Karen Brown Tyson

Category: Faith

One of the Best Ways to Strengthen Your Faith Journey
Do you ever wonder how you can strengthen your faith walk? The answer comes from a guest post by Hannah Rowen Fry, the author of The Way of Gratitude, who explains how rest can be one of the best ways to strengthen your faith journey.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

“You were made for more.”

This phrase or some variation of it is shared often in creative circles. And it should be! You were made for more. Who you currently are and what you’ve currently done are not the end of you; there is more to your future. More dreaming. More growth. More becoming who God made you to be.

And more rest.

Rest is one of the most important parts of the Christian life when it comes to living according to your God-purpose and being all he has called you to be. However, Sabbath and Sabbatical are among the least practiced spiritual rhythms. What if embracing rest is what enables you to embrace the more? What if rest is part of the purpose God has called you to?

Why should we rest more?

Here’s a brief theology of rest:
- First, rest is woven throughout our faith. Beginning with the Creator’s rest in Genesis 2:2 and the land rest in Leviticus 25:4, rest is carried through the New Testament, where it’s described as a promise in Hebrews 4. There is a clear, consistent narrative throughout Scripture to prioritize rest.
- Second, resting is one way we bear the image of God. In the creation story, we learn that we are made in God’s image and that he rested. It’s no surprise that rest is rejuvenating! Rest makes us more of who we are, of who God made us, because it echoes him. It allows us to feel more like ourselves because it’s one way we bear the image of our Creator.
- Finally, rest rhythms are found in every part of nature. We see rest most prominently in the changing seasons. In the winter, everything slows down a bit; plants become dormant, and the night is longer. Our world no longer relies on sunlight to indicate when to work and when to stop, so it’s easy for us to ignore these natural triggers. But God has instructed us to resist temptation, not the natural rest rhythm he initiated.
How do we rest more?

It sounds like an oxymoron, but it takes work to rest. Whether it’s a weekly Sabbath, a yearly retreat, or a Sabbatical every seven years, our rest must be scheduled.

That’s step one – get it on the calendar! Book a Sabbath day this week or next and protect it like any other meeting, appointment, or vacation you’ve booked.

Next, design what your rest will look like. The spiritual rhythm of rest shouldn’t feel like a lazy day or a sick day. This is intentional rest with God; it’s a joyful time of worship and rejuvenation. A Sabbath day will look different for everyone because this kind of rest is about connecting with your purpose, and each person has a different God-given purpose.

For example, my Sabbath includes sleeping in, reading Scripture and other books, journaling, doing puzzles, going for walks in nature, and eating my favorite foods. I like to be alone or with my husband or close friends on these days. But my husband’s ideal Sabbath involves no one but him and God. He’ll even keep the curtains and blinds closed, turning our home into a cave! Each of us rests in ways aligned with who God made us – our personalities, temperaments, and passions.

Finally, remember that Jesus rested. When we read the gospels and examine the work of Jesus’ ministry, we see he actively pursued rest almost as often as he worked. He didn’t heal, teach, and save without withdrawing from the crowds. Jesus went to the mountain, the wilderness, the garden, and the boat to get away from people and his purpose so he could rest. I wonder if part of his purpose was to rest.

You were made for more. More achieving. More growth. And more rest. I pray your future will be full of holy rest as you become more of who God made you to be.

About the Author

Hannah Rowen Fry is a writer, speaker, and encourager. Her writing consists of observations of daily life and uses daily reflections to guide others to live out their God-given purpose. Hannah’s passion is to help others experience greater joy in the present moment. Hannah lives in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, with her husband Matt and spends most of her free time walking on the beach, frolicking around Disney World, and listening to Taylor Swift. Her latest book is The Way of Gratitude: 21 Devotions of Goodness, Gratitude, and Wonder.

Find her online at:

Her website: https://www.hannahrowenfry.com

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/hannahrowenfry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannah.rowen
January 27, 2024
How to Embrace the Battlefield: I’ve Come a Long Way

When life hits you with unexpected challenges, it can feel like you’re fighting for your life on a battlefield. The fear, pain, and uncertainty can leave you feeling powerless. But what if I told you that surviving and thriving during your struggles is possible?

