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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You Are Not A Role

You are not your job title. You are not your productivity. You are not only the caretaker, the leader, the helper, the strong one. Those may be things you do —beautifully, even sacrificially—but they are not the whole story of who you are. Your worth is not defined by your output. Your identity is not limited to your roles. Coaching begins when we ask: What would it look like to live from that truer self, even just a little more today?

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...

How to Say No Without Losing Yourself or the Relationship

For many of us, saying no doesn’t feel simple. It feels risky. Vulnerable. Uncomfortable. Maybe even unsafe. We worry: Will they be disappointed? Will I lose connection? Will I look selfish or unhelpful? Will this cost me an opportunity? And underneath those fears is something deeply human: we all want to belong — without abandoning ourselves to do it. Learning how to say no is not about becoming rigid or distant. It’s about honoring your voice, power, and relationships — all at the same time. It’s about choosing truth over approval — while staying kind. Here’s how to begin. Step 1: Notice the Pause Before the Yes Most of us say yes automatically. The request comes in and our mouth moves faster than our internal check-in. Practice creating a pause — even a sentence like: “Let me think about that and get back to you.” “I need to look at my schedule first.” “I want to be thoughtful and/or pray before I commit.” ...

Shannon's Corner

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