Strategies to Stay Well in 2021

Happy New Year! Do you love the start of a New Year as much as I do? I find it so helpful to set aside an intentional pause to consider the year we've left behind before planning for the one that's ahead. I hope you've engaged in that process and, if you haven't yet, perhaps this weekend is a good time!

As you ponder and let go of what needs to be left behind with 2020, consider what's going well in your life. What is helping you stay hopeful and motivated? Who has been a blessing in your life or at work? What has inspired you to persevere?

Lately, I've been inspired by the contractor who walked around our house and sent "his best guys" so we didn't have to do another home project on our own. It makes such a difference to have support and expertise from the right person when we need it, doesn't it? I've also been inspired by my loving husband and children, and I continue to be inspired by YOU -- my colleagues!

Thank YOU for your dedication to caring for people with excellence and for your perseverance during this stressful time. As always, I like to add JOY, MEANING, and HOPE to your life, so here are a few ways to keep moving forward in 2021:

• Choose carefully what you watch on social media, TV, and your smartphone, and what you lend your ears to ... rumors, gossip, and negativity erode the soul and breed more of the same.

• Discern and control what draws your attention and the voices you empower inside your head ... as well as external voices coming in.

• Get outdoors daily and rotate your favorite ways to exercise so you don't get bored and keep moving.
  

• Listen to uplifting music or podcasts daily.

• When you feel down or discouraged, have a plan that includes reaching out to people who care about you so you don't isolate.

• Rest ... reflect ... restore your soul with intention.

A new year brings HOPE! Stay connected with optimistic people who lift you up and help you be better as you invest in your wellbeing and growth in 2021!

Joyfully, with Hope,

Dr Mari (Amaryllis)

Want to hear some of my story and learn the "why" behind my advocacy work? Listen to my January 2021 podcast interview with the CEO for the Florida Medical Association HERE. 

 

Hope is Here!

In the year of the pandemic and every year,

in good times and trying times,

whether we're expectant or indifferent,   

grieving or elated,

engaged or apathetic,

regardless of our circumstances

or the state of our hearts,

our minds and our souls,

whether we see ourselves as saved 

or as sinners

or both.

Today and every day,

from this day forth, forevermore...

Hope has arrived.

Hope is here.

Hope is a Person.

His name is Jesus,

the Name above all names

at whose mention,

one day,

every knee will bow 

and every tongue confess

that he is our Lord.

A good Lord.

In him is our Hope.

He is the Hope of nations

and Lord of all.

Emmanuel is here.

Our Hope has arrived.

Hallelujah!

 

Wishing you a blessed Christmas with your loved ones near and far.

Hope is here. 

The very Light of the world.

The source of love, healing, and JOY.

Rejoice!

Dr Mari 

  © 2020 Amaryllis Sánchez Wohlever, MD

For more Christmas reflections, read A Christmas Gift for All and A Different Kind of King: An Epiphany.

Be Inspired, Friends: A Song of Hope!

Yesterday I posted a song that I've now listened to many times. It absolutely made my week. You'll find it here.

Stay Connected!

Dr. Mari

A Poem for Borinquen (and a Message of Hope)

I wrote this simple poem as a teenager growing up in the metropolitan city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. I wrote it while driving to San Sebastián with Mami to visit my beautiful Abuelita Patria and the rest of our family on the western side of the island. Many of those familiar, picturesque roads to San Sebastián are now gone, swept away by hurricane María. I'm so thankful that they live on in my mind, where I continue to enjoy the landscapes while we all await their return — in time.

My heart longs for my island and its people. The images are tough to assimilate so, every day, I turn my longing into fervent prayers. This poem I wrote so long ago is about my patria (my homeland) and the love in my heart for the jíbaro in the mountains, inland, where they live surrounded by the beauty of God's creation yet, at times, lacking luxuries of modern life like cement roofs and walls. This, of course, makes them more vulnerable to the destruction brought on by hurricanes.

