Kid Rock stripped it down—no dancers, no gimmicks. Just a man who’s clearly been through some stuff. When he cracked on “until you can’t” I felt it in my ribs. Not because I love him. Because I’ve heard that crack in my own voice at three a.m.
The other artists after him—voices like warm bread, no Auto-Tune, no fog machines—sang like they were praying with their eyes open. Budget low, but soul high.
Bad Bunny:
He didn’t preach. Didn’t curse.
He brought the island home.
Tití Me Preguntó – aunties everywhere nodded.
Yo Perreo Sola – every girl who’s ever said “I dance alone” raised a fist.
Voy a Llevarte Pa’ PR – Celebration of Puerto Rican pride
Die With a Smile – Gaga and him swaying like old friends at a wedding.
Baile Inolvidable – “I thought I’d grow old with you…”
Yeah. That one hurt.
Two shows.
One sold redemption.
The other sold roots.
Both reminded me:
You don’t have to like the messenger
to hear the message.
And maybe—
just maybe—
the same God who let Kid Rock crack
let Bad Bunny rhyme—
got His own message through anyway.
One: redemption.
One: culture.
Both straight from the same mouth.
Both straight from the same Source.
I wanna give props to both messages.
I’ll keep Bad Bunny at arm’s length. His direct disrespect of the things of God does that.
But I won’t keep quiet— about how loud God can speak through the mouths of the broken.
Imperfect people are used by God in mysterious ways.
Because Grace? Grace has got better taste in rhythm than any of us.
When we stop demanding people look like us—
talk like us—
pray like us—
and start noticing how God keeps slipping His voice into the cracks of broken people—
Job is a prime example of testing of one’s faith in God that produces a faith that can be trusted.
At the beginning of Job’s story we trust a faith full of possessions, both material, like his family, his home, his assets and his intangibles, like a good reputation, respect amongst his peers and loved by his family and friends. We think oh, Job is a man of faith because of what he possesses, even if we don’t say these words aloud or in our head, it’s fair to say that might be the conclusion that most of us come to peeking into his life.
When God Chooses You to Be the Example
How about when we read the conversation between God and Satan?
“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.”” Job 1:6-11 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/job.1.6-11.ESV
If you continue in the story of Job you will find that the only thing Satan had access to is Job’s possessions, God always had access to Job’s life. Which makes me think about how many times I’ve held onto possessions that were actually holding onto me. The temporal things of this world both what we can see and touch, as well as, carry in stature will not get us into our eternal home with God, only possessing a relationship with God can do that.
Imagine living so purely focused on a relationship with God that He chooses you to be tested at the level Job was tested?
Job’s Response During the Test
When Job is asked after he loses everything will he curse God now? Here’s Job’s response:
“Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” Job 2:9-10 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/job.2.9-10.ESV
And when one after another, so called friends, the same friends who enjoyed his previous possessions, probably broke bread with him, enjoyed his position but when he was being tested, they got testy.
“As God lives, who has taken away my right, and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter, as long as my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils, my lips will not speak falsehood, and my tongue will not utter deceit. Far be it from me to say that you are right; till I die I will not put away my integrity from me. I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go; my heart does not reproach me for any of my days.” Job 27:2-6 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/job.27.2-6.ESV
What’s Your Mindset During the Testing of Your Faith?
This mindset is so significant because it reminds us that the temporary life here, is a moment to endure, compared to an eternity where all of these tests, trials and temptations go away. The life that was originally planned for us is reinstated because Jesus made a way for us to come home to live with Him forever.
So now we can see why James says this about tests and trials:
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:2-5 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/jas.1.2-5.ESV
How Do We Keep an Eternal Mindset?
Here are a few verses to memorize and apply to your way of thinking to get you started:
What you prioritize matters:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:33-34 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.6.33-34.ESV
What you rehearse in your mind matters:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/php.4.8-9.ESV
The enemy roars LIKE a lion but is not a lion:
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:8-11 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1pe.5.8-11.ESV
Conclusion
Get in the word first thing daily
Apply the verses you read
Memorize scripture more than stats, songs and movie quotes.
