Posts by Richard Parrish
Being a Non-Anxious Presence in Anxious Times
As we come to the final reflection in this series, it’s important to name something honestly: fear is not only something we experience internally. It shapes our conversations, our reactions, our tone, and even the way we see one another. We live in anxious times. That anxiety shows up in many ways – harsh words,…
Read MorePracticing Faith When Fear Persists
In the first two reflections of this series, we’ve acknowledged that fear is a human experience – not a spiritual failure – and explored how fear often exposes where we have placed our trust. Together, we’ve begun naming fear honestly while gently re-centering our trust in God’s faithful presence. Even if we honestly name our…
Read MoreWhat Fear Reveals About What We Trust
Someone once shared with me that there are 365 commands in the Bible telling us not to fear. While I’ve never personally verified that number, I do know that “fear not” is a recurring reminder throughout the Bible. I’ve yet to meet a person who has entirely escaped fear. It’s something we all experience. The…
Read MoreChrist’s Strength at Work Within Us
“For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” – Colossians 1:29, ESV Even responsibilities God entrusts to us can become tiring. We may begin with clarity, enthusiasm, and a sincere desire to obey. But over time, the work may require more of us than we anticipated. Our energy…
Read MoreDiscerning What to Carry
“Jesus said to him, ‘If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!’” – John 21:22, ESV Not everything I am capable of carrying has been entrusted to me by God. That truth sounds simple. We may even acknowledge it. But living that truth is…
Read MoreA Capacity for Christlikeness
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV My desire is to live in a way that reflects Christ, but my actions do not always resemble Jesus. I remember a time when…
Read MoreThe God Who Works Within Our Limits
Last week, we considered what happens when life’s demands exceed our capacity. Moses discovered that even faithful people can carry too much. Jethro’s words – “You are not able to do it alone” – were not a condemnation of Moses’ weakness. They were words of grace, allowing him to acknowledge what his weariness was already…
Read MoreWhen Demands Exceed Our Capacity
Have you noticed? Demands often exceed our capacity. Just check your email inbox: promotions insisting you need the latest… another request to meet… and reminders that you have not replied to previous requests. For some individuals and small businesses, the pressure is far more serious as expenses exceed income. And for some of us, keeping…
Read MoreThe People Who Walk With Us
One of the greatest misconceptions about spiritual growth is the belief that we can do it alone. Many of us value independence. We appreciate the ability to solve our own problems, carry our own burdens, and quietly work through our own struggles. While there are certainly seasons when solitude is necessary, Scripture consistently reminds us…
Read MoreStories: The Language of Belief
I’m aware that the strongest voices shaping me are often the conversations taking place within my own heart. When a conversation doesn’t go as I expected, I can quickly begin wondering if I’ve said something wrong. A mistake revives an old narrative, and the looped message tries to convince me: “I always seem to fail.” …
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