The jíbaro is the backbone of our culture and the birthplace of island hospitality. They are beautiful and kind, always giving cheerfully of what little they have ... and now they desperately need us to be generous to them. I know they continue to work tirelessly every day to restore the land, try to salvage crops, and (especially) to help and support their neighbors, regardless of the cost. I am so thankful for the outpouring of generosity and good will toward the people of Puerto Rico, and I pray it continues until every need is met.

Here is my simple poem of love for the kindness, generosity, and simplicity of every jibarito who stole my heart years ago, and taught me that joy and contentment are birthed by giving...

Mi Borinquen

Es mi patria

un sueño,

un destello,

un paraíso.

Es mi gente

tierra adentro

humilde, hermosa.

A ellos extraño

cuando estoy lejos

y nunca he vivido

entre ellos.

Photo credit Héctor M Semidey (photo of his drawing in pencil, ©1998)

As we all continue to process the ongoing events in Puerto Rico, the message of hope in this short sermon helps comfort the heart and settle the soul. May it help us all as we continue to do what we can in the midst of this tragedy, for we know and trust that "God weaves goodness into every story" (Fr. Russell).

In Hope,

Dr Mari

For more messages of hope, go to Thanksgiving Musings: Love Wins and Hope for Today: Inherit the Promise.

* Borinquen is the name the native Taíno Indians gave the island of Puerto Rico. It means "Land of the Valiant Lord." 

Overflow from the damaged Guajataca River Dam in San Sebastián on Sept. 23, 2017, following passage of Hurricane María. (Credit: Hector Retamal / AFP / Getty Images)

Translation of my teenage poem

My Borinquen

My homeland 

is a treasure,

a bright star,

a paradise.

And my people,

inland,

so beautiful,

so humble.

It is them I miss

when afar,

though I've not lived

among them.

I always lived in the city in Puerto Rico, though my heart belongs inland. I love you, jibarito! 

May God bless you and keep you.

¡Te Amo, Boricua! (I Love You, Boricua!)

by Amaryllis Sánchez Wohlever, MD

As the days and weeks go on, my heart and prayers remain in Puerto Rico, where I grew up, where I learned to walk, talk, and pray. On the island, I experienced firsthand the fellowship of family, the hope and joy of faith, the hospitality and generosity of my people. As I picture what's happened there — on my Isla del Encanto — I am heartbroken, like so many of us who love our island and its people. We are all still grieving, and we need to grieve, for that is how one adapts to change and loss. The losses are unimaginable, and thousands of people are still suffering.

Yet, in the midst of the emotional and literal darkness (90% of the island remains without power two weeks after the storm), kindness, goodness, and love continue to rise unabated. Generosity, perseverance, and hope are displayed daily in countless ways, and this is where I choose to focus my eyes, my mind, and my heart.

Yes, there is hope, though not without you and me!

As I see images of the destruction left behind, countless memories of a happy childhood on the island emerge as if to wash away the reality of the present moment. These memories fill me with joy and hope for my people there, and inspire me to continue to do what I can to help them rebuild and heal. Though we are all heartbroken, the way through the heartbreak is unceasing prayer coupled with action. I have found that as I pray and do something to help someone each day, my heart heals a bit more, and hope endures.

Many people have asked me how to help and where to donate (I thank you from the bottom of my heart!). I had previously shared about Unidos por Puerto Rico, a non-profit started by First Lady Beatriz Rosselló.

Follow this link to donate to Unidos por Puerto Rico

Lin-Manuel Miranda, beloved boricua and creator of the Broadway hit Hamilton, assembled artists like Juan Luis Guerra, Rita Moreno, Marc Anthony, and many others to produce a song for Puerto Rico titled Almost Like Praying. In an inspired tribute, they mention every municipio in Puerto Rico by name, from Fajardo to San Sebastián to Mayaguez, and including the smaller islands of Vieques and Culebra ... not a single town or their people forgotten. At the end of this new music video is another opportunity to donate to help feed the people and rebuild the island of Puerto Rico. Listen for a little treat of a song at the very end (music to my ears!). Keep listening after the song for an interview where Lin-Manuel explains how the song was produced in such a short amount of time.

