After the Disaster — Community, Faith, and The Path to Healing

Around the world and in many parts of the U.S., we see natural disasters—fires, floods, storms—that leave lasting damage. Loss of life, homes, economic stability. But also, deep wounds of trauma, grief, the question: How do we move forward when so much is shattered?

The United Nations’ Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR 2025) reminds us that while direct disaster costs today are approximately $202 billion annually, when you add up all the ripple effects—health, education, ecosystems—the cost balloons to over $2.3 trillion a year.(UNDRR) Natural disasters disproportionately impact vulnerable and marginalized communities, making recovery harder and slower. (UNDRR)

Healing after disaster is not just about rebuilding walls—it’s about restoring souls, restoring hope.

Disasters Leave Visible and Invisible Wounds

• Physical destruction is painful, but mental and emotional injuries often remain unseen—trauma, grief, PTSD, loss of safety.

• Disasters often disrupt social connection: displacement, loss of neighbors, community spirit.

Faith as Balm and Compass

• Faith gives rituals for grief: communal mourning, remembrance, worship. These are sacred—they acknowledge loss rather than deny it.

• Stories of restoration, hope, renewal appear in nearly every spiritual lineage. They are guideposts.

• Belief that even in ravaged places something new can grow—not just physical rebuilding, but relational, communal, spiritual growth.

Mindset of Rebuilding, Not Just Recovering

• Recovery implies returning to what was; rebuilding allows vision for what could be. Could rebuild stronger, fairer, more resilient.

• Embrace patience. Healing takes time. Sometimes years. But every small step forward matters.

• Reject the narrative of helplessness. The fact that people come together, resist despair, work toward restoration—that is powerful.

Wellness as Part of Recovery

• Mental health care must be accessible: therapy, community support, spaces of safety to share grief.

• Physical wellness: ensuring clean water, safe shelter, nutrition—basic but often compromised in disaster zones.

• Spiritual rest and practices that allow pause, reflection: faith communities can be anchors here.

Collective Action, Faith Communities Leading Recovery

• Local congregations and faith groups often are first to mobilize: caring for the displaced, organizing volunteers, providing emotional support.

• Mutual aid networks—neighbors helping neighbors—restore dignity and hope.

• Advocacy for disaster-resilient policies, infrastructure, insurance, climate mitigation.

Takeaway

When everything seems lost, remember: you are not alone. Faith, mindset, and wellness practices anchor not just individuals but whole communities. Healing is possible—even when recovery is long. In the ruins, the seeds of new beginnings can take root.

If recent disasters—literal or personal—feel like too much, let yourself heal.
Download The New Beginnings Mindset Journal to begin rebuilding your inner landscape.
Download Faith over Fear Journal to ground yourself in hope, courage, and the sure belief that light comes after night.

Take the next small step toward healing today.

References

• United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Global Assessment Report (GAR) 2025: “Resilience Pays: Financing and Investing for our Future.” UNDRR+1

• NOAA “Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters” data. NCEI

Facing Financial Strain — How Prioritizing Wellness Can Build Stability and Hope

More and more American families are feeling the squeeze. A recent survey by National Debt Relief, working with Talker Research, found that six in 10 U.S. parents (children ages 0-18) have gone into debt just to cover basic needs for their children—medical care, school supplies, everyday essentials. (National Debt Relief) Meanwhile, another survey from Achieve shows 58% of Americans saying their finances are in crisis. (PR Newswire)

These numbers aren’t abstractions—they mirror sleepless nights, relational stress, shrinking joy. Yet, even in this pressure, we still have tools to claim stability, dignity, and hope.

The Stressors Are Real

• Debt, soaring costs, inflation, healthcare, housing—these aren’t distant concerns for many. They are daily realities.

• Financial stress seeps into mental health: anxiety, shame, despair, even guilt about feeling you’re failing your family.

Faith, Hope, and Financial Perspective

• Faith can offer a perspective beyond scarcity: that your value, your purpose, your loved-ones’ worth are not tied to bank balances.

• Many traditions teach generosity even in lack, trusting that provision can come in unexpected ways.

• Trust doesn’t mean passivity—faith is not denial. It means pressing in with trust that action plus belief matters.

Mindset Shift: From Fear to Stewardship

• What is under your control: budgeting, trimming nonessentials, seeking help, asking questions.