Know that the enemy has no power. He is defeated. Walk in the victory you already possess.
Possessions are not the problem; letting them possess you is.
Possess God and everything else falls inline.
If you got problems; chances are God’s not one of them. So stop cursing Him instead of cursing Satan who is the deceiver and author of every lie, destruction, negative thought or loss that you have.
Pray first. Make it so natural that the enemy doesn’t get an opportunity to walk into your situation.
Let testing produce what it needs to. Walk it out. God is with you from beginning to end.
Be careful who you listen to. If it doesn’t line up with the word, it’s not anything you need to allow to weigh out your options while being tested.
Thank YOU LORD for the testimony that comes after the test!
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.” Joel 2:12-13 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/jol.2.12-13.ESV
Day 5 – Repentance & Cleansing
Scripture: Joel 2:12–13
Why: Fasting is often paired with repentance—not to earn forgiveness, but to realign with grace.
Joy is the source of all my strength and endurance through the difficulties that life throws at me.
I cannot tell you how many countless times that joy has rescued me from various states of mind. The battlefield in my head fights against depression, regret and condemnation. The joy in my heart tells depression, regret and condemnation to sit down and shut up, because this is temporary.
Joy is a glimpse of eternity. It reminds us that one day, after Jesus returns, there will be no more tears, no more heartache, no more depression, no more regret and no more condemnation.
Maybe that’s why God tells us to be heavenly minded while we’re earthly present? Maybe, if we could just wrap our heads around it, the day after Jesus’s return we clock into eternity and out of the limitations of the clock?
God You are so good. This world has nothing for me. When time passes away and eternity is ever present, these problems we toil over will seem so small. Lord, help me make them small and You BIG, right now. in Jesus name amen!
Are you lost? Christians and non-Christians alike hit seasons in their life when everything feels like it’s falling apart. Good news, feelings are not facts, they’re just feelings and this too shall pass. If you’re anything like me that last sentence made you cringe, a little angry or if you’re willing, gave you a different perspective. Which leads me to my next question.
Do you want to be found? Specifically, by God? Most of us put God in a corner, in our most desperate times, in an attempt to fix the problem ourselves. We fail to realize, God, doesn’t care how you got there, He only cares that you want Him in all areas of your life. Even the messy parts, yes, the really messy stuff that you probably even contributed to, rather indirectly or directly. God just wants to be with you. That’s why He created you. You were created for the sole purpose of being in relationship with God. It was His plan before you were ever born.
No matter where you’ve been. No matter what you’ve done or how far you’ve run, He’s there, waiting to find you. So I’ll ask you again, “Do you want to be found, by Him? Are you aware that you’re lost and need Him?”
“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?” Matthew 18:12 ESV
Dear Lord, I am lost and ready to be found by YOU! Like a wandering sheep, I had no idea how bad things would get apart from You. I just want to be in Your presence, in Your care and lead by You. Amen
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12 ESV
K. Howard author of Beautifully BrokenClick here to learn more about K. Howard
All too often, I desire to learn more, do more and be more, yet in doing so many things and packing my schedule so tight, I retain less, get stressed and accomplish less. Prioritizing what I do around God’s plan and purpose is key to making the most of every opportunity. Even if saying no is part of that opportunity.
Lord, help me fight the good fight of faith for eternal things while balancing life in earthly things. Amen. #k4gsus #thoughts #purpose
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why“.
Mark Twain
“At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.” Daniel 9:23 ESV
You are greatly loved. Though this passage was written about Daniel, it’s true for us too. So many think that God is on His throne looking to and fro of whom He can punish, no my friends, that’s the devil.
God is right there with you. Waiting for you to do life WITH Him. Everything He created, including you, He created with a healthy, loving, joyful relationship in mind, with YOU. I assure you that regardless of what you have done, forgiveness and a new start, He would gladly give.