May our songs of praise never cease (pictured is our native coquí!)

Relying on God's mercy displayed throughout the world in the generosity and love of His people,

Dr Mari

Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, 
for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.

Isaiah 26:2-4 

Abran las puertas, para que entre la nación justa que se mantiene fiel. Al de carácter firme lo guardarás en perfecta paz, porque en Ti confía. Confíen en el Señor para siempre, porque el Señor es una Roca eterna.

Isaías 26:2-4

For a hopeful message during anxious times, read Be Still and Know ... Know What?

* Photo of coquí from Spanish Simply *

Hope for the Storms of Life

As I write, we are waiting for hurricane Irma, the category 5 storm that devastated the Caribbean just a few days ago. Our house is boarded up, and we feel as safe as one can feel while in the path of a powerful storm. Our weather radio is on my favorite station, Z88.3, which injects weather warnings between songs of hope and peace to help us prepare. I can't think of a better way to remain hopeful and ready for a storm.

© 2017 Amaryllis Sánchez Wohlever, MD

Below are a few songs that are particularly relevant during times like these.

In the Eye of the Storm

Hills and Valleys

Praise You in This Storm

These songs remind us that praising God in the midst of our storms is powerful. The Lord inhabits the praises of His people. As we pray and lift up His name, He blesses us with His presence, comfort, and peace. 

Praise is a fountain of life and peace.  

As praise rises, blessings descend.

May we all experience this in greater measure as we place our trust in Him, seeing every trial as an opportunity to learn to trust God more. And may these words of the psalmist become our prayer during the storms of life, for our God is the place of safety, joy, and peace.

 I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.

I sought the Lord, and He answered me;
    He delivered me from all my fears....

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him,
    and He delivers them.

Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.

Psalm 34:1-4, 7-8 

Please join me in praying for everyone on the path of this hurricane as well as the thousands of people who are now homeless or whose lives will never be the same again. I am thankful for the relief efforts already underway and for the many ways we can all help one another during such times. God bless you all, and thank you for your prayers.

Praising God in the storm,

Dr. Mari

Blessed Easter: Hope Restored!

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 

Matthew 28:6

The disciples witnessed it.

The Gospel writers proclaimed it.

Countless believers down the ages have experienced it.

He is Risen!

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a historical event that invites a response.

He is not here; He has risen!

Words of hope. 

Words of life.

Words that change everything.

The compelling story is recounted this year, of all places, in the Wall Street Journal.

You may read it here.  

May we live into our joyful Easter every day, all year!

Dr Mari

For more on how the story of the Resurrection impacts our lives, read The Hero Lives! and He Is Risen! So What Does That Mean to You and Me?

Hope for Physicians: A New Paradigm

My article Healing patients shouldn't be killing doctors was published on KevinMD this week. The enthusiastic response from my colleagues has not surprised me, for I know how unsupported and unappreciated so many physicians feel as they do their best for people every day despite countless obstacles. As I said in the article, unsupported physicians are like hamsters in a wheel — going around and around — never getting anywhere while running themselves to the ground.

In the last few years, the rates of burnout among physicians have reached epidemic proportions. This rising prevalence continues to climb alongside a parallel ladder of increasing barriers to excellent care while the once-central patient-physician relationship sits in a corner, pushed back by technology, the mandated over-reliance on electronic medical records, increasing regulatory demands, and less time available for direct patient care. We spend so much time, energy, and resources constantly adapting to change that a proactive practice is often an unattainable dream.

Yet, this is not the end of our story. In fact, I believe it marks a new and important beginning for our profession.

As physicians, it is time for us to recognize that, without our very active participation, the health care system that's become an enemy for patients and physicians will only worsen. As physician leaders, we are a critical part of the solution to the growing enigma that health care represents. During a time when it's tempting to merely strive to survive on the sidelines, we must become more engaged than ever.

What a privilege to serve at the Florida Capitol!

It is time to change the culture of medicine to one of modeled wellness, interdependent teamwork, and true servant leadership. And as physicians, we must take the lead.

