No More Assumptions

Assumptions:

Your parents are married? Your childhood was perfect.

You're rich? You are content.

You're smiling? You must be happy.

You're quiet? You're antisocial.

You're anxious? You're not trusting God.

There are so many assumptions that people make that are just not true. None of us know what someone else is going through, not unless we really talk with them and get to know them. We don't know what kind of struggles they face. We don't know what might be hiding behind a smile. We shouldn't jump to the conclusion that because someone grew up rich or with married parents that their life is good.

Everyone has a different story. There are things that go wrong in each of our lives. And some people are better at covering up their struggles than others.

We shouldn't make assumptions about one another but we should take the time to get to know one another. We should show grace to strangers. We should be kind.

We should always treat others how we would want to be treated on our worst days. We should remember how many times we have faked being happy, how many times we have barely held it together, and we should be kind to everyone we see.

Spread a smile. Say a kind word on social media. Do something nice for someone you know or a stranger today.

Stop making assumptions but know that everyone is going through something. Know that everyone needs a little help. Everyone needs a little love. Show them Jesus.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

John 13:34-35


By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

Looking Back I Realize... God Always Takes Care Of You

Looking back and I realize... God always takes care of you.

The more I look back on my life, the more that I see that he has always been with me.

Looking back on the past, on the days that were the hardest, I realize that God always takes care of you.

Looking back on the times when I felt alone, I realize that God was there with me. He held me through those times.

He has brought me so far. He has given me so much. Without him, I am nothing. I would not have made it this far without him. I would not have the life that I do without him.

God has given me so much. He has helped me through so much. He is an amazing, powerful God, and yet he loves me. He created the universe and everything in it, and yet he cares about me. It's pretty amazing to think about.

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Deuteronomy 31:8

By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

Never Forget

Never forget this day.
Never forget the ones who lost their lives.
Never forget those who sacrificed to save others.
Never forget how strong America is.
Never forget how blessed we are with life and freedom.
Never forget.


By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

3 Authors Who Inspire Me To Be A Better Writer

When I get my hands on a book written by any of the three authors below I get excited. I can't wait to start reading. And I am inspired so much by each of these authors because of how well they are able to tell their stories and create realistic characters. They inspire me, and if you haven't read any books by them yet, I can't recommend them enough.

Catherine West. She digs deep and isn't afraid to tackle tough issues in her books. She puts emotion into her stories and writes very well. She puts together characters and plots that have me quickly turning page after page. She encourages me to put more depth into my writing.
I loved The Memory Of You and I am currently reading and enjoying Where Hope Begins.

Katie Ganshert. She is an author who isn't afraid of writing about deep and dark topics. She has a great way of putting together a story and making the reader feel hope. She inspires me to write on topics that I wouldn't always consider. She is a great author, and I highly recommend A Broken Kind Of Beautiful and Life After.

Susan May Warren. She has encouraged me as a writer for years and is one of the first authors that I really came to love. She writes books that are often focused on families and the issues that they face, and I love that about her. I like that she writes such carefully thought out and well-researched books. And I love that you can tell she puts her heart into her writing.
My favorite books by her are The Shadow Of Your Smile and the Christiansen Family Series.

These are just a few of the authors who greatly inspire me in my writing. I am glad I discovered all of them and that they put out such amazing books! I can't wait to read more from each of them in the future.


By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken