I can’t get away from this. Truly—I can’t.
Here’s why.
When I moved to the Bible Belt nearly 12 years ago as a former educator, there was a deep cry in my heart: that the people of God wouldn’t just receive from Him—but would release from the overflow of what they’ve received.
To release His love.
His peace.
His joy.
His righteousness.
Oh, how the next generation needs us to lead the way…to show them the way—as we trust and obey our God.
I’ve endeavored to live this out—to be both a receiver and a releaser. Imperfectly, yes. But faithfully.
Some of my hardest seasons are now ones I can count as pure joy (James 1:2–4). Not because they were easy, but because in my need, I opened myself up to receive more of Him.
More peace.
More joy.
More truth that sets free.
More of His presence flowing through my very being.
And here’s what I know:
God never intended for us to simply be reservoirs of His presence. He calls us to be conduits—through whom His Kingdom comes and His will is done on earth as it is in heaven.
Through us…
…in our homes.
…in our workplaces.
…in our schools.
…even in our cars on the way to soccer, gymnastics, and parkour.
…even in solitude when no one else is watching.
So what’s the takeaway?
In both the highs and the lows of life, ask God what He longs for you to receive.
Position yourself to receive.
But don’t stop there.
Be led by His Spirit within you—knowing when and what He is calling you to release.
As my pastor shared on Sunday: daily.
“Lord, give us this day our daily bread… and lead us by Your Spirit to receive—and then release.”
Because when we live this way, we don’t just grow—we rise.
And as we rise, we show the next generation how to do the same.
So let’s receive deeply, release freely, and rise in Him—so they can shine.