Hidden Work of Growth

Like a seed buried in the earth, we enter into a process of waiting, breaking, and growth, trusting that new life will come in due time. In the darkness, unseen and seemingly lifeless, the seed coat is breaking open—letting go of its old form to make way for new life. Moments of transition where we have left behind the familiar but have not yet arrived at what is to come. These liminal spaces can feel uncertain, even uncomfortable, yet they are essential for transformation.

A seed, when planted, enters its own liminal space. It is buried beneath the soil, unseen and seemingly lifeless. But in that hidden place, something profound is happening: the seed coat is breaking open, its old form dissolving, making way for new life.

Lent is a time of dying to self—of surrendering our own desires so that something greater can grow within us. Making room for God to do His work in us. Just as a seed cannot rush its development, we, too, must trust the process, knowing that even in waiting, God is at work.

The Lenten Season invites us to release what holds us back, embrace the unseen work of transformation, and trust that new life will emerge. And just as the seed does not remain buried forever, this season does not end in the tomb but in the light of resurrection. Even when we cannot see it, something sacred is growing within us.

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October Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER The Saga Continues… The trip to Malaysia consisted of a two-day spiritual retreat with the theme of ‘Come Away With Me’ and a six-day conference with about 230 missionaries who serve in some aspect of translating the Scriptures. One of the many people who I met was a missionary who served in Cameroon for many years and now is in a new role. As he was sharing, most his words were very negative and depressive. I encouraged him to sign up for a time of prayer and care. At the end of the retreat, this missionary shared with me that he did have a session and I could see that his whole countenance changed, and he was hopeful. His new word he used to describe where he was now is ‘delightful.’ Our time there was creating a safe space for these missionaries to have a place to share what they are struggling with and to connect with Jesus. One missionary is at a crossroads in her life. Another finds himself in the midst of betrayal. A missionary is in a new role as a caregi...

January Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER Winter Blast… Brr. It’s cold outside. Winter is not a favorite season for many people, but I love winter. There is a beauty in the dormant, snow covered, and coldness of winter that embraces and permeates us to the depths of our bones. It reminds me of the Lord’s love that embraces and permeates us to the depths of our heart and soul. The snow brings a smile to my face as I delight in the quietness, calming, beautifying, and a slower pace. Recently, I was talking with someone in Louisiana who was going to be making a snowman and snow angel with his granddaughter. What playfulness and awe to experience the Lord’s beauty. Community is so important to our lives that even the Lord noticed how alone Adam was in the garden that He made Eve. It is where you are seen, known, and find belonging. It has been something I have prayed for, asked you all to be praying for, have sought after in ...

March Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER Connect. Nurture. Grow. An unexpected and unplanned trip led me to see God’s marvelous and wonderful work at the Assist Pregnancy Center. I learned from the staff that this pregnancy center is unique and different in that the population they serve are women who come already with an 85-90% decision made of aborting their babies. The medical staff who are in the rooms with the women during their ultrasounds share Jesus with them and are compassionate witnesses to each baby as they are seen, valued, and loved. If the mother decides to have the baby the center walks alongside with the mother and family. I had the precious privilege to facilitate a training with all the staff of the pregnancy center to talk about the Wounds from the Work. Listening to their stories of how the Lord called them to work at this pregnancy center and what the cost has been to them, and their families was sacred ground. Creating a safe place for them to be seen and heard in thei...

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