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As someone who has experienced the battlefield firsthand, I’ve learned so much about relying on God’s power. While writing my new book, Better After the Battle: Finding God’s Strength to Overcome Turbulent Times, I thought about what I learned about battles.

In 2021, I was diagnosed with cancer. Ironically, that was also the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the U.S. Despite all the uncertainties; I decided to trust in God’s strength and hold on to hope. Instead of focusing on fear, I focused on faith. Plus, I received unconditional love and support from my family, friends, and community, which empowered me to keep fighting. Through my experience, I realized that my health battle was an opportunity to grow into the person God wants me to be.

While dealing with cancer, my 91-year-old mother passed away. She was one of my biggest cheerleaders and supporters. As hard as it was, I had to learn to move forward without her. Just five months later, my mother’s twin sister passed away. My Aunt Jess was like a second mother to me. It felt like a cascade of losses I couldn’t escape. But I knew I had to fight through it, so I prayed and trusted God.

One of the silver linings of my cancer journey and losing my loved ones led me to write my new book, Better After the Battle: Finding God’s Strength to Overcome Turbulent Times. In this book, I share my story and the lessons I’ve learned. But more importantly, I shine a light on people in the Bible who find hope, healing, and strength in God. I hope the book will inspire others to trust God when facing life’s challenges.

In all the lessons I learned, I appreciate what God showed me about me. I learned to survive by understanding that in my weakness, God is strong. I learned to thrive by choosing to see God’s goodness and mercy in every moment.

My heart’s greatest desire is to teach the uncompromising truths of God’s Word. Now more than ever, I feel a passion for others to understand His written Word and for everyone to experience His power. The battlefield can be dark and challenging, but the light of God’s love can shine so bright that you come out of darkness into a bright, brand-new day.

Embracing your battlefield is difficult but often necessary for growth and transformation. I hope my book, Better After the Battle, encourages you to find hope and strength in God, no matter what you face.

Remember, you’re not alone; God is always with you.

August 10, 2023
My Cancer Diagnosis: How I Went From Heartbreak to Hope
I discovered I had stage II breast cancer on October 1, 2021.

Ironically, that was also the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the U.S.

After doing a self-breast examination four weeks earlier and going to have my annual mammogram, I was sitting in the doctor’s office, having a biopsy where the doctor found a lump in my breast and a lump in my lymph nodes.

I wasn’t expecting this. I had spent the last year and a half trying not to catch COVID.

And here I was being attacked by the other Big C: CANCER.

As I sat in the examination room with tears running down my face, I was shocked and disappointed.

I didn’t want to give cancer the time or the energy it demands.

But, at that moment, I remembered 1 Peter 5:8:

Be clearheaded. Keep alert. Your accuser, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

I knew that the devil was coming for me.

And, if I wanted to get out of that room and through my cancer journey, I would have to do three things to prepare for battle. 1) Adjust, 2) Accept, and 3) Align.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase using the links.

See my faith, not my cancer.

First, I had to adjust.

When I went to church on the first Sunday in October 2021, God had a message waiting for me.

And it was going to come to me, from God, through the senior pastor of my church, my spiritual father, Dr. T.L. Carmichael, Sr. The sermon’s title was “Making Adjustments.”

In that message, God said, “You are the perfect person to go through this trial.”

This led me to ask myself, ‘Who better to go through this storm, but me?’ Not because I know so much about cancer. But because I KNOW GOD.

And the Spirit of the Lord reminded me that God hasn’t left me in the past and won’t leave me now.

By the end of the sermon, I had a completely different perspective.

Not only had I been chosen to go through this storm, but I had a chance to be like the man in Mark 2, whose friends tore the roof off the house to lower him down to where Jesus was. And the word says: When Jesus saw their faith.

I wanted Jesus to see my faith. So I decided to walk in victory before the battle was over.

On the morning I heard the sermon, “Making Adjustments,” I went to my church saying, ‘I don’t want cancer.’

But I left saying, ‘By the time I’m done walking this thing out, cancer won’t want me, either.

My cancer diagnosis is part of God’s plan.

Next, I had to accept my cancer diagnosis as part of God’s plan.

