January 7, 2026 He Stays
We have rewatched the Lord of the Rings movies and Hobbit series recently as that has become an accidental holiday tradition over the years. Each time I watch, maybe ten times so far (maybe 30!) there is more I notice … and think on … and piece together. Like, the point that courage rarely roars like a king. It walks like a hobbit … one faithful step, one faithful choice … until ordinary obedience saves the whole world.
Ordinary hobbits – like you and me – some days our courage looks small.
A first step.
A next step.
Flowers picked by name.
A prayer for a friend whose surgery will bring comfort.
Showing up and simply standing near.
Tiny obediences that soften a stubborn heart.
I wear these verses – stamped onto my DNA since Bethel Children’s Church in the 1970’s, and ask God to keep shaping me – slowly, steadily, surely.
Not hardened by hurry.
Not molded by noise.
But, made new, right where I stand:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)
In my mind I see the faces of the others in those weekly services with me. Deedra, Kendra, Sonya, Sherry, Terri, Tina, Glenda, Mr. And Mrs. Davis. There were boys sitting in the back. The room was always full.
So … I offer the ordinary.
The walk.
The work.
The worry.
And little by little, He transforms.
And, I pray, ‘Father, make me new right where I stand. Fill each space I enter with Your Holy presence first. Including the spaces of my head-thoughts. And, where you lead – if you’ll go ten or fifteen feet ahead of me, I will follow hard.
Especially when I fall, I present this heap of me back to You for more work.’
How grateful am I/are we, that He stays as our Shepherd, is our Refuge, upholds us, is working all things to His glory. Even filling our dry bones with Himself. And, not giving up.
Mmmm.
In His Love and Light,
Angie