As I explain in the article, we must become courageous champions of change. No letting the complacent entice us, or the naysayers stop us. No letting those with low expectations, no vision, and limited understanding dictate what we can and cannot do. No excuses in pursuing the very best for our patients and for our teams, and no fear. Let us all do our part. Let us lead. Read more here.

Thrive!
Dr Mari 

Thanksgiving Musings: Love Wins

I'm so glad that, as I get older, I'm becoming an early riser. One of my favorite things to do on the beach (if I'm up early enough!) is to watch the sun rise over the horizon to the tune of crashing waves. I love to take in the miniscule, microsecond changes one misses by not paying close attention. A bird formation appearing out of nowhere and changing the landscape, ever so briefly. A gentle breeze beckoning the palm trees to join in a subtle dance. A dolphin's fin cutting through a wave for two seconds, noticed only by those who choose to sit and ponder the beauty, magnificence, and power displayed every second throughout creation. Nature rewards in a special way those who devote time to admire it.

I stand in awe as I watch the sun rise over the ocean. Light takes over the darkness slowly, imperceptibly and, yet, with such power. The darkness flees in the mere presence of light. All the light has to do is be.... 

Watching this conquest, this daring display, I grasp something about God's goodness triumphing--always--over evil. This victory may seem slow to manifest at times, but it is happening nonetheless. 

The light takes over the darkness. 

God triumphs. 

Love wins.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Dr Mari

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 

John‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬

Love never fails. 
1 Corinthians 13:8

Hope for Today: Inherit the Promise

I recently wrote a study of the book of Hebrews. While researching and reading before the writing phase, I recognized the recurring theme of perseverance weaved throughout the book. This has also become a recurring theme in my life and, indeed, it is a critical element in the life of every Christian living intentionally for God.

In Hebrews 6:12, the author writes, "We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." These words call believers to hold on to what they know, letting nothing shake the foundation of their faith, advancing from spiritual milk to the solid food needed to mature in Christ. Laziness and complacency are our spiritual enemies, but faith and patient endurance are friends on our journey to inherit God's promises.

As Christians, we face the danger of staying stuck in the information phase of our faith — knowledge without fruit. Learning is essential, but if we don't apply what we learn, our lives will not bear fruit for God's kingdom. We may even become puffed up by our knowledge when our lives are starving for a gospel that's alive in us and revealed in the world through our actions.

We have no better example of persevering, active faith than Jesus. Sent to rescue the world from the power of sin and death, he was misunderstood, mocked, and killed. But betrayal didn't stop him. Rejection didn't discourage him. Threats did not diminish him or his resolve. Why? Jesus knew and lived by the truth. He knew who sent him. He knew his creation. And he knew who he was.

Jesus' sense of mission, abiding communion with his Father, and the empowering of the Holy Spirit grounded him completely. Jesus stood firm. Nothing could sway him.

I want that perseverance. I want that certainty. I want that determination. And the good news is that I can have it. We can have it. But, to attain it, we must do as Jesus did. We must claim our identity in God and find our purpose there. We must stay in communion with Jesus, the way to the Father. And we must live filled by the Spirit who gives us the power to live for Jesus.

Lake Gem at Canterbury Retreat Center, a sacred space.

Ponder with me: Am I still sipping spiritual milk or have I moved on to solid food? Am I puffed up and immobilized by knowledge without relationship?

Lord Jesus, help me mature through a relationship with You, that I may not shrink back when life gets tough but continue to believe and trust You, my Savior and my Lord.

Persevere!
Dr Mari

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

Hebrews 6:19

For more on perseverance, read Adversity's Gift: Perseverance and Second Chances: Heaven's Heart.

I wrote and published a version of this post in The Journey, a quarterly publication of Bible Reading Fellowship. 

Living on Mission: Compassion Trumps Fear (Part III)

This week, a human story of compassion and faith winning over fear captured my heart. In the midst of a terrifying outbreak of Ebola virus, Dr. Kent Brantly felt called to Liberia to treat patients with this infection with a mortality rate as high as 60 - 90%. While caring for people with the disease, Dr. Brantly became infected and quarantined himself. After initially insisting that the only available experimental serum be given to an infected colleague (they ended up both receiving the medication), Dr. Brantly arrived on US soil for treatment at a special unit at Emory Hospital in Atlanta.