• Resist comparison culture: what your neighbor or social media friend has may hide struggle; comparison robs peace.

• See giving—even small—as reclaiming power, reminding ourselves belief in abundance (even in tight times).

Wellness Investments That Pay Dividends

• Emotional wellness: talk openly about finances with safe people; therapy or faith counseling if needed.

• Physical wellness: nutrition, rest, exercise—not always expensive, but essential. Your body handles stress better when it’s well cared for.

• Spiritual wellness: Sabbath or rest rhythms; maybe periods of silence; reading, praying, reflecting.

Practical Steps & Power in Community

• A financial wellness plan: track income, expenses, set small goals (pay off one debt, save a little).

• Use community resources: free financial counseling; local charities; support from faith community.

• Shared meals, carpooling, swapping resources—community living can ease burdens.

Takeaway

Financial strain doesn’t have to steal your peace or erode your faith. Even amid economic uncertainty you can find space to breathe, to act, to trust. Wellness and mindset are not optional extras—they are the foundation that helps you navigate pressure with dignity and hope.

If your finances are weighing heavy on your heart, you don’t have to face it alone.
Download The New Beginnings Mindset Journal to reframe what’s possible even in lack.
Download Faith over Fear Journal to hold fast to hope and prayer when worry whispers.

Take one small step today toward peace.

References

• National Debt Relief & Talker Research, “The Price of Parenting 2025 Survey.” National Debt Relief+1

• “Soaring living costs push majority of parents into debt.” Talker Research. Talker Research

• Achieve survey: “58% of Americans say their finances are in crisis.” PR Newswire

• Newsweek: “Most Parents Are Going Into Debt to Provide for Their Kids.” Newsweek

When Division Escalates: How Faith and Mindset Can Anchor Us in Turbulent Times

In recent days, America has been shaken by the news of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist who was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. (AP News) Experts warn his death is part of a growing pattern of political violence that threatens to tip us into deeper division. (Reuters)

It’s easy, when the headlines grow darker, to feel powerless. We may wonder: What can I do? Where do I place my heart when fear feels louder than hope?

I believe there are three things that remind us: faith, mindset, and wellness. They don’t erase our reality, but they anchor us, they empower us to respond rather than react.

Recognizing the Internal Storm

• When violence enters public life — whether through news, social media, or conversations — we carry a ripple effect inside: anxiety, anger, grief.

• These emotions are valid. It’s okay to acknowledge feeling unsafe or overwhelmed. Too often, in wanting to be strong, we silence the storm instead of letting it speak.

Faith as Grounding

• Faith can remind us of truths that outlast headlines: love, compassion, reconciling, hope beyond fear.

• Whether through prayer, scripture, meditation, or communal worship, these practices are not passive—they shape how we move through fear.

• When Psalm 46 says “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble,” that means there is a shelter, even amid chaos.

Renewing Mindset: Choosing What to Feed

• Consider what you consume. Media that amplifies fear, rage, victim vs. villain stories—these can be spiritual toxins. It’s okay to step back.

• Reframe what feels threatening: sometimes what looks like chaos is an invitation to see what matters more clearly.

• Cultivate gratitude—not as a denial of pain, but as a counterbalance. Even one moment of peace, one person showing kindness, one breath of stillness—these count.

Prioritizing Wellness as Resistance

• Physical wellness: sleep, movement, proper nourishment. These are not indulgences—they give your body and mind strength.

• Emotional wellness: setting boundaries (with social media, conversations, news consumption), allowing yourself rest.

• Spiritual wellness: rituals, quiet time, listening for stillness.

Small Actions That Restore Power

• Speak peace in your circles. Sometimes refusing to belittle someone for their views, choosing compassion over winning, creates ripples.

• Acts of kindness, generosity, hospitality—even small—remind us of our agency.

• Community involvement: volunteering, supporting groups that promote unity or reconciliation.

• Shared prayer or meditation for peace, whether publicly or privately.

Takeaway

We are living in a time when the external world feels broken in many places. But our internal world—shaped by faith, choice, and self-care—is not helpless. In fact, it’s the launching pad for change.

When we anchor ourselves in faith, renew our mindset, and actively care for our wellness, we reclaim power: the power to love, the power to hope, the power to act with integrity and courage.