In the days, weeks, and months following that sermon, I was keenly aware that my cancer diagnosis was part of God’s plan for my life.

Every day I woke up ready to learn and grow according to God’s plan.

I went off to read about how Coach Ron Rivera went through his cancer journey, showing up to work every day with the Carolina Panthers.

And how Amy Robach, the journalist, found out she had breast cancer after getting a mammogram on live television.

Photo by Angie Hendricks

Then, I attended a breast cancer awareness event last year held by my church. I listened to two brave women, Justina and Vivian, share their testimonies about their breast cancer journeys. From that moment, I vowed to one day have enough courage to share my testimony.

In addition, I surrounded myself with God’s word. I read and listened to healing scriptures morning, at noon, and as I fell asleep each night. God’s word inspired me to see hope.

David said it all:

I saw God before me for all time. Nothing can shake me; he’s right by my side. I’m glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I’ve pitched my tent in the land of hope.

Acts 2:25-26

My action plan aligns with God’s plan.

After I adjusted and accepted my cancer diagnosis, the only thing left for me to do was align with God’s plan.

Now, I must say that although I knew cancer was part of God’s plan for my life, I made a conscious decision as to how I would deal with cancer.

I decided, in the beginning, that I wouldn’t tell everyone in my life I had cancer. I had no intention of introducing my cancer to everyone in my life.

I only told a handful of people in the first few weeks. All prayer warriors who didn’t mind going into battle with me.

Next, I created a battle strategy called: I won’t, but I will.
1. I won’t fight in fear, but I will suit up for battle.
2. I won’t panic, but I will be prepared to pray.
3. I won’t let the enemy control my mind, but I will renew my mind.
4. I won’t cower in the corner, but I will stand tall with other believers.
5. I won’t wave a white flag, but I will walk in victory.
When I met with my Oncology surgeon at UNC Rex, she mapped out a plan for my treatment, which was:
- Six cycles of chemotherapy;
- followed by surgery to remove the tumors;
- 30 rounds of radiation; and
- infusions every three weeks.
Ready for battle.

As part of my chemo treatments, I was asked if I wanted to use the DigniCap Scalp Cooling System, a medical cooling device that minimizes hair loss during chemotherapy. Because of the DigniCap, I only lost a small amount of hair.

With the chemo, my tastebuds changed. My body was achy and tired. I had shortness of breath. My fingernails were dark. I lost my eyebrows and my eyelashes. At times, I was exhausted. But God gave me enough strength to work daily. I even managed to go for short walks every day and eventually returned to my workout at the gym.

I got my last cycle of chemo the last week of January 2022. But I continued going to the cancer center every three weeks for my infusions.

At the end of February 2022, it was time for my surgery. The Friday before my surgery, I had to have a seed localization where they planted a seed on the lump in my breast and another seed on the lump in my lymph nodes.

As the radiology technician scanned in search of the tumors, she kept making funny noises. Finally, when the doctor came in, the technician said, “Doctor, God is in here cuttin’ up. I can’t find these tumors.”

As it turned out, after chemo, the lump on my breast was the size of the tip of my pinky finger. And the lump on my lymph node was just residue.

After my surgery, the doctor informed me that the tissue and the lymph nodes she removed were all negative and had no cancer cells.

Next, as part of my cancer care roadmap, I completed my 30 radiation sessions in May 2022.

Lessons learned.

Every cancer journey produces lessons.
I learned a lot on my cancer journey. Early detection is key, so I encourage everyone to examine their breast monthly.

In addition to learning the importance of:
- Making adjustments
- Accepting life’s trials
- Aligning with God’s plan
I learned that my outlook affects my outcome.

From the start, I wanted to protect my mind. I believed I could see God’s plan unfold with a renewed mind. And I was right. My cancer journey has been peaceful, and I witnessed God perform miracle after miracle.

On Wednesday, October 26, 2022, I went to the UNC Rex Cancer Center for my last infusion.

I am officially cancer free!

I am grateful for the outcome of my cancer journey. But to get here, I had to let God take control by allowing Him to fight this battle for me.

I also had to rely on God’s earthly angels to help me through cancer. I thank God for my husband, son, and the incredible women and men who came to my aid as Team Karen.

