Welcome to The Heart Blog! 

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Friendship Warning Flags: Recognizing When to Release and Receive

Friendship Warning Flags: Recognizing When to Release and Receive

Michele Dickerson #menomama, anxiety, community, friendship, introvert, menopause, scarcity mindset, sisterhood
As introvert sisters navigating adult friendships, we often settle for less because we fear losing connection. Learn to recognize friendship warning flags and embrace the abundance of healthy community.As you've grown older, have you noticed how much harder friendship feels especially the kind that truly sustains your soul rather than drains it? If you're an introvert who's caught between holding onto relationships that feel suffocating and the fear of being left alone, this resonates deeply. The truth is, many women operate from a scarcity mindset in friendship, shrinking themselves and hustling to keep connections alive even when they're dying, but what if healthy friendships were actually meant to energize you, not exhaust you? Discover the warning flags that signal when it's time to release what's not aligned, what thriving sisterhood actually looks like, and why quality connections rooted in mutual growth and genuine celebration are the precious few worth waiting for. Your people are out there and they won't require you to become smaller to fit into their lives.
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The Importance of Friendship for Christian Introverts: Finding Your Circle

The Importance of Friendship for Christian Introverts: Finding Your Circle

Michele Dickerson 4 corner friends, adult frindships, introvert, mom friends, prayerful decisions
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen, as stated in Hebrews 11:1. It involves trusting in God's promises even when the path ahead seems unclear, like navigating a construction zone through a jungle. True faith means standing firm with unwavering confidence that God is already working on our behalf.God never intended for us to walk our faith journey alone. He provides us with the Holy Spirit and blesses us with what can be called "4 Corner Friends" – those who support and carry us to Jesus when we lack the strength or clarity to see the way forward. Seeking God first is crucial, as it is through this relationship that we gain the strength, provision, and community necessary to nurture our faith.Building adult friendships requires time, energy, and intentionality, but it is part of God's plan for us and His Kingdom's growth. He knows exactly who we need in our lives and in whose life we are meant to be a supportive presence, tailored to each season. As we pray for our own "4 Corner Friends," we can take comfort in knowing that we are supported by a community, such as the But God Sister Squad, standing in the corner for us.
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Embracing Forgiveness and Love: Lessons from the Resurrection

Michele Dickerson be love, easter, faith, forgiveness, introvert, introvert leadership, rest, surrender
Embracing Forgiveness and Love: Lessons from the ResurrectionIn the aftermath of Easter, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the profound lessons of the resurrection. This period is not just a cel
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Christian Burnout: Moses’ Lessons to Overcome Exhaustion & Find Rest

Christian Burnout: Moses’ Lessons to Overcome Exhaustion & Find Rest

Michele Dickerson burnout, introvert, rest
Feeling overwhelmed and on the brink of burnout is a common experience among Christian women juggling multiple responsibilities. With a staggering rise in burnout rates, notably among pastors, it's evident that this issue extends throughout the community, impacting personal well-being and spiritual health. Embracing rest, as modeled by The Creator on the seventh day, is crucial for balancing life, work, and faith.The constant busyness many women experience can be spiritually, emotionally, and physically draining, compounded by the belief that rest is unspiritual or selfish. Yet, recognizing rest as a divine gift can transform our approach to life’s demands. By looking at Moses, we learn about the power of delegation, trusting in divine provision, facing challenges with faith, and nurturing relationships—all essential strategies to counter burnout.Christian women can apply these lessons by embracing God-given rest, sharing responsibilities, nurturing their spiritual life, and building supportive relationships. Rest is not laziness; it’s essential for maintaining peace, wellness, and wholeness. As we learn to navigate life with balance and grace, let’s follow these biblical principles and enjoy the fullness of life as intended.
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Three Bizarre Christian Friendship Stories: Adult Friendships You Didn't Know You Needed

Three Bizarre Christian Friendship Stories: Adult Friendships You Didn't Know You Needed

Michele Dickerson adult frindships, God's Love, introvert, Valentines Day
In the spirit of Valentine's Day, this blog post reflects on the profound lessons learned from three unique friendships, each illustrating different facets of love and connection. The first story recounts a friendship with a pastor's wife that blossomed unexpectedly, teaching the value of mutual support and growth in leadership and faith. This relationship, divinely orchestrated, became a cornerstone for both individuals during a crucial time of personal development and ministry.The second narrative explores an unexpected bond formed during a sabbatical in Florida, where the author, initially resistant to new connections, found a friend whose outgoing nature and hospitality were exactly what was needed for spiritual growth. This friendship, though unplanned, played a vital role in deepening the author's relationship with the Lord, showcasing how God uses others to support us in our spiritual journeys. The beauty of this connection lay in its unexpectedness and the profound impact it had on both individuals.Finally, the third story describes a surprising friendship formed at a women's conference, where the author and a stranger were assigned as roommates. Both women were dealing with personal struggles, particularly the roommate who was grieving a recent miscarriage. Their shared experiences of loss and understanding created a deep, comforting bond, demonstrating how God can bring people together in the most unexpected ways to provide solace and companionship. These stories collectively highlight the mysterious and wonderful ways in which friendships can manifest and nurture our souls.
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Behind the Smile of a Leader: A Journey to Authenticity

