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Irene Walters Whitesides

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THE LOVE THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING ♥️

Last night, I came home later than usual. My body was tired, and my heart felt a little heavy. The kind of tired where even home feels quiet, and you notice the stillness. I walked in, took care of the pets, and started dinner. It was one of those nights where everything felt like a task, yet I whispered prayers to the Lord as I moved through it. Just Him and me, no music, only my heart speaking to His.

I prayed for strength, for encouragement, for my spirit to lift. “Lord, let me be a blessing, even in my weariness” (Galatians 6:9). My husband came home not long after, tired like me, I could see it in his face. We sat down to eat, cleaned up, and then I went to the sitting room, longing for quiet time with my Heavenly Father.

As I settled in, my husband came in too, sitting across from me on the couch. I looked over at him, and something soft and warm washed over me. I felt the glow of God’s love. A love so big it reminded me He is always with us, even in the moments when we’re tired, needy, or overwhelmed (Isaiah 41:10).

I opened my book illustrations to jot down more thoughts for my illustrator. As I looked at Gracie’s little eyes on Page Three, I froze. She was looking back at me, and in her eyes, I saw a little girl who once felt just like her—unsure, sad, and full of questions. Gracie was comparing herself to the beauty around her—the vibrant birds and playful bunnies in the meadow. She didn’t see her own worth. She felt small, unnoticed, and unworthy of the same joy and beauty she saw in others.

I turned to my husband, moved closer, and rested my head on his chest. Then I whispered out loud, almost like I was speaking to that little girl in me: “It’s okay, Gracie. Your life gets better. You’ll find a God who loves you, who sees you, who will fill your heart with joy. You’ll marry a husband who loves you, believes in you, who encourages you.”

As I spoke, my husband smiled at me😊a warm, cozy smile that reminded me of God’s faithfulness (Psalm 34:5). Tears filled my eyes because I realized how far the Lord had brought me.♥️

I’m writing this for you, for anyone who feels the way Gracie felt. Maybe you’re tired. Maybe you feel unseen or unloved. Maybe, like Gracie, you’ve looked at others and thought, “Why am I not like them?” But listen: God sees you. He always has (Jeremiah 29:11). You are His, created with love and care (Psalm 139:13-14). Draw near to Him. Talk to Him like you would your best friend. Tell Him your joys, your sorrows, your dreams. He is listening (1 Peter 5:7).

Gracie’s story is my story. And maybe it’s yours too. God is waiting for you, ready to show you His love. You’re not alone. You’re never alone (Deuteronomy 31:6).

So tonight, as you rest, or today as you walk through this day, whisper to Him. Let Him fill you with His peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

He loves you. Oh, how He loves you. ♥️
Gracie’s Flight of Faith… coming soon. 🦋3/3/25

Irene Walters Whitesides

https://www.facebook.com/irene.whitesides.7/