Life with Justin Stephens: Healing and Forgiveness

Welcome to Life with Justin Stephens, where we explore the journey of healing, forgiveness, and personal growth. In this blog, we will delve into the powerful themes of compassion and mercy, which are essential in overcoming life's challenges. Join me as I share insights and reflections that can transform your heart and mind.

The Commitment to Daily Reflection

Every evening, I make a commitment to myself to reflect on my day through journaling. Even when the motivation wanes, I push through. This practice is vital in documenting my journey and helps me stay accountable to my personal growth. Journaling allows me to process my thoughts and feelings, ensuring that I remain focused on my goals.

Understanding Pain and Healing

Today's devotional centers around healing and forgiveness. The message is clear: healing begins when we acknowledge our pain. We often carry wounds from past experiences, whether they stem from rejection, misunderstanding, or betrayal. However, it is essential to recognize that these pains can serve a greater purpose in our lives.

In the process of healing, we learn to forgive—not just others, but ourselves as well. Forgiveness is a powerful act that liberates us from the chains of resentment and anger. When we forgive, we open ourselves up to healing and allow compassion to take root in our hearts.

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not merely an act; it is a choice we make. It is a conscious decision to let go of the hurt inflicted upon us. We often hold onto pain, thinking it belongs to us, but in reality, it only serves to weigh us down. When we choose to forgive, we release that burden and invite healing.

• Forgive Yourself: Acknowledge your mistakes and allow yourself to grow beyond them.

• Forgive Others: Understand that everyone has their struggles, and their actions may reflect their pain.

• Embrace Compassion: Recognize that compassion can replace anger and lead to a more fulfilling life.

Embracing the Healing Process

As we navigate through life, we encounter many obstacles that can lead to emotional pain. It is crucial to confront these challenges head-on. When we embrace our wounds, we allow ourselves to experience the healing balm of love and compassion.

It is through our greatest pains that we often find our most profound healing. By allowing ourselves to feel and process these emotions, we create space for joy and gratitude to flourish. The journey of healing is not linear; it requires patience and kindness towards ourselves.

The Role of Faith in Healing

Faith plays a significant role in my healing journey. The belief that there is a higher purpose behind our struggles can provide solace and strength. When we surrender our pain to a higher power, we invite healing to take place. This act of surrender is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is a testament to our resilience.

In my journey, I have found that prayer and meditation serve as powerful tools for healing. They help me connect with my inner self and foster a sense of peace. By incorporating these practices into my daily routine, I can better navigate the ups and downs of life.

Finding Joy in the Journey

As we heal, it is essential to focus on the joy that life offers. Healing does not mean the absence of pain; instead, it signifies the ability to find happiness despite our struggles. It is about celebrating the small victories and recognizing the beauty in everyday moments.

Life with Justin Stephens is about embracing the journey, learning from failures, and sharing our wins. It is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that there is always room for growth and transformation.

Creating a Supportive Community

Life is a team sport, and it is crucial to surround ourselves with supportive individuals who uplift us. Building a community of like-minded people fosters an environment where healing and growth can flourish. Together, we can share our experiences, learn from one another, and encourage each other along the way.

Whether through social media, local groups, or online forums, finding a community that resonates with our values can make a significant difference in our healing journey. It allows us to share our stories, celebrate our successes, and find strength in vulnerability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of daily journaling?

Daily journaling provides a structured way to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. It helps in processing emotions, tracking personal growth, and maintaining accountability to your goals.

How can I start my healing journey?

Begin by acknowledging your pain and making a conscious decision to forgive both yourself and others. Incorporate practices such as meditation, prayer, and journaling to support your healing process.

What role does faith play in healing?

Faith can provide a sense of purpose and strength during difficult times. It allows individuals to surrender their pain and trust in a higher power, facilitating the healing process.

How can I find a supportive community?

Look for local groups, online forums, or social media communities that align with your values and interests. Engaging with others who share similar experiences can foster a sense of belonging and support.

What are some practical steps to embrace forgiveness?

• Reflect on your feelings and identify who you need to forgive.

• Write a letter expressing your feelings, even if you don’t send it.

• Practice empathy by trying to understand the perspectives of those who have hurt you.

• Make a conscious choice to let go of the pain and embrace healing.

In conclusion, Life with Justin Stephens is a journey of healing, forgiveness, and personal growth. By embracing our pains and choosing to forgive, we can transform our lives and inspire those around us. Remember, healing is a process, and every step you take brings you closer to a more fulfilling life.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Together, let us create a community rooted in compassion and understanding.

Daily Podcast:

Daily Video Journal:

Daily Journal Transcript:

Good morning. Good morning. Good morning.

It is September 13, 2024, and today is my birthday. So let's dive into the devotional and see what we have in store for us today. It is on the next page.

I will write my name upon your heart. Come and sit with me. Let me remind you how I see you in the situations you're facing.

I will whisper words of encouragement unlike any other. I am a faithful friend, a kind lord, an unchanging savior. I am the alpha and Omega.

I see the end of things from the very beginning. I have wisdom beyond compare, wisdom I will share with you. My outlook on your life is from a perfect vantage point.

When you spend time with me, your heart beats in harmony with mine. You feel the breath of my spirit gently easing you into alignment with my will. You will fulfill your destiny when you stay in tune with me.

I want you to see your story through my lens, each chapter flowing with grace and glory. I want to establish you in my love and give you the courage to dream again. Come and find your strength in me.

Come and let me write my name upon your heart. We are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God's perfect plan of bringing good into our lives. For we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.

Romans 828. That's a great message for me today. In the spirit of candor, I got served with the voice papers yesterday, and it was really hard.

I. I feel like a failure. I feel like I could have done things better.

I could have made life easier. And if life was easier, it wouldn't have ended this way. But the past is the past.

And no matter what happens in the past, you can't change it. And so, moving forward, that's why I do these devotionals. That's why I've started going to church again.

Moving forward, I'm going to write his name on my heart. I'm going to continue to trust him and trust that he does have a plan. Even though right now I feel like all is lost.

I know it's only temporary. I know that life will grow. Life will change and evolve as it always does.

And so I'm committed to writing his name on my heart and following God's lead, because he's the only one who can lead. He's the only one who is creating the future. We are nothing but tools today that he uses as part of his plan if we let him.

So that's what I've been struggling through lately. That's where all the change in my social media content has come from, and I don't know where this story ends. I don't know the next steps.

All I know is that I'm going to commit myself to Christ and I'm going to commit myself to the people who want to be in my life. Like secure Pacific has been wonderful to work with and incredibly supportive. So thank you and a lot of you.

I know there's a lot of people that watch these videos that don't necessarily like or comment or engage in any way. And I appreciate you, and I don't care that you don't engage. I know it's risky to engage in new ideas before they're socially acceptable, before other people have seen them.

And I pledge to live my life as an example of what I believe. I don't care if you believe it. That's irrelevant.

You believe what you want to believe. I'm going to live my life according to what I believe and how I believe. God is using me and I believe he puts everyone in my path exactly when they need to be in my path.

I believe he has a plan for my life. And so that's why I just wake up every day and my goal is to share a smile, to share a laugh, to help people feel heard. My goal is to be the change I believe we need in society.

And I do that through trying to follow Christ. So thank you all for being on this journey. Thank you for celebrating with me today on this best of birthdays.

It is Friday the 13th. It is a wild and crazy day for a birthday. So this, this weekend I get to spend with the kids, which I'm very excited about.

And we will see what the future holds because the future is the only one that knows or God is the only one that knows. The future is what I should say. And with that, have a wonderful day and we'll talk to you all soon.