I know this because I read where He joyfully laid down His life for all, even the ones that would reject Him, to make forgiveness a viable option for our sinful man. God is not mad at you. God is madly in love with you. He created you to be in relationship with you. The healthiest, safest relationship available to all who would receive it. Will you receive it?
I pray that anyone reading this, encounters the living God today. In all His fullness. That this encounter leads them to repentance. That today is the day of their salvation. That they understand the vision of eternity in mind. We will all face eternity one day but we will all not end up in the same place. Lord enlighten the eyes of their hearts so that see the one true God that you are. No decision is still a decision. Choose this day who you will serve, God or the devil. For me and my house, we will choose God.
Can you imagine waters flowing through a desert and how refreshing that would be? I find myself in seasons of desert-like dryness and just when I think I can hardly take it, the Lord, floods me with His refreshing waters of loving-kindness. He restores my soul. He reminds me of His promises to me, that we are in a covenant that cannot be broken.
It is hard to remember a promise in the middle of a dry season. We are stretched, tested and tried. Often being brought to the edge of ourselves. Then we notice something? A trickle of water coming through the rock of our hearts, that have hardened, become jaded, disappointments, betrayal closed us off from everything, sometimes, including our promise.
Fortunately, for us, God reminds us ever-so-gently, that we have a promise to focus on IN THE DESERT. No matter what it looks like, feels like or be like, God will fulfill His promises, beloved. Let the refreshing waters of His promise, His covenant, with you, restore your soul. Let His truth flow through the desert places of your heart. Do not let the dangers of the desert, let you lose sight of the floodgates of promise that flow through the desert like a river.
Lord, help me, remember who You are, who I am to You, and the promises that will get me through those challenging times in life. Amen.
If you’re anything like me, interruptions in your plans can be frustrating and bring to the surface a side of you that you’d prefer no one would see.
I’m really working on welcoming those interruptions to see if I am missing something in the bigger picture, specifically the picture that God holds in His hand. My goal is to give room for a God moment, a divine appointment or an adjustment that brings about a better plan for me and whomever is also a victim (er, I mean, gifted) to these unplanned interruptions.
What if interruptions were gifts from God, not situations taking from us but gifting us something better than we could’ve ever planned in the first place?
Let’s picture how many interruptions (gifts) that we pushed aside to focus on our own plans and agendas, sitting on a table. How big is your pile of unopened gifts? Mine is bigger than I prefer to mention here, however, I thank God for giving me a different perspective on interruptions. I don’t want to miss out on anymore opportunities stemmed from my plans being interrupted. Today, I commit to embracing the interruptions that come my way.
What are some ways that we can make room for God, when we’re hyper-focused on the plans we make?
Below are a few ways from Proverbs to soften our hearts to those unplanned moments:
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why“.
Mark Twain
“At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.” Daniel 9:23 ESV
You are greatly loved. Though this passage was written about Daniel, it’s true for us too. So many think that God is on His throne looking to and fro of whom He can punish, no my friends, that’s the devil.
God is right there with you. Waiting for you to do life WITH Him. Everything He created, including you, He created with a healthy, loving, joyful relationship in mind, with YOU. I assure you that regardless of what you have done, forgiveness and a new start, He would gladly give.
I know this because I read where He joyfully laid down His life for all, even the ones that would reject Him, to make forgiveness a viable option for our sinful man. God is not mad at you. God is madly in love with you. He created you to be in relationship with you. The healthiest, safest relationship available to all who would receive it. Will you receive it?
I pray that anyone reading this, encounters the living God today. In all His fullness. That this encounter leads them to repentance. That today is the day of their salvation. That they understand the vision of eternity in mind. We will all face eternity one day but we will all not end up in the same place. Lord enlighten the eyes of their hearts so that see the one true God that you are. No decision is still a decision. Choose this day who you will serve, God or the devil. For me and my house, we will choose God.
Give it all…“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/eph.3.20.ESV
Sundays are my favorite day of the week. I get to go worship the one true God that has led me through my darkest hour yet also has shared in my joy in my most celebrated moments. He is truly my most prized possession.
