The Holy Shift Blog
Thoughtful reflections, honest stories, and fresh perspectives on Jesus and the upside-down kingdom—inviting you into deeper love and life with Him.
sort posts by:God Who Sees
BY KARYSSA A. ALLEN AND TALITHA SUMMERS: Jesus called the church to represent Him on earth, but Christians too often fall short.
Seven Helpful and Healing Resources for Hurting Women
ARTICLE BY CHRISTINE CRAWFORD: Whether you're navigating a painful relationship or supporting someone who is, these seven resources offer helpful insight and healing.
The Dynamics of Abuse
BY BOB HAMP: Why we should Think Differently about the abusive cycles and confusing dynamics that keep people stuck in destructive relationships.
The Too-Typical Story of Abuse
ARTICLE BY CHRISTINE CRAWFORD: Her anguish compels her forward, and with tissues twisting in her trembling hands, Sarah shares her concerns about Rick’s excessive drinking and terrifying temper.
Difficult vs. Destructive Relationships
FROM LYSA TERKEURST: Difficult relationships require patience, grace, and hard work, but they don't fundamentally threaten our well-being. Destructive relationships, however, actively damage our emotional health and compromise our safety, wholeness, and sense of self.
Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage
ANIMATED EXPLANATIONS FROM BIBLEPROJECT: What did Jesus actually teach about divorce and remarriage? There's a lot of confusion on the subject, and understanding the historical context helps clear up the theological confusion.
The Mutuality of Marriage
BY NATALIE HOFFMAN: A normal marriage never feels like you’re living in the Twilight Zone because a normal, healthy marriage is mutual and reciprocal, not one-sided and bewildering.
Remember That?
REFLECTION BY CHRISTINE CRAWFORD: When you came to understand she was worthy of safety, dignity, and kindness, you would return to her. Because you believed her, and loved her, and celebrated her. Because she was not invisible. And she was not nothin’.
Navigating Your Emotions Regarding Natural Disasters
BY CRYSTAL LOGAN: You don’t have to wait for life to calm down to meet your deepest emotional needs. You have access to love, safety, and compassion right now, both internally and from the Lord.
Held by Hope in the Unwelcome In-Between
ARTICLE BY CHRISTINE CRAWFORD: July 4th weekend was supposed to be a celebration. In a matter of hours, my quiet Hill Country town became catastrophic front-page news.
What if the Valley...?
REFLECTION BY CHRISTINE CRAWFORD: What if our hurts, questions, and doubts are the very thresholds where we are most tenderly met, deeply known, carefully held, gently stretched, and finally made whole?
Slowing Down with Scripture
FROM SOUL CARE: Soul Care invites you into a quiet moment of connection with God through the ancient practice of Lectio Divina (Latin for “divine reading”), which is a prayerful way of engaging with Scripture, not to study or analyze it, but to let it speak to your heart. Whether your week feels rushed or restful, this is a moment to be still and let God speak.
Run at Your Own Pace
BY LAURA L. SMITH: God wants goodness for you and me. But someone else’s pace is not necessarily my best pace or yours. As long as you’re tracking with God and his plans for you, you are right on time.
Slowness Over Speed
WISDOM FROM PETE SCAZZERO: We live in a world addicted to speed. Everything around us screams, “Move faster. Produce more. Achieve now!” And if we’re honest, that same pressure seeps into our ministries and leadership.
Emotional Rest
BY DR. SAUNDRA DALTON-SMITH: Emotional exhaustion affects brain function, making it harder to focus, make decisions, and regulate mood. Over time, this can contribute to anxiety, depression, and burnout. If you've been feeling constantly fatigued, irritable, or disconnected, it may not be physical exhaustion you're experiencing—it could be emotional depletion.
Mental Rest
BY DR. SAUNDRA DALTON-SMITH: Rather than striving for perfection, what if we approached our goals with a focus on mindfulness (mental rest) and spiritual rest? Mindfulness invites us to intentionally focus on the present without judgment. It offers a powerful way to work toward resolutions while preserving mental rest and resilience.Let's choose a restful approach to resolutions. Here are 3 Restful Resolution Strategies to help you achieve your goals without stress or shame:
Abundant Simplicity
BY JAN JOHNSON: Simplicity is often misunderstood. As a discipline of abstinence, it does involve setting aside certain things, but it’s much more about making space for God in your life and living in the beauty of that space.
And All Shall Be Well
ART + REFLECTION BY SOFIA RECTOR: Leaves fall in the late autumn to reveal bare branches--but also hope: furry buds tightly curled, awaiting spring warmth.
Draw Near Dwell Well Playlist
DRAW NEAR DWELL WELL PLAYLIST: A cross-genre collection to calm anxiety and inspire connection with God.