keep going.

Lastly, I can create change by being intentional about what I put out into the world. If I’m tired of seeing nonsense online, I can share something meaningful instead—a verse, a kind thought, or an uplifting message. My voice can be a light in spaces that often feel dark, bringing positivity and purpose into conversations that desperately need it. If we want to see change, it starts with what we choose to say and do.

From Struggle to Strength: Why You Shouldn’t Give Up

Sometimes, it feels like we’re stuck, swimming in circles, making no progress. I’m reminded of a story from The Slight Edge—two frogs trapped in a pail of cream. One frog gave up, exhausted, but the other kept swimming, refusing to quit. At first, it seemed pointless, but in the end, his persistence churned the cream into butter, allowing him to escape. What looked like endless struggle became his breakthrough.

This story has stayed with me, especially in seasons of adversity. I’ve learned that God uses our challenges to shape us. Just like that frog, we may feel like we’re going nowhere, but every bit of effort is producing something greater. Our struggles aren’t wasted; they’re the process through which God molds us into who we’re meant to be.

Trust that God has a purpose for your pain, a reason for your struggle, and a reward for your faithfulness. Don’t give up. You’re making something—something beautiful and lasting, even if you can’t see it yet. Keep going. Trust Him.

A new boldness

Recently, I found myself with a few old phone cases that were in great condition. So, I decided to go outside my door and ask everyone I saw what kind of phone they had. Many didn’t have the same model, but that didn’t stop us from chatting about other things. I met so many people and even finally found someone who had the same phone. Although she only took one of the four cases, I was thrilled that someone could use it. I couldn’t stop smiling—I was brimming from ear to ear.

This simple experience ignited something inside me. If I can go around offering used phone cases, why not share the gospel? This has given me a new kind of boldness and confidence in what I believe. It made me realize that sharing the good news can be as simple as starting a conversation. How can I be a follower of Jesus Christ and not share what He’s done in my life with others?

As I read the Gospels, I’m having a light bulb moment: I’m a disciple, and I should be making more disciples. Why has this just clicked for me? Isn’t this something new believers understand right away? The Gospels are the good news, and people need to hear it. My love for Christ makes me want to share everything I know and love about Him. He has changed me, and I’m so grateful. The least I can do is help build up His kingdom. I am a living, breathing example of His love and grace, and I’m ready to share that with the world.

You are the purpose

Have you ever wondered if God could really use you—the real you, not some idealized version? We are all unique, divinely crafted with a specific purpose. The beautiful truth is that you don’t have to search for your purpose; you are purpose. You were intentionally made to embody it, and because of that, you can trust that you will be used in extraordinary ways.

A pastor once said, “The work God does in you is infinitely greater than the works He does through you. That’s why you can trust He will do amazing things through you.” This resonates deeply with me. It’s a reminder that before we can be a vessel for God’s work, we must first understand and accept the purpose He has placed within us.

Consider people like Harriet Tubman, who believed so strongly in her God-given purpose that she risked her life to lead others to freedom. She wasn’t perfect, but she knew she was called to something greater, and she stepped up to fulfill that calling. Another example is Fred Rogers, who shared his purpose by nurturing the hearts and minds of children through his television show. He wasn’t trying to be anyone else; he simply embraced who he was and the purpose God had given him.

At this very moment, someone is waiting for you to step into your purpose. You don’t have to seek it because you are it. Everything in this world was created with a person in mind, and that includes you. It’s not about being perfect or having everything together; it’s about knowing that you are part of something greater. We all share in the responsibility of living out our purpose, and when we do, we can change the world.

So, don’t wait any longer. Embrace who you are, trust in the purpose God has placed within you, and step up. The world needs you just as you are.

Less is More: How Starting Fresh in California Redefined My Happiness.

You can start over as many times as you want. There aren’t any rules to life, and there’s nothing wrong with starting over. In fact, starting over is a fresh beginning, a new way to learn and grow. I’ve started over several times, and by now, I’d say I’m somewhat of an expert on the matter—not that I’m bragging, of course.

My latest “start over” was moving from Georgia to California. Yes, those two states are polar opposites, but that’s what I love most about it. I had no preconceived notions about California—it was like doing a blind taste test. I couldn’t base my expectations on anything I’d seen or heard; I just had to experience it for myself. Okay, I might have cheated a little—I did visit San Diego for a week and loved it so much that I told my husband to go back home and send my belongings because I wanted to stay. The newness of the place and the people excited me. Just imagining myself driving in a new area, getting lost, and discovering new things along the way brought a smile to my face. I guess you could say I’m a bit of a weirdo who gets excited about starting over from scratch.

Two years ago, we moved into a two-bedroom apartment and partially furnished it. Recently, we downsized to a studio apartment, 578 square feet of newness. Needless to say, we had to get rid of some things, but that didn’t bother me at all. In fact, I’m kind of living my dream of having less. We have just a handful of items now, and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. This is less than I’ve ever had in my life, and I’m finally understanding the “less is more” concept. Having fewer possessions means more space for life’s adventures, and that’s something I’m excited to embrace.

The beautiful transformation in Jesus Christ

Lately, I’ve developed a fascination with butterflies, though I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I used to be afraid of them. In my defense, they looked kind of scary to me. Sure, their wings are beautiful, but their bodies definitely screamed “insect,” and I’ve never been a fan of insects! To make matters worse, it always felt like they were following me—almost as if they knew I didn’t like them and were chasing me. Silly, I know, but that’s how I felt.

But despite my initial fear, I’ve become intrigued by butterflies, particularly by their metamorphosis. The transformation from a caterpillar into a butterfly is truly astounding. Every part of the caterpillar—the tissues, limbs, and organs—undergoes a complete change. The once earth-bound creature emerges with wings, vibrant colors, long legs, an antenna, and larger eyes. Even its mouth changes from one designed for chewing to one perfectly suited for sipping nectar. It’s remarkable how the butterfly also gains the ability to change its colors to blend into its surroundings, protecting itself from predators. What’s even more fascinating is that the butterfly retains the same nervous system it had as a caterpillar, meaning it carries memories from its previous life.

This metamorphosis reminds me of my own transformation in Jesus Christ. Just as the caterpillar is completely changed into something new, Jesus transforms us when we give our lives to Him. Our old self, with all its flaws and limitations, is reshaped into something beautiful and purposeful. In Christ, we become new creations, with new ways of thinking, seeing, and living. And just like the butterfly, we retain the memories of our past, but they no longer define us. Instead, they remind us of how far we’ve come and how much we’ve been transformed by His grace.