Transported under meticulous infection control procedures all the way from West Africa, he surprised the world by walking out of the ambulance in a body suit before entering the hospital. Though still critically ill, he seems to be improving while thousands continue to pray for him all over the globe.

This 33 year-old physician, husband, and father of two children (ages 3 and 5) works for Samaritan's Purse, an organization that provides food, water, shelter, medicine, and other assistance throughout the world in the name of Christ. Dr. Brantly was drawn to mission work since youth and wanted to be a missionary even before becoming a doctor. He is a member of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations.

Please join me in praying for this selfless young doctor.

Lord, I thank You for drawing people to know and follow You. I thank You for giving Dr. Kent Brantly a heart of service and compassion. I pray that his health will be completely restored and that, through his illness, a cure may be found for the hundreds of people infected with this virus. I pray, Lord Jesus, that Your Name will be exalted through this doctor's suffering and that many people will come to know You through him. I also pray for his wife and children, for all people infected with this virus, and for every healthcare professional caring for him and others with this infection.

Kent Bradley is a beautiful example of courageously walking with Jesus in healthcare. What a witness! Please keep him in your prayers.

In Hope,
Dr Mari

For Parts I and II of this series on mission, see Living on Mission: What's That All About? and Living on Mission: A Look Back.

UPDATE, August 15, 2014: Follow this link to an update of Dr. Brantly's progress. As he recovers, he continues to thank God for His mercy and is grateful for the excellent care he's received.

Living on Mission: A Look Back (Part II)

Years ago, my life was transformed after meeting one woman. I don't know her name. I can't even remember what she looked like. But I'll never forget what meeting her accomplished in me.

During my second medical mission trip to Guatemala, after treating hundreds of people one after another, our clinic day was almost over. While I felt exhausted physically but invigorated in my soul with a deep sense of accomplishment and joy, a young woman sat in front of me and smiled nervously. With impressive skill and heartwarming trust, she summarized her life story and current challenges in a brief yet thorough and impactful way.

I got it quickly. I saw into her soul and felt her pain.

Her story included mental illness, physical exhaustion, endless demands on her time as a single mom, and domestic abuse. I quickly summoned in my mind the various resources I knew were available within her community, and ensured good follow-up for her once our brief time together was over.

While she shared her story, I felt overwhelmed. In a continuous inward gaze to God, I prayed while she spoke.

"He hit me and I ran away," she shared of years ago. (Lord, please keep her strong as she raises her children alone.)

"I work the fields now and the kids eat every day. (Oh, I thank You, Lord! Please continue providing for them.)

"But now that I'm sick, I don't know what to do." (Lord, what can I possibly do for this mother when our mission ends tomorrow? Why have me hear this when there's so little I can do?)

Pray with her. Offer to pray with her.

God's voice came, as so often happens, in a whisper — like a soft, soothing rain. My reply was more like a raging storm! 

(Pray with her? I've never done that! Lord, that's not what we do. I'm a doctor, you know. We're supposed to leave our faith on the other side of our exam room door.)

Well, in Guatemala there were no doors. On mission, there was no wall separating my personal faith from my professional practice. Somehow, a certain courage came over me to stop being two different people, leaving the best part of me outside of my relationship with those I seek to help.

Still caught up in a heavenly gaze, I spoke to the soul before me.

"I am so sorry for all you've been through, and I'm so proud of you and your courage in sharing your story. The truth is, I'm not sure how I can help you, but I know the One who can."

And then, the words that changed my life slipped through my lips unto her heart — and mine!

"Would it be okay if I pray with you?"

She looked surprised and excited. Her eyes lit up, and she sprung up and took my hands. Clearly, even the mention of faith and God empowered her like none of my words had. She was in her element. In an instant, hope arrived.

