A friend in the midst of strangers.

Living in Florida has been such a great adventure for our family, but every now and then, a wave of homesickness hits me—especially on Sundays. Growing up, Sundays used to mean family. They meant sitting beside people who knew my history, who shared my story, who loved me. But far from those familiar faces, Sundays can sometimes feel like the loneliest day.

We’ve been attending a new church lately, trying to find our place, and this past Sunday, a family sat in front of us. Watching the mom interact with her daughters tugged at something deep inside me. It made me miss being close to my own family. 

As I watched the dad in front of me singing, I couldn’t help but think of my own dad, and for a moment, I imagined him in heaven. I pictured him singing with even more joy and passion than I’ve ever seen here on earth. The thought brought a bittersweet smile and a lump to my throat.

At the end of the service, as the family was gathering their things, the mom turned around, looked me right in the eyes, smiled and said, “Have a good week.”

Simple words. A simple gesture. But they were everything I needed. I smiled and wished her the same, and in that moment, I felt like I wasn’t alone. I felt seen. I felt like I had a friend.

Isn’t that the beauty of the body of Christ? Strangers aren’t really strangers. They’re brothers and sisters—family we just haven’t met yet. That mom’s kindness reminded me that even in a sea of unfamiliar faces, God places people in our path to remind us that we belong.

Even now, as I’m writing this, tears are rolling down my face. That moment meant more to me than I can put into words. It made my week.

So, let me remind you: never underestimate the power of a smile or a kind word. You never know the impact they might have on someone. For me, it was a moment of connection in the middle of my homesickness. It was a reminder that even far from home, I’m never truly alone.

Welcome to Brave Space

 A few years ago, a colleague introduced me to the concept of a Brave Space versus a Safe Space, and it immediately struck a chord. Recently, after navigating some personal challenges—including working with someone whose personality clashed with nearly everyone’s—I found myself reflecting on what it means to feel safe or brave in difficult situations.

Today, while finishing setting up my new office, I revisited Micky Scottbey Jones’s “An Invitation to a Brave Space.” It’s a beautiful piece that inspires a culture of courage and support, but as I reflected on my own journey, I realized I wanted to adapt it—infusing it with my own perspective....‘Hannah-esque!' I plant to print it and post it in my office. 

WELCOME TO A BRAVE (AND FUN) SPACE

In this office, we create a brave space.

Not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it.

A “safe space” is something we build together over time,

And it starts with the courage to be honest, vulnerable, and a little bit bold.

Here, we recognize that the real world isn’t always kind. We all carry our share of scars, and let’s be real—we’ve all made mistakes.

But guess what? We’re human. Not perfect, just better when we’re together.

This is a space to pause, reflect, and even laugh a bit!

To turn down the noise of the outside world

And crank up curiosity, creativity, and compassion.

Here, we invite challenge, hard work and growth—but don’t worry, 

We’ll do it with a mix of truth, love, and a sense of humor.

We’ll amplify voices that need to be heard,

And if we stumble along the way, we’ll pick each other up.

We have the right to start wherever we are—

And the responsibility to stay open, ask questions, and maybe have a little fun doing it.

It might not always be comfortable,

But bravery—and a bit of laughter—can get us through anything.

This isn’t a perfect space.

But it’s ours—a space where open minds, open hearts,

And yes, a little creativity, make us stronger together.

So let’s do this. Side by side.

Let’s build a brave space, grow, thrive, and maybe even enjoy the ride.

I love you, pass it on!

(Adapted by Hannah Wildes-Trumble from Micky Scottbey Jones’s “An Invitation to a Brave Space”)

The Tale of the Mean Parking Note (and My Road Rage Redemption)

A few weeks ago, I found a scathing note on my car criticizing my parking skills. I was incredulous. Naturally, I did what any rational adult would do I took pictures of my parking, and I asked friends and coworkers for their professional opinion. Verdict? 10 out of 10 nurses and social workers (my esteemed panel of parking experts) reviewed the photos I took of my parking job and declared it “perfectly fine” with one, “you are close to the right side, but still within the lines.”

But despite my confidence in my parking prowess, that note hit me hard. The day before, I’d had a gut-wrenching experience at work that left me reeling. Plus, I’d just gotten back from New York, where I’d been caring for my mom, and life felt piled high with “too much.” So instead of shrugging it off with a sassy “bless your heart,” I cried. Like, ugly cried. All the way home.

And as the tears fell, one thought kept playing in my head: Even if I had parked badly (which I didn’t), why be mean about it? You just don’t know what’s going on in someone else’s life. Be kind.

Enter the plot twist: That experience didn’t just hurt my feelings—it convicted me.

Because here’s the thing, while I would never leave a rude note on someone’s car, I have been known to throw out some colorful commentary about other drivers in the privacy of my own vehicle. (Let’s just say I have a wide range of “creative” nicknames for people who cut me off.)