I also thank God for those who didn’t know I had cancer, like my work colleagues and church members, but still offered prayers and kind words that helped me make it through the day. I would also like to thank my doctors, nurses, coordinators, and receptionists at UNC Rex Cancer and Radiology Centers for their kindness and care.

My breast cancer battle left me with scars. But it also left me with a renewed mind and a deeper faith in God.

I honestly believe I am better after the battle.
October 31, 2022
7 Important Truths to Help You Renew Your Mind

Updated May 2021 — It’s easy to let negative self-talk overtake your mind. ‘Am I good enough?‘ ‘Am I smart enough?‘ ‘Am I pretty enough?‘ The list of doubts and fears can go on, but you get the idea. With negative self-talk, you’re never good enough. But here are seven important truths to help you renew your mind.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

A fresh start begins with a new mind.

The key to freeing our minds from negative self-talk starts with Romans 12:2.

Once we offer ourselves to God, our world is altered. In Romans 12:2, Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you.

Paul urges us not to give in to a world system that leaves God out. Instead, we must renew our minds by surrendering to God’s way of thinking. In renewing my mind, I discovered seven truths that I apply to my life.

#1. A renewed mind resists negative thoughts.

A renewed mind makes a conscious decision to think like Christ. Rather than allowing negative self-talk to take control, I’ve learned to merge my thoughts with God’s thoughts. God never tells us we’re not good enough. Instead, 1 Corinthians 2:16 tells us that, as followers of Christ, we have within us a portion of the very thoughts and mind of Christ.

#2. A renewed mind requires action.

The renewing of the mind doesn’t happen by accident. In Romans 12:2, Paul makes it clear that real transformation of the mind takes effort. Whenever I start to think negative thoughts, I quickly start to focus on the opposite of my negative thoughts. Instead of thinking, I’m not good enough for the assignment, I start thanking God for choosing me for the assignment.

#3. A renewed mind embraces change.

One thing we can all count on is change. Unfortunately, change sometimes triggers fear and anxiety. But not all change is bad. A renewed mind sees change as an opportunity. Instead of seeing my job layoff as something bad, I embraced it as a new opportunity from heaven. As a result, I started my business, Constant Communicators, and became an author.

#4. A renewed mind doesn’t dwell on disappointments.

Life doesn’t always go the way we want. A renewed mind accepts life’s challenges, then looks for the bright side in every dark situation. In the moments after hearing the news that my job would end, I made one of the most important decisions of my life. I turned to God. At that moment, I believed that if God allowed my job to end, then he had something better planned for me.

#5. A renewed mind adopts a growth mindset.

A person with a growth mindset believes they can improve their skills through learning and hard work. A renewed mind is not afraid to try new things. To transition to my new life beyond corporate America, I studied blogging and content marketing. I revisited what I learn in grad school about literary nonfiction (see also ‘What Is Narrative Nonfiction?‘) and other types of writing. I immediately started exploring how to build an author platform and how to build engagement on social media.

#6. A renewed mind isn’t afraid to let go.

Sometimes things don’t work out. A renewed mind isn’t afraid to say goodbye to a negative relationship or a toxic friendship that isn’t working. At the same hour, I learned the company was letting me go; I decided to let my employer go, too. Not from a place of bitterness or anger. But from a place of peace.

#7. A renewed mind speaks life into others.

Everyone can benefit from an encouraging word. In writing my books, I hope to inspire people to move forward. As you continue to grow, share words of wisdom with others.

How will you renew your mind?

I hope my list inspires you to develop a new mindset through positive thinking.

I’d love to help you as you take the next steps in your writing life. To get started, complete this form to let me know about your current nonfiction writing project and needs.

May 1, 2021
Time to Reflect: Time to Refresh Honored

Since it’s been one year since I wrote my first book, Time to Refresh, I thought now would be a good time to reflect.

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Expect the Unexpected

When I started writing, Time to Refresh, I didn’t know what to expect. All I knew was that God told me to write the book.

I was driving home from the gym one morning thinking about being laid off. While sitting at the light, a ton of thoughts flooded my mind. What will I do with my time? Why do layoffs bring fear and shame? Why is joblessness so hard to talk about? How can I show people they can find peace in the midst of a job layoff?