If you feel burdened by fear, overwhelmed by the noise, I invite you to lean into tools that help you reclaim peace.
Download The New Beginnings Mindset Journal to begin shifting what fills your thoughts.
Download Faith over Fear Journal to strengthen faith in action when fear whispers loudly.

You don’t have to wait for perfect circumstances to start. Choose one step today.

References

• “The Latest: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk is shot and killed while speaking at a Utah college.” AP News. https://apnews.com/article/5e36353d08fdcc5e8edce6e5ec92bc61?utm_source=chatgpt.com

• “‘Rough road ahead’: Charlie Kirk’s assassination highlights the rise in US political violence.” PolitiFact. https://www.politifact.com/article/2025/sep/11/Charlie-Kirk-Trump-political-violence-guns/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

• “Addressing political violence to protect American democracy.” Brookings.

  https://www.brookings.edu/articles/political-violence-in-the-us/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

• “Are political assassinations on the rise? A criminologist weighs in on the shooting death of Charlie Kirk.” Northeastern University. https://news.northeastern.edu/2025/09/11/charlie-kirk-political-violence-rise/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Friday Reflections: You Can’t Save People Who Don’t Want to Be Saved

There was a time when I believed that if I just loved people hard enough, prayed for them long enough, showed up consistently enough… they’d change.

But here’s the hard truth I had to learn:

👉🏽 You can’t save people who don’t want to be saved.
👉🏽 You can’t change people who are committed to staying the same.
👉🏽 You can’t heal someone who is still defending what broke them.

Some folks are not looking for a breakthrough—they're looking for someone to bleed with them. And sis, your healing does not require you to stay stuck with someone who refuses to grow.

Yes, God calls us to love.
Yes, we should extend grace.
But love without boundaries becomes enablement, not empowerment.
And grace without discernment turns into self-abandonment.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23

God never told you to carry someone else’s rebellion. That’s not faithfulness. That’s spiritual codependency. 🙅🏽‍♀️

Now?
I pray.
I release.
I walk away in peace, knowing I am not the Savior. That position is already filled.

📝 Reflect:

• Who are you still trying to “rescue” that God already told you to release?

• What would happen if you stopped managing their chaos and started protecting your peace?

🙏🏽 A Short Prayer:

God, give me the strength to let go of people You never asked me to carry. Help me to love without losing myself, to care without compromising, and to trust that You will finish the work in them without me playing savior. Amen.

5 Tips for Removing Inflammatory Behaviors From Your Life

(Because Healing Ain’t Just About What’s on Your Plate)

When we talk about inflammation, most folks instantly think about swollen joints or what’s going on inside their body. But sis, let me keep it real with you — inflammation isn’t just physical. It can be emotional. Mental. Spiritual. Relational. And if you’re not careful, it’ll silently steal your peace, your joy, and your health.

So today, we’re not just talking about cutting out fried foods (though… yes, do that too). We’re talking about detoxing your WHOLE life — body, mind, and spirit. Because true healing requires a full sweep.

Here are 5 powerful ways to remove inflammatory behaviors from your life so you can make room for peace, healing, and growth:

1. Stop Feeding Your Body Foods That Feed Inflammation

Look, I’m not saying never enjoy a slice of cake again. But sugar overload, processed junk, and refined carbs are out here causing chaos inside your body like toxic exes you keep letting back in.👀

✅ Add more leafy greens, fatty fish (like salmon), turmeric, ginger, berries, and olive oil into your meals.
✅ Say less to the white sugar and white flour, and more to real, whole foods God placed on this earth to nourish you.
✅ Pro tip: Drinking water with lemon, cucumber, or mint? Chef’s kiss for flushing out the nonsense.

🛑 Inflammatory behavior to ditch: Mindless snacking on junk when you're stressed. Try deep breathing, prayer, or journaling instead.

2. Move Your Body Like Your Life Depends on It (Because It Does)

You don’t have to be out here training like you’re going to the Olympics — but you DO need to move. Stagnation breeds inflammation. Movement promotes healing.

🚶🏽‍♀️ Walking counts. Stretching counts. Dancing in your kitchen to your favorite praise playlist? Oh, that counts too.

