The year 2025 began with enough events to keep us busy for the rest of the year—and then some! From devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area to extreme winter weather dumping 10 or more feet of snow in other parts of the country, nature has been relentless. Meanwhile, a change in administration has ushered in new laws that are profoundly affecting lives on the ground. With so much shifting around us, it’s hard not to feel the weight of these changes. Who would have thought a carton of eggs would now cost nearly $15?! So much of life is different and will never be the same. How do we hold onto faith in the midst of so many disruptive, life-altering events?
I have so much to update readers on, as this blog has been inactive for nearly three months due to website updates. I won’t overburden this space with all my musings since the last post, but I’ll start right where we are—here. In the midst of good old messy life, looking to God through the witness of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to help us through it all. (Fear not! I’ll find ways to weave in all the other moments in the future.) But how do we truly “get through” to the other side of tough times? How do we care for and nurture our souls so that despair doesn’t overtake us?
In times like these, when life feels overwhelming and uncertain, I’ve found that a regular practice of spiritual disciplines sustains me. Breathing deeply—feeling the rise and fall of my chest while reciting Ezekiel 37:5, “I, the Lord God, will put breath in you, and once again you will live”—grounds me in God’s presence. Retreating to nature (or even my closet) in prayer, cooking a meal and sharing it with others, and roller skating to inspiring tunes are just a couple of ways I intentionally connect to the words and life of Jesus Christ to guide my steps.
Spiritual disciplines have always been essential in sustaining my heart and soul—not just in the good times, but especially in the difficult ones. When I glance at my bookshelf, I see a collection of authors, theologians, Christian educators, and stories of everyday people who have shaped my faith journey, helping me refine and deepen my relationship with God through meaningful rituals.
One of my favorite voices on this topic is Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman. In Disciplines of the Spirit, he explores spiritual disciplines as vital practices that shape and strengthen the inner life. He highlights key aspects of spiritual growth, including commitment, wisdom, suffering, prayer, and reconciliation. These practices not only deepen our faith and nurture our spirits but also help us align more fully with God’s purposes. Through them, we cultivate resilience, clarity, and a profound connection to both the Divine and one another. Most importantly, these practices center us when the storms of life threaten to throw us off course.
Kenda Creasy Dean and coauthor Ron Foster, in The Godbearing Life, beautifully emphasizes how spiritual disciplines shape young people’s faith, calling them to live as bearers of God’s presence in the world. Meeting Dr. Kenda for the first time this past November at the CampFire Collective Gathering at Zephyr Point Camp and Conference Center, was a full-circle moment for me because that book shaped my approach to ministry with children and youth for decades. The practices she explores in The Godbearing Life not only deepen our faith and nurture our spirits but also help us align more fully with God’s purposes. When young people have the tools to cultivate spiritual practices like listening, discernment, and understanding their purpose, they are better equipped to make choices that reflect that we are the one who follow in the way of Jesus Christ in the world. These disciplines are practices that, with time and dedication, help us cultivate resilience in times of turmoil, gain clarity with life circumstances, and deepen our connection to both God and one another through study and application of God’s word.
The importance of spiritual disciplines in shaping faith doesn’t stop with individuals—it extends into our communities and homes, where faith is nurtured daily. This vision of faith formation is central to Around the Table, which equips faith leaders to nurture intergenerational connections and cultivate spiritual growth in households. Cohorts in this initiative will be guided through five Faith Practices Tool Kit themes—hospitality, prayer, service, storytelling, and retreat—alongside skill-building webinars. These resources will empower faith leaders to:
- Teach parents, caregivers, and grandparents that households are the primary place of faith formation.
- Build confidence and resilience in sharing personal faith stories, recognizing God's ongoing work in the world.
- Provide relevant and updated resources to support households seeking to deepen their faith.
- Design intentional ministry programs with an intergenerational approach.
By engaging in these practices, faith leaders, caregivers, and communities can foster a living, breathing faith that shapes hearts, strengthens relationships, and reflects God’s presence in everyday life.
If you are interested in learning more about the Around the Table Initiative and ways you can connect with us, please visit: Around the Table Resources | Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Stay tuned, I’ll be sharing more in the coming posts taking a deeper dive into each of the practices and how they have enhanced my own life and ministry so far!
Go forth reflecting God's radiance, living as beacons of God’s light and hope,
Rev. Neema Cyrus-Franklin
Around the Table | Project Coordinator
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