There were so many directions I could take the book, but God only wanted me to focus on one thing: Be transformed by renewing your mind.

I took God’s command just as serious as Habakkuk did when God said,

Write the vision. Make it clear on tablets so that anyone can read it quickly. (Habakkuk 2:2).

My prayer was this: Lord, teach me how to write this book so you will get the glory.

Pressing Forward

Before I started writing, I created an outline, researched Scriptures and information, and reviewed Bible study notes. I wrote every day for a minimum of two hours while standing at my kitchen island. As I completed each chapter, I stood in awe of what God was doing through my hands. I couldn’t believe I was actually writing my first book. I pressed forward every day, even on days when I didn’t want to until I finished. Since writing my book, I created a 10-step guide to help others with their writing journey.

Since releasing Time to Refresh to the world in August 2018, the response has been positive. I enjoy hearing how the book is helping people deal with their challenges. But more importantly, readers have told me the book is helping them see life through new eyes. My response: To God be the glory! (Galatians 1:5)

A Brand-New Thing

On November 13, 2019, my book was honored as a Finalist in the Religion: Christian Inspirational Category of the 2019 Best Book Awards sponsored by the American Book Fest. According to Jeffrey Keen, President, and CEO of American Book Fest, this year’s contest yielded over 2,000 entries from mainstream and independent publishers, which were then narrowed down to over 400 winners and finalists.

I am grateful for how far the book has come and how God is using it to speak to so many people. It is clear to me how God can use anyone and any challenge to inspire hope. I appreciate Isaiah 43:19:

For I’m going to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Don’t you see it? I will make a road through the wilderness of the world for my people to go home, and create rivers for them in the desert!

No matter what you are going through, trust God. You never know what God has planned in the next chapter of your life.

To God be the glory!

Karen

November 18, 2019
Let’s embrace our time of refreshing

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Do you remember playing team sports as a child?  Did you hate being picked last or, if the teams were uneven, being asked to, sit this one out?  Unfortunately, that feeling of being overlooked or left out never seems to go away on its own.

When I got laid off in 2017, my instinct was to return to the emotions from my childhood.  At 51, after 16 years of devoted service, I was being told the team no longer needed me and the company no longer wanted my service.  I was suddenly out of a job.

But instead of returning to those familiar feelings of rejection and loss, I went out on a limb and trusted God.  And I am so glad I did.  I saved so much time and energy not worrying, complaining, lamenting or questioning what was happening around me.

Instead, I embraced my time of refreshing.  I told myself, ‘You’re okay whether you are on the team or not. God’s got it all under control.’

During my time on the sidelines, I have been blessed to publish my first book, Time to Refresh: A 21-Day Devotional to Renew Your Mind After Being Laid Off, Fired or Sidelined.  So many people have told me how the book is blessing them. You can check out a few comments here.

The road ahead

Below are five steps I took to help me deal with my layoff.  I originally offered this list to my sister in Christ, Wendi, and her readers over at Strength 4 Spouses.  Look at the list and offer any additional tips on how to hold on to faith during difficult times.

Be honest about how you feel

When faced with difficult times, tell God exactly how you feel. If you are mad, frustrated, or worried, let God know your heart.  If you are having a hard time, ask God to show you how to deal with what’s going on in your life.

Ask God for help

According to research compiled by Barna Group, of the American adults who regularly pray, only 49% ask for guidance during a personal crisis. Don’t be afraid to ask God for help. He does not expect you to figure everything out on your own.

Be prepared to fight for your faith

Ephesians 6:10-20 represents a call to battle in a spiritual war. The imagery of battle comes to life in verses 14-17 as we see a warrior outfitted with God’s armor, clad with truth, justice, salvation, and faith. During the hardest times of your life, the enemy will attack your faith. Put on your armor to defend your faith in God.

Grow your faith

It’s one thing to say you have faith, and quite another thing to act like it. If you feel overwhelmed about the difficulty you face, go to God’s Word for guidance. As you continue to learn about faith, put God’s Word into action.

Find a mentor

Ask a mature Christian friend to mentor you during tough times. Learn from his or her walk with Christ.

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February 9, 2019