I don’t deserve it, I couldn’t earn any of it, yet here I am emptying all my junk on Him while He pours out mercy, love and grace to me. Sundays, I get to celebrate this God who is not mad at me, but madly in love with me, with other believers.
It’s mind blowing that He, the uncreated one who created everything…
“Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them. They cried out to You and were set free; they trusted in You and were not disappointed.” Psalms 22:3-5 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/psa.22.3-5.BSB
Today, is a great day to go be with people that believe what God says, about everything. We need His guidance, His wisdom, His direction. Today, I challenge you to go to church.
What have we come to as a nation when we call good evil and evil good?
After the attempted assassination of our former president, Donald J Trump, I saw posts making light of it. Some even said it was staged after one innocent bystander was killed by a stray bullet and two others are in critical condition.
We can do better than this. I believe that when a nation honors God, Biblical principles and has a conscience for truth, we do better.
Let’s take our eyes off political opponents, media hype, misleading headlines and simply look up. God does not need to be found, He needs to be invited into our mess so He can clean it up.
Would you consider inviting God into your mess today?
Fourth of July is more like a week long event of carnivals, parades, BBQ’s, and of course, fireworks. My hope is that though none of those things are bad, in fact, all are very good, we realize what happened on this day, hundreds of years ago.
It’s our Independence Day. It’s the day that we put everything on the line by signing the Declaration of Independence. If we won the American Revolutionary War, we would be free from all British rule but if they won, we would lose everything and once again, be under the British regime.
As we play patriotic songs, light up the grill, shoot off the fireworks, take a minute, close your eyes, face up to the sky, arms raised high and thank the good Lord, the brave men that led the way for the Independence you and your family have, because of today.
God bless! And God bless America! From sea to shining sea!
As an American writer and Christian, I must pause, every year to reflect on my religious freedoms. Many people that I’ve met throughout the years have shared their fight to acquire these freedoms that I have never been without.
With that introduction as a backdrop, I am here to express my sincere gratitude for my country, my faith, my church and my family. The United States is not perfect. We still experience growing pains from remaining to be the melting pot of the world. I want to thank everyone prior to me that fought for the freedoms my family and I enjoy to this day.
I highly recommend listening to Max McClean’s reading of the Declaration of the United States of America.
“This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.”” John 3:19-21 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/jhn.3.19-21.MSG
Nothing but the rest of God’s promises wake us up to how truly evil darkness is. Like the sun that rises every morning pushes back the darkness, so does God’s light; as we allow it to enter in our hearts and push out the sin, often done in the dark.
Once we understand that darkness only exists in the absence of light, it is then, and only then, that we understand that we have the power and authority to let the light in.
My prayer for us today is that we choose to let the light of God’s love, truth and promises open up the floodgates of light, to expose, push back and push out every dark space in our lives so that we can illuminate in God’s light. So that we can be a light that leads others to God’s light. In Jesus name, AMEN!
What steps can you take today to welcome God’s light into your life?
As I read my daily devotional, I take notice of this habit that took me years to form. Reading God’s word inspires me to write from the heart and live out the life that God promises me.
I’m starting to get an understanding that obedience is far more valuable to God and my’s relationship, than sacrifice. Ultimately my obedience is a sacrifice. When I obey, I sacrifice the desires of my sinful nature, the ability, to sabotage the promises God has for me. Obedience over sacrifice. It’s a way of living. It’s a decision to follow Christ, to follow His character, until I reflect who He is in me.
Living to please God instead of people is a result of my daily indulgence in His living word. This lifestyle was bread out of committing to my daily time with God, as well as studying, memorizing and meditating on the Bible.
What has been your source of nurturing your relationship with God?
My career path has been a twist and turn of events, changing the course when necessary and adjusting the course as needed. As a young girl, I always loved writing but my career path was limited due to our financial situation.
I chose the career of beauty and fashion through becoming a stylist. 25 years of provision, memories and on-the-job training to hone my entrepreneurial skills.