So I, too, rose from my chair (and from my previous life!) and began to pray with simple words, asking our God to guide her steps, guard her heart, and heal her soul. I asked God to bring the right people to help her once our team left. And I thanked God for giving her courage and strength.

I offered a short, heartfelt prayer. And before I was able to speak my Amen!, she shocked me.

She began to pray for me in our native Spanish, and the gates of Heaven opened.

Suddenly, we were two sisters seeking the same God together, and we were not alone. God's presence filled the room and, for a time, I was unaware of our surroundings and felt lifted up to Heaven. It was a holy moment that continues to bear fruit, empowering and filling my soul even now.

As I boarded the plane the next day, I knew life would never be the same again. From then on, I would be myself with patients back home. I would not withhold my greatest treasure — my faith in an all-powerful, good, and loving God — from the hurting people who need Him most.

I decided to live on mission here and now with no need to board planes to the other side of the world. My mission field is here.

That inward gaze changed me. I would go as far as saying that it saved my life. That prayer with a stranger saved me from the apathy and self-centeredness at the heart of our culture's decline. And it saved me from the fear of being genuinely myself as I care for people. Thanks be to God!

Two days ago, our teenager boarded a plane on his second mission trip to Costa Rica. As I reflect on the events of my second mission trip, I rejoice for him and the entire team, for I know these life-changing moments often come during mission trips overseas — outside our comfort zone — where we can become something we were not when we arrived.

Our children have learned at a young age that life is about loving God by loving and serving Him in our neighbors. They have learned that our gifts and talents come from above with a purpose: we are to share them with others. What a blessing!

Please join me once more in praying for their safety, their health, and for God's work to be accomplished in and through them. Pray for hearts to be transformed and lives changed, including ours as we intercede for them. And pray for God's Spirit to empower them (and all of us!) to love as Christ loves.

On mission!
Dr Mari 

For parts I and III of this series on Mission, read Living on Mission: What's That All About? and Living on Mission: Compassion Trumps Fear.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 
The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

"God loves to pour out His Spirit with power on those who will dare to align radically their purposes with His." (S. Childers)

"The spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions. The nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we become." (Henry Martyn)

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

1 John 3:1

For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

1 John 3:11

Radio Interview: Living Well With Dr. Mari

Follow this link to my interview with Hope Matters on Monday, May 26 at 7pm. I will share about hope, healing, and wholeness as well as an update on my books, projects, and recent speaking and mentoring opportunities.

 
I've been blessed to serve as copyeditor and Spanish translator for Hope Matters since 2009. Its founder, Maryann Makekau, is the author of the Little Pink Book series that includes When Your Teacher Has Cancer and When Your Grandma Forgets, among others. These books help ensure that children are not forgotten when adults walk through tough journeys like cancer and Alzheimer's disease. They inspire and equip families during life's challenges in a whimsical and thoughtful way.

Maryann's co-host, Rob Harris, is the author of We're In This Together: A Caregiver's Story. This touching book will soon be followed by a caregiver's guide I was blessed to review. His perspective as a husband and caregiver provides practical help laced with compassion and understanding.

I look forward to another interview with my friends at Hope Matters and RobCares. Join us and call in with your questions and comments, and have a blessed and safe Memorial Day celebration!

Live well!
Dr Mari

For information about my book to inspire and equip caregivers and healthcare professionals, check out my book site.

For a recent interview about the book for girls I coauthored (The Ultimate Girls Body Book), follow this link.

Our Future is in Good Hands!

"I learned that we all have to start somewhere."

     "I learned that I have gifts for a reason ... I need to use them!"

          "I learned that math is really important, and I learned that ...  I can do it!"

These were some of the comments I heard from tween and teen girls at yesterday's Girls Going Places Entrepreneurship conference. I was blessed to be a mentor and table leader at the inaugural event in Orlando, FL. How I wish I'd had an opportunity like this one when I was a teenager!

As I observed the girls' confidence grow before my eyes, I thought of my mom, aunts, grandmothers, teachers and neighbors who served as my role models. How blessed I was to have them, especially my mother! (For a tribute to her, follow this link.)

