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Welcome to our weekly Friday Check-in for August 1st, 2025 ✅
If you are new to Soul Care, WELCOME!! We are so glad you are here.
Happy August! Throughout this month, we’ll pause to check in together every Friday. We use Soul Care’s Page, Person, Plan framework to create a weekly rhythm of reflection, connection, and intention. So let’s begin by taking a few slow, deep breaths...
Let's begin with,
Page: An Invitation to Reflection
Read or listen to Mark 6:47-51 (NIV) three times:
Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and (Jesus) was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified.
Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed...
Spend a few minutes journaling in response to this passage:
- What stands out to you most? Is there a particular word or phrase?
- As you read through it a second time… ask God, “to what area of my life does that particular word or phrase connect?”
- And as you read a third time, be asking God, “Is there an invitation for me?” Is there a response of some kind that God is inviting you into?
Next up is,
Person: An Invitation to Connection
As you look back on the month of July, when have you felt most afraid? What worries have you been returning to? How are those fears being externalized (i.e. blaming, shaming, complaining, etc) and how is fear impacting your relationships?When have you felt relationally connected?
When have you felt disconnected in your relationships? Write down any noteworthy moments of connection and disconnection... what can you learn from these moments? Take a few minutes to speak to God about what you’ve written down and listen for what God might say in response.ALSO! You are invited!
Join us tomorrow for our monthly Semi-Silent Retreat. During our time together we carve out space for silence & solitude, prayer, and reflection on the month past and month ahead; and we take time to connect with one another. We hope to see you there!
Finally we have,
Plan: An Invitation to Intention
How can we deal with our fears instead of externalizing them in unhealthy ways? How can we LIVE and embody Jesus’ words “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid”...
- Pause & Ask: when you feel the urge to complain, blame, shame someone, etc pause for a moment. Ask, “Lord, what am I really afraid of right now? What’s going on in my heart?”
- Bring it to Jesus: Acknowledge the fear and whisper, “I’m afraid, but You are with me.” Breathe deeply and invite God’s peace.
- Speak with Grace: Instead of accusations (“You never listen!“), try honesty (“I feel unheard, and it scares me. Can we talk?“).
- See Clearly: Ask, “Lord, is this fear real, or am I carrying old wounds?” Let Him show you the truth.
- Receive God’s Love and Compassion: Treat yourself with the kindness Jesus shows you. Journal, pray, or call a trusted friend/mentor/therapist, always remembering God’s love casts out fear. (1 John 4:18)
May you TAKE COURAGE this week and experience Jesus’ love casting out your fears. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thanks for checking in today - Blessings!