Then, I fell two-stories and broke my back. This, tragically brought my career to an abrupt end. Which I really could’ve used while I was going through my divorce.
I dabbled in the hospitality business for about five years. I loved the people but the rest of it was a whole lot of work with very little compensation for the work.
Circling back, I found myself at the keyboard, pouring my heart out to God, while I divorced the person who I once loved that became our worst nightmare. As I shared these daily thoughts with my social media audience, these writings started to engage others and help them through their struggles. Though all of our struggles were different, we all shared these common themes: a need for hope again, a place to process these trials through our faith and to stay the course until we were out of the storm, raging inside of us.
Beautifully Broken ministered to me while I was writing it through grief, tragedy after tragedy, financial devastation and the unknown.
The cover with the ceramic piece that represents the Japanese art of Kintsugi. This is the general concept of highlighting or emphasizing imperfections, visualizing mends and seams as an additive or an area to celebrate or focus on, rather than absence or missing pieces, according to Wikipedia.
I’m a momma to 4 beautiful daughters and Nana to 8 grandchildren. I started my writing journey, as an outlet, at the age of 9 when I lost my daddy to a careless murder. I have experienced a journey through life that has not been easy, to say the least. Yet each challenge became a breeding ground of opportunity to share my life’s testimony to God’s amazing grace; reflecting my freedom from the chains that bound me, my victory over unforgiveness, and the God-given ability to overcome many struggles, through the outlet of writing.
As a faith-based author my goal is transparency and intentionality to share my heart with purpose, and given the opportunity, to capture your heart, challenge your mind, and stir your emotions with each stroke of my pen.
My motivation behind the project?
To allow my journey to answer these questions about your journey:
1. Who is God to you?
2. Who are you to God?
3. Why does that matter?
I believe that if we can answer these questions with conviction and confidence, we can maintain our faith through the most diffficult of times.
My hope for the reader/audience?
My prayer is that at the end of this 40 day journey of devotions and journing, the reader would exchange the weight of their worries for the gift of salvation and freedom to clock into an eternal purpose. To allow their creator to repair the brokeness in their lives with His unconditional love.
How did writing this impact me?
This project started with my own difficult season that I was journaling through. I was reminded over and over again that God is cheering me on through all of life’s challenges. He can take what is broken and make it beautiful.
Beautifully Broken is a 40 day devotional that breaks down what we believe, the impact of sin, forgiveness, who God is to us, who we are to Him and why that matters.
Whether you’re new to the faith, struggling with your faith, in the middle of a difficult time or returning to your faith, this devotional will help you be more confident in what you believe and why.
If you would like to join my journey:
Email me at: kelliann@fromthedepthsofkell.com on how to receive a signed copy of Beautifully Broken
or
Click on this link to order from Amazon:
Beautifully Broken: Maintaining Faith During Difficult Times: 40 Day Devotional
I like uniquely designed things that enhance the positive attributes of my body shape, my personality and my style.
It’s not about whose label is on the inseam, it’s about how a piece of clothing, jewelry or cosmetic makes me feel when I wear said items.
So don’t try to brand me with someone else’s label. Just let me shine on in my own identity. (giggles a little) So I guess my favorite brand is me because I’m a one of a kind design.
Though life has brought about its various challenges, my faith and family gives me the inspiration and will to live.
There have been seasons in my life that I felt like my life was meaningless and a heavy weight on my shoulders. Not that I want to die or anything but simply that I want the situation or season to pass and pass quickly. Some of those seasons bring a lump to my throat and silent tears roll down my cheeks because the pain is not the kind that one just gets over.
My faith in a God of whom I’ve never seen helps me navigate through those tough seasons. Though not seen, He is ever present with me, from the mountain tops of celebrations to the valleys of despair, He has moved mountains and filled valleys with waves of living waters.
The tangible parts of my journey, the victories, the defeats are that though I may face these seasons alone, I am never lonely. My God is a lamp onto my feet and a light at my path. Though I may only be able to see the first feet or so that the light shines, it guides and directs me in a way that I can trust and believe.
From the Depths of Kell 