MANNA IN THE MORNING

Ever notice Tamar’s name listed in David’s family line? None of the other daughters are mentioned—just her. Why would God highlight the most painful, broken part of the story? I couldn’t stop thinking about it today. Maybe it’s because God never hides the messy parts of our lives… He redeems them.

Ever felt like you were defined by where you came from, the choices you have made, or even the labels other people have put on you. In Christ, your identity is not circumstantial.

When I look at some of the pains we have been through as a family I don't see it as deliberate defiance. I see strongholds, muscle memory and brokenness. We live in such a broken world! Thankfully we have hope!

What weighs on me almost as much as the meltdown itself is what follows. The shame. The embarrassment. The cycle of regret that eats away at his confidence. I can only imagine how small, scared, and ashamed he feels when the dust settles. Those are the moments I long to cover him with compassion, while still holding firm to the boundaries that are meant to protect both of us. This is not simply a Keimani problem. It's not even a ME problem. This is truly a direct reflection

I don’t practice the spiritual discipline of fasting enough. For me, fasting is one of the best tools to keep my flesh in check, to lay down my self-reliance, and to remind myself daily that I need Him more than anything.

My good friend Kasaundra is our guest blogger today. Kasaundra currently resides in Mansfield, TX, where she lives with her husband of fifteen years and their two teenage boys. She also has an adult son and two grandchildren. Kasaundra enjoys singing and reading and is a consummate foodie and loves theatre. Most importantly, Kasaundra loves Jesus and loves encouraging people. She has been a part of our Well Community reading and encouraging others as they read one chapter a

At first glance it looks like just another long list of names, but hidden inside is a reminder that God is intentional with every generation. Each name mattered. Each story carried weight. Just like the Israelites had to learn to depend on the Source in the wilderness, we are invited into daily dependence on Him—our lives, too, are part of His unfolding story.

Whether we know our biological parents and grandparents or we don’t—whether relationships are whole, estranged, or complicated—I love the reminder today that we belong to the Lord.