Maybe about a year ago I was walking with some friend girls of mine and one of them asked the question, “What age era would you go back to?” I went first and said right now! I would not want to go back because all the lessons I learned, the tears I shed, the disappointments, and those inconsolable moments have truly shaped me into the woman that I am. Turning 50 has been a journey of growth, reflection, and embracing God’s transformative work in my life. I want to share with you 10 powerful lessons I’ve learned, grounded in Scripture, that have shaped who I am today.

1. The Strength of Silence
   I used to believe that every battle was mine to fight. But over the years, God has taught me that there is strength in silence. Sometimes, letting go and allowing God to fight for me is where my true strength lies. Scripture says in Exodus 14:14 “The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.” God also promises to give us wisdom in handling life’s challenges.
2. God is Sovereign
   As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the beauty of embracing God’s sovereignty. His control over all things has brought me peace and freedom to trust in His perfect timing. Psalm 115:3 says, “But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.” When we trust that God is sovereign, we are freed from the need to control everything. The truth is we really don’t have any control at all.
3. Obey God, Not Man
   There were times when I struggled with obeying God when I didn’t understand His commands. But I’ve learned that obedience to God is more important than seeking approval from people. As Acts 5:29 says, “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” The reward of obedience is not always immediate, but the blessings of trusting God far outweigh the temporary discomfort, pain, or confusion.
4. Grace for Myself
   I have often been my harshest critic, but I’ve come to understand that God’s grace is sufficient, and Paul echoed in 2 Corinthians 12:9. I’ve learned to give myself the grace God has extended to me.
5. Live Your Life
   For years, I held back, afraid of living fully because I was single or not confident in who I was. But God’s Word teaches us that we should live our lives for Him, fully and without reservation. I love how Colossians 3:23-24 tells us, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”
6. Love Yourself
   It is hard to love others if we don’t first love ourselves. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). I’ve learned that embracing God’s love for me allows me to love myself and live with confidence.
7. Family Matters
   No family is perfect, but God has given us our families as a blessing. Ephesians 4:2-3 encourages us, “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” We must honor and cherish our families, even though we are different.
8. True Discipleship Is More Than Words
   Not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will enter the Kingdom of God. (Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.”) Anybody can they love Jesus. Anybody can that they love me but Scripture is clear when it says that true discipleship is reflected in our actions, not just in our words.
9. Time Is Precious
   Time waits for no one. I’ve learned that it’s important to make wise use of the time God has given us. Ephesians 5:15-16 urges, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” So my encouragement to you is to make every moment count for the Kingdom.
10. Singleness Is a Gift
    I’ve struggled with the desire for companionship, but I’ve come to realize that singleness is a gift from God. 1 Corinthians 7:7 says, “Yet I wish that all men were even as I myself am. However, each man has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.” My focus is now on loving Jesus more than my desires, trusting in His peace, and embracing the season He has given me.

As we move into 2025, I’m grateful for each lesson and for the opportunity to share them with you. As I have often said, these thoughts are always to myself first then to you. I may not have thousands or millions of subscribers, but I’m here in obedience to God’s call, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.

May God’s blessings overflow as you continue to walk in His will!