Exercise helps:

• Lower cortisol (your stress hormone)

• Reduce chronic inflammation

• Boost your mood like WHOA

🛑 Inflammatory behavior to ditch: Sitting all day with no breaks. Set a timer. Get up. Move your body. Even 10 minutes makes a difference.

3. Set Boundaries Like Your Peace Depends on It (Because It Does)

Some people are like sugar to your soul — sweet at first, but cause all kinds of damage if you let ‘em stay too long.

💡 Say NO to:

• One-sided relationships

• Energy vampires

• People who gaslight, disrespect, or drain you

Remember: “No” is a holy word. You don’t need to explain, justify, or debate your boundaries. Protect your peace at all costs.

🛑 Inflammatory behavior to ditch: Saying yes when your spirit is screaming no.

4. Manage Your Mindset — Thoughts Can Be Toxic Too

Scripture says “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). That means what you’re thinking on repeat is shaping your reality — and your health.

📌 Stop rehearsing failure.
📌 Stop entertaining thoughts like “I’m not enough,” “I’ll never get it right,” or “I always mess up.”
📌 Speak life over yourself daily.

✨ Try this affirmation: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I release what doesn’t serve my healing.”

🛑 Inflammatory behavior to ditch: Negative self-talk and limiting beliefs that keep you stuck.

5. Prioritize Rest — Hustle Culture Will Have You Inflamed and Depleted

Burnout is inflammatory. Period.

God Himself rested on the seventh day. What makes you think you don’t need to? Rest isn’t lazy. Rest is holy. Rest is productive.

✅ Honor your sleep.
✅ Turn off the phone.
✅ Take breaks without guilt.
✅ Breathe. Pause. Pray.

🛑 Inflammatory behavior to ditch: Believing you have to earn your rest. Nah, sis — rest is your birthright.

🌿 Ready to Jumpstart Your Anti-Inflammatory Journey?

If you're ready to fuel your body with love while showing up for your peace and purpose… I got you!

👉🏽 Grab my FREE 3-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan — filled with simple, nourishing recipes that support your healing and keep the guesswork out of what to eat next.

💖 Click here to download your free plan and start feeling better from the inside out!

Because your wellness should be simple, sustainable, and soul-nourishing — just like the life God has for you.

5 Journal Prompts for Making Lasting Lifestyle Changes

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of start-and-stop goals, you’re not alone. Lasting lifestyle changes don’t happen overnight—they begin with mindset shifts, intentional reflection, and grace-filled self-awareness.

That’s where journaling comes in. It’s not just about documenting your day. It’s about creating a sacred space where transformation starts from the inside out. When you give yourself the time to pause, reflect, and refocus, you start building a life aligned with your true purpose and wellness goals.

Here are 5 powerful journal prompts to guide your journey toward lasting change:

1. What does a healthy, fulfilled version of me look and feel like?

Close your eyes and envision your highest self—the version of you walking in alignment with your values, full of energy, joy, and confidence. Describe that vision in detail.
This prompt sets the tone for your transformation. It becomes your why, your internal motivation when things feel hard.

2. What habits or mindsets are holding me back?

We can’t change what we won’t confront. Identify the patterns, thoughts, or limiting beliefs that have kept you from thriving. Be honest—but be kind to yourself. This prompt helps you become aware of the roadblocks you can begin to release.

3. What is one small step I can take today toward the life I want?

Change doesn’t require an overhaul. It starts with one intentional action. Whether it’s drinking more water, going for a walk, or praying before you begin your day, write down one step you can take today to move forward.

4. How can I show myself grace while pursuing growth?

This journey is not about perfection—it's about progress. Reflect on how you can extend compassion to yourself when you stumble. This prompt reminds you to treat yourself with the same love you so freely give to others.

5. What would I say to the version of me that’s afraid to begin again?

We all have fears—especially when starting over. Write a love letter to yourself that affirms your courage, your resilience, and your right to new beginnings. This prompt is a heart-to-heart moment that reignites your inner fire.

Final Thoughts:

At The Relentlessly Empowered, we believe transformation is spiritual, mental, and physical. These journal prompts are more than reflection—they are an invitation to co-create your future with intention and faith.

So grab your journal, light a candle, and create space to listen to your soul. You have everything you need to make lasting lifestyle changes—and it starts with a single word on the page.

You’ve got this. Let’s grow—relentlessly.