09/13/2026
From My Heart to Yours ❤️
Known. Loved. Renewed.
This morning I found myself doing something I hadn’t expected to do—helping fill in for our pastor, who has been very ill this week, and taking on several responsibilities during worship.
I was nervous. Really nervous.
That surprised me because I’ve spoken publicly many times before. But there I was, feeling those familiar butterflies and wondering whether I would say everything just right. As the service went on, though, I began to relax. I became more comfortable, more poised, and more confident.
Did I make a couple of goofs? Of course I did. I’m human.
Later, after coming home, having a bite to eat, and getting some much-needed rest, I began thinking about something we had reflected on just yesterday during our Creative Healing gathering:
“I have called you by name; you are mine.” — Isaiah 43:1b
God knows my name.
He knows me—not simply the person others see on Sunday morning, but the woman underneath it all. He knows my heart, my intentions, my strengths, my fears, my mistakes, and the places where I am still growing.
And He knows you that way, too.
I thought about the loving church community I worship with and realized that they probably weren't sitting there evaluating whether everything was done perfectly. More likely, they were grateful that several of us were willing to step forward when our pastor couldn't be there.
Yet how easily we fear criticism. How quickly we replay something we said or did and wonder, Did I do that right? What did they think? Should I have done it differently?
Why do we give those questions so much power?
Scripture tells us, “You are complete in Him.” — Colossians 2:10
That doesn't mean we never make mistakes. We do. It doesn't mean we stop learning, growing, apologizing when necessary, or receiving constructive correction.
It means our worth was never dependent upon getting everything right in the first place.
We are known. We are loved. And when life leaves us tired, uncertain, bruised, or questioning ourselves, God renews us.
Life has a way of knocking us down and making us forget who we are—and whose we are. Sometimes I think one of the most healing things we can do is become quiet for a while, step away from all the other voices, and reflect on what our Creator says about us.
I find myself returning to one question:
Do I really believe what God says about me?
Not just when I'm confident.
Not just when I've done everything well.
But when I've stumbled, worried, second-guessed myself, or wondered what someone else might think.
Do I believe Him then?
That's a question worth sitting with.
And perhaps today you need that reminder as much as I did:
He knows your name.
He loves you.
And He is still renewing you.
If you could use a little encouragement—and I think all of us can from time to time—I would love to invite you to join us for A Women’s Gathering: Known. Loved. Renewed. — Come Away Whole, Saturday, October 3, at Bethesda Presbyterian Church.
Maybe these few hours can be a time to step away from all the other voices and hear again the One who says:
“I have called you by name; you are mine.” — Isaiah 43:1b
The Women’s Gathering flyer with all the event and registration details are in the comments below.
From my heart to yours,
Gloria ❤️