So, am I really any better than the note-leaver? Not if I’m harboring those thoughts in my heart.

After a few weeks of reflection (and maybe a little guilt), I decided to flip the script. I grabbed a stack of Post-It notes, and put them in my car along with a marker. Why? Because I can leave notes too…..Positive Parking Notes!!

Instead of tearing people down, I’m building them up:

1. You are capable of amazing things.

2. You are loved.

3. You are stronger than you think.

4. May peace fill your heart and mind.

5. Your potential is limitless.

6. You make a difference in the world.

7. You are worthy of love and respect.

8. Keep going, you are doing great.

9. You have the power to make today great.

 

10. Your parking skills are fine, and so are you.  ✔️ Personal favorite! LOL!

 

It’s silly, it’s fun, and honestly, it’s changing my mindset. Every time I write a note, I’m practicing grace instead of impatience. It’s helping me slow my roll—literally and figuratively—when I feel frustrated during my daily errands.

Want to join me in this mission? Grab a marker, some Post-Its, and let’s spread some joy in the parking lots of the world. Need supplies? I’ll mail you a starter kit. Seriously, I’m all in on this.

Here’s to giving others (and ourselves) a little more grace. Let’s turn our moments of frustration into opportunities for kindness. Because you just never know what someone else is going through—and maybe your kind note is exactly what they need to keep going today!

 

I am going to share this with my team next time I am on the schedule to do our weekly devotions. Here are the verses and parallels I pulled from the experience.

 

Bible Verses and Parallels:

1. Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

• Parallel: Just as the note hurt my feelings, I must remember to be kind and compassionate, understanding that everyone has their own struggles.

2. Luke 6:35 - "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked."

• Parallel: Instead of harboring negative thoughts about other drivers, choose to show love and kindness, even to those who may not deserve it.

3. Colossians 3:12 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."

• Parallel: As a child of God, I’m empowered and responsible to reflect Him by embracing these virtues in my daily life, especially when facing with frustrating situations…like parking issues.

4. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

• Parallel: Practice love in all its forms, including patience and kindness, even when dealing with minor or even grand annoyances. (See I said “practice!” Because it’s not like we are gonna be perfect!)

Challenge: Join me in spreading positivity through small acts of kindness, like leaving positive parking notes. Seemingly small actions can have a profound impact on others let’s encourage a culture of compassion and kindness in our community.

Side note – not sure if I should include this but you may be interested in the fact that the next day I was talking through the hoispital and the gift shop was selling car air fresheners on their hallway clearance table…one read PEACE.  I bought this and placed it on the person’s car who left that charming note for me.  I hope it spoke to them.

Beauty in Imperfection

       Finding Beauty in Imperfection

As I was putting up my mom’s Christmas decorations, I came across a star she had made. I loved it so much that I decided to make some to give away. However, what I started out to create did not come together as I had anticipated. The sticks were wet from recent rain, so I had to wait for them to dry. Some were hard to bend and even snapped in half. Others required a bit of glue, while some needed extra wire, and the fabric on some unraveled and frayed. Only a few turned out as I had envisioned. I wasn’t even going to give them out, but then I thought…

This star isn’t perfect, and neither are we. At times, we feel frayed, held together with life’s glue and wire, yet it’s these very imperfections that make us real, strong, and beautiful. Like this star, we shine brightest when we bring our unique parts together—flaws and all.

Life often feels like building these stars—imperfect, sometimes messy, and requiring patience. There are days when the pieces don’t fit as we’d hoped, and the outcomes aren’t what we envisioned. But just like these stars, the care, persistence, and love we pour into our lives create light in the lives of others. In the end, it’s not perfection that makes the difference, but the heart behind it.

2 Corinthians 12:9 says: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

This verse emphasizes that our imperfections and weaknesses can be sources of strength and beauty, much like the stars. This Christmas, may you find joy in the imperfect, light in the fray, and beauty in the small things made with much love.

Merry Christmas, Hannah Wildes-Trumble

2024!

 What a year! As I scrolled through my photos to create a collage for each month, it hit me—no wonder I’m heading into 2025 feeling a little exhausted! 😂 But wow, 2024, you were unforgettable.

This was the year I celebrated a big milestone: 50 trips around the sun! My word for the year was joy, and let me tell you, joy is no passive feeling. It’s an active pursuit—a choice to find light in dark moments, to share smiles when tears feel easier, and to trust God’s faithfulness every step of the way.

2024 wasn’t without its ups and downs, but it taught me how to carry joy through it all. I found joy in new adventures, in old traditions, and in countless moments that reminded me just how good God is—how present He is in the highs and lows and how His love sustains through it all.

Thank you, 2024. I learned, I grew, and I’m grateful.

And thank you to all my friends and family who shared this year with me—your prayers, encouragement, and laughter brought the gifts of peace, comfort, strength, and love! 