As the girls shared what they learned from their mentors, my heart was full of gratitude and joy for the experience. When a fourteen year-old asked me why I took the day off to spend it with them, I smiled. And I told her a story.

When I was about fourteen, I saw my mom address a large group of reporters at a press conference. I remember a room full of people, cameras, and lights. Toward the end of her speech, I saw mom search for me with her eyes and turn my way. She held my eyes for what felt like forever and said,

"Our young people are the future of our land. They are our future. 

And I believe in them."

I could sense mom's loving gaze from years ago as I addressed the bright-eyed young lady who hadn't grasped why I'd choose to spend my day with a bunch of girls I'd never met.

And I said,

"I'm here because of you, and for you. You are the future of our land. 

I'm here because I believe in you like my mom believed in me."

Her warm smile filled her face and many others. It was a beautiful moment. A moment of sharing life-giving words to impart hope. Made me think of one of my favorite verses,

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

(Jeremiah 29:11)

I pray for each of the girls that I was blessed to meet yesterday. 

Lord, their future is in Your hands. I pray that You will bring the right people to speak Life into their young hearts so they will have hope. I pray that they will believe in their abilities, discover and develop their gifts, and ultimately live to bring glory to You, their Maker and their God.

Still Going Places! (Thank you, Mami.)
Dr Mari

Learn about my book for girls here. 

 * For a chance to win a FREE COPY of The Ultimate Girls' Body Book, follow this link on Wednesday, May 7th (8am - 5pm ET)! Dannah Gresh (of Secret Keeper Girls) is giving away five copies! Share this post to spread the word! *

The Hero Lives!

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Romans 8:11 

Our culture continually produces TV shows and movies about great adventures. They are usually stories of good vs. evil. The adventure recounts the journey of the good side defeating the dark side, usually through a hero. 

Everywhere I see the Christian story retold ... or at least longed for! We are inspired by a hero. We cheer him on and rejoice in his victories. We want and need a hero.

Christ's disciples had a Hero. They lived with him and watched him restore sight to the blind. They saw him free people from the prison of guilt and shame brought on by their sinful lives. They watched their Hero heal lepers in an instant and command paralytics to walk with a word. They sighed in relief while he calmed fierce storms and watched in awe while he walked on water. 

Some even saw him bring dead people back to life!

Through all these miracles, Jesus showed his authority over disease, sin, nature ... and even death. Whether we think he does or not, the creator of the world has complete authority over his creation. This includes you and me.

After years of Christianity, one day it all became real for me. A heartfelt prayer on my knees during a desperate time was answered. When I asked God if He was really real, He showed me His face. After years attending church, I met my Hero face to face and heart to heart. And in that precious moment I discovered something that changed my life.

He loves me!

He loves me, and He accepts and embraces me completely. As His Word promises, I asked and I received. I looked for Him and found Him. I knocked and the door to a full life was opened wide, never to be shut again!

Jesus Christ revealed Himself and I entered the greatest adventure of life--a life of getting to know the ultimate Hero in a personal way, every day, for the rest of my days. 

Thank You, Lord, for the joy of Easter! Thank You that I know You are alive because I've met You. Thank You that You are indeed real and You care deeply about this world and about me!

Thank you that as we seek You, we discover that You've been here all along, for You are a living God. Thank You, Lord, that Your love changes us, and that the closer we know You and experience Your love and acceptance, the more we want to live for You. 

Your plan, Lord, is perfect. Thank You that I am a part of it. Help me today to reveal Your glory in the world, for our broken and sinful world needs a Hero, one who can save, redeem, restore, and recreate. Thank You, Lord, that You make everything new and that, when we meet You and give our lives to You, the world's best adventure begins.

Have a blessed and joyful Easter rejoicing in what God has done! 

Dr Mari

For more on the miracle of Easter, read He Is Risen! So What Does That Mean To you and Me?

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 

 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
Matthew 7:7

But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
John 3:21

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 Corinthians 5:17 

I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Ephesians 4:1