Behind the Smile of a Leader: A Journey to Authenticity

Michele Dickerson introvert, leadership, sisterhood
In a world where many of us wear metaphorical masks to navigate our diverse roles, this article reflects on the journey of shedding those masks to reveal authenticity. The writer describes how perpetual smiling masks served as armor, presenting an image of strength and reliability while simultaneously concealing personal struggles and vulnerability. This narrative highlights the isolating nature of independence without community, encouraging a balance between giving to others and finding strength in one’s own needs being met.The blog post underscores a transformative journey towards authentic leadership through the removal of such masks. As the writer shares personal struggles, it fosters a newfound connection with others facing similar challenges. The notion here is that true courage lies in vulnerability, where sharing both blessings and burdens bridges gaps and transforms previous protective barriers into collective strength and understanding.Ultimately, the article advocates for genuine interactions surrounded by supportive communities that allow leaders to flourish. It emphasizes the importance of being supported by trusted friends and mentors, encouraging leaders to accept help and find solace in shared experiences. Embracing authenticity, leaders can demonstrate strength, instill healing, and foster an environment that allows their circle of influence to thrive genuinely and holistically.
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Simple Sister Series : The Bigger Table

Simple Sister Series : The Bigger Table

Michele Dickerson fear not, intentions, introvert, jesus, love one another, simple sisters, sisterhood
Where are my shy-ish Introverts at? I don't know about you but until recent years, it wasn't that I didn't want to have more new friends....I just didn't have the energy or streng
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How Do I Talk to People without Having a Panic Attack as an Introvert

How Do I Talk to People without Having a Panic Attack as an Introvert

Michele Dickerson challenge, Christian Woman, confidence, courage, events, intentions, introvert, mentors, prayer, shy girl, social anxiety
Let's Talk about stepping outside of our comfort zone as a shy Christian Introvert while navigating social Interactions. I've talked about Overcoming Social Anxiety over here in this blog so f
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I am so glad (and honored) you are here! I have been blogging since 2009 as a way to journal out my thoughts as I pray God would use these story shares as practical heart encouragements for YOU TOO! We all need to recall and share those Living Stone moments.
Feel free to look around and make yourself at home! 


If you are looking for an Online Sister Community 
Are you an Introvert Rising?!? If you are looking for a Community of HEART Centered, Jesus Lovin' Sisters ready to rise up over their insecurities and seek after the Heart of God?!?  Meet us here! 



I have two free resources for you: 
1.) If you'd like some help sharing YOUR story or testimony, here's a link to grab the fill in the blank PDF I created to help you get started sharing YOUR heart with others! There's a video that goes with it over in the But God Sister Squad Community on Facebook.

2.) Join my Online Community HERE! http://www.butgodsistersquad.com


Heart Hugs and Blessings,

Michele"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV


Pssst...by Law, I have to share there are affiliate links in here where I earn money from your purchase when you make a purchase! it's affiliate marketing and I love not having to sell stuff! And you know me, I am not gonna sell anything, but I will share everything! I love it! 

A Little About My Heart

 
Born and raised in the church, a Christ Follower, Kingdom Encourager, Wife, Mama, and an Overcomer! GLORY TO GOD!!

I lived most of my life fearful, anxious, and insecure.. I found myself always hiding but serving, striving for perfection in my less-thanness, as a way to earn my worth to self, God and others, sacrificing in the name of serving, hospitality and humility...putting others needs before my own from a place of hiding in my lack, and trying to earn value rather than serving in the space of grace, confident faith and overflowing love. 

Never attaining, only to lead a life of more insecurity, overwhelm, anxiety, and panic, screaming to break free from this bondage, to be that actual strong, courageous Christian Woman everyone else seemed to be, but me. 

BUT GOD.

In 2009, Where Faith Is was born as a blog, learning my voice behind the safety of a keyboard, building courage to speak my truth behind the screen...and here all these years later, Little by little, God is expanding my heart boundaries as He reveals more of His to me. I am so excited to share so freely! 

I especially love being an encourager to other encouragers in the faith who know they are called to encourage yet they themselves struggle with their value and ability. Isn't that how the enemy works? He tries to disqualify us in the same area we are called to shine! What an irony!  

I believe if more people let go of fear and insecurity, surrendered to grace and BELIEVED their value, their spark for life will return to a roaring fire that lights up wet wood! 

When women choose to walk courageous and strong in body, mind and spirit...they step out of the boat and walk on water as Peter did, part the waters like Moses and set more people FREE in His name through their Divine purpose to the Glory of GOD! We are each a Light House of Strength on the shorelines of Grace . 

Friend, you may not believe it, but you are meant for more than eat/sleep/work/repeat. You are also equipped with good works to serve and bless the Kingdom Body, and the world with His Love, through YOU! You've got to surrender your fear and let Him lead you.

You are more able than you think you are and most likely, the thing you feel is the weakest part of you is the strongest thing about you!

If you are an introvert too and want to be a part of our newly launching online community, we are here for you!! Let's Connect! It's an honor to encourage the Encouragers.

I am H.I.S. (Heart In Surrender & Service).

Hugs & Blessings, 
Michele

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:1-4

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