Here’s to stepping into 2025 ready to THRIVE—stronger, smarter, healthier, and with JOY!!

I love you, pass it on!

Christmas Klepto

I feel like a sitcom episode: That Time I (Accidentally?) Became a Christmas Crook

Oh my gosh, you guys. Last night, on my way home from the hospital, I decided to stop at Dollar Tree. (Because where else do you turn when life is chaos and you need a little retail therapy on a budget?)

Here’s the thing I’m learning about stores in New York: they don’t give you bags. You have to bring your own, which I completely forgot. No problem, I thought—I’ll figure it out.

So, there I was, unloading all my treasures onto the counter. Meanwhile, Claudia was doing her best to distract me, and Beaver was on the phone asking for updates. Between their shenanigans and my growing exhaustion, I started feeling overwhelmed. I think my brain just short-circuited, because the next thing I knew, I was back in the car with all my stuff.

At first, I thought, “Wow, I only spent $13? I must’ve been extra thrifty today!” But when I got home, I started unpacking and realized there was no way I had paid for all of it. I had at least $30 worth of Dollar Tree gold!

When I woke up in the middle of the night (because apparently guilt doesn’t sleep), I replayed the moment in my head. I remembered the cashier giving me a very confused look. And honestly, she had every reason to. Picture it: me, wearing a ridiculous Santa headband I’d thrown on earlier to entertain CJ, pink rhinestone glasses perched on my nose, a string of pearls, and the frazzled energy of someone barely holding it together.

I must’ve looked like the ghost of Christmas chaos. Between my accessorized hot mess vibe and Claudia’s distractions, that poor cashier probably didn’t know what hit her.

So now, today’s mission is Operation Dollar Tree Redemption. I’m going back to make it right because, let’s be honest, nothing says “holiday spirit” like confessing your accidental kleptomania while dressed like a walking Christmas card.

The Power of Pause

 As we all find ourselves navigating the ups and downs post-election, I feel led to share a devotional I recently presented. I think we could all use a moment to pause and reflect. In a time when emotions and opinions are high, the act of stepping back to regroup, recharge, and then get busy with what needs to be done!

Here’s what I shared with the team, with a prayer for each of you to find a pause that renews and strengthens your heart.

PACC Devotions – 11/12/2024

By: Hannah Wildes-Trumble

The Power of Pause

There has been a lot of talk around here in the past few days about taking a pause…when reflecting on this I thought…I often overlook the significance of a “pause,” but really, it holds immense power. As I thought about it some more, I was reminded of how Jesus himself took time to pause…. regroup, reflect, and rest.

In fact, throughout the Bible, we see numerous instances where pausing is emphasized. Jesus set this example, as he frequently took time away from the crowds to pray and seek solitude. For example, Mark 1:35, it says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” This shows us the importance of taking time to pause and connect with God.

A few more examples of pauses in the Bible that highlight its significance:

• Creation: After each day of creation, God paused to reflect on His work and saw that it was good (Genesis 1). This shows the importance of taking time to appreciate and evaluate our efforts.

• Moses and the Israelites: After crossing the Red Sea, Moses and the Israelites paused to sing a song of praise to God for their deliverance (Exodus 15:1-21).

• Samuel’s Ebenezer Stone: Samuel set up a stone called Ebenezer to commemorate God’s help in defeating the Philistines, encouraging the Israelites to pause and remember God’s faithfulness (1 Samuel 7:12).

• Communion: Jesus instituted the practice of Communion, asking His disciples to pause and remember His sacrifice (Luke 22:19).

• Selah in Psalms: The term “Selah” appears frequently in the Psalms, inviting readers to pause and reflect on the words and meditate on their meaning (e.g., Psalm 46:10).

These examples illustrate how pausing can help us connect with God, reflect on His goodness, and gain strength for our journey.

So, why pause? A pause is powerful because it makes us stronger. It reinvigorates us and gives us time to invest in ourselves so we can more fully invest in others. When we take a moment to pause, we allow ourselves to recharge and gain a fresh perspective.

After I wrote down my thoughts, I got to thinking that the Pause is only half the challenge – the other part - that is crucial, is that we don’t get stuck there. We should use this time to rest and restore, but then we need to get back to our work with renewed vigor. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” This includes both times of rest and times of action.

My challenge to you today is to consider incorporating pauses into your daily routine. Whether it’s a few minutes of quiet reflection in the morning, a short walk during lunch, or wandering into the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights, these pauses can help you stay grounded and focused. So, as we go about our busy lives, let’s remember the power of pause and how by taking the time to rest and reflect, we can draw closer to God and then as we step back into our hustle and bustle, we can have renewed energy and be more effective in our service to others. Selah.

May Jesus, guide us into moments that help us quiet our hearts, renew our minds and our energies and help us to refocus ourselves on the One who deserves all the glory – Selah and Amen.