Brittany Rust

I saw it in the eyes of my mentor when I confessed my sin. And I’ve felt it watching women I have mentored wander. It stings. But be careful not to carry it with you as an open wound.

Ask the hard questions. Consider where you could have led better, listened more closely, and how you can grow through the experience. Humility makes room for that. Learn from it. Stay faithful to the calling in front of you. Keep your heart soft. And pray.

You can lead well and still watch people make choices you wouldn’t have chosen for them. So, let them carry the calling and the healing. You be there if you can, and release when you can’t. And keep loving people.

I once read an article in The NY Times about a very well known pastor and I was honestly disturbed. This pastor said about his role:⁣
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“I want to be loud and dumb. That’s my goal. If we aren’t making people laugh, what are we doing? What is the point?”⁣
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No where is it listed in Scripture that the role of a shepherd is to make people laugh. Or to be loud and dumb. The Bible tells us to avoid foolishness and embrace wisdom. To teach people spiritual truths and the fullness of God’s Word. To come alongside people in their pain and minister to them. I couldn’t believe that one of our country’s most recognized pastors said this. Is this an indicator of the spiritual climate of the church or an anomaly?⁣
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Here’s what I see: In an attempt to be relevant we’ve watered down the Gospel. In an attempt to “grow the church” we’ve pursued celebrity status. We think that to reach unbelievers we shouldn’t be offensive—even hiding parts of Scripture from our theology—because it will turn them away.⁣
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You know what was often a bi-product of Jesus’ teaching? People were offended. It challenged the way people wanted to live their life in a broken world. But the controversy of his teaching also brought thousands to belief.⁣
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What if we stopped trying to be relevant or having a hot take and just lived the Word. What if people who proclaim to be Christians started showing that you can fully believe in the Bible and still love people. Jesus did it. You can still stand on Scripture and love your neighbor; the two are not at odds with each other.
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Standing with the Word will offend people. But it will also draw those sick and hurting from this world. It’s a hope no one or nothing else can offer. And you can do it while loving people well.⁣ Remember, Jesus came in grace and truth (John 1:17).

Last night was beautiful! We gathered to worship Him, to know Him better, and to meet Him as a community of women. To connect with each other is beautiful spaces and ways—over a fire pit, in prayer, and with joy. It was so good, God! Grateful to witness what He is doing at, in, and through the women of New Life 🤍 And to get to do it with the most incredible group of ladies is a sweet gift from above 🥹🙌🏻

From ‘The Reason for Church,’ which I highly recommend! One of the best books I read in 2025… I’m combing through its pages once more for insight. Fantastic read.

God is doling out prophetic judgments to the nations, and in Ezekiel 28, specifically to the Prince of Tyre. He’s wealthy, wise, powerful. There is even some jest that he has done this all for himself. He certainly thinks so because he thinks himself a god (verse 2). Yet, as untouchable as he thinks he is, he cannot escape the judgement that’s coming.

You know who will be protected though? The scattered faithful. Verses 25-26 show God declaring His intent to gather His people and giving them security.

The proud prince with all his “security” could not escape judgement. But the humbled and faithful were the ones who God would care for. It reminds me how important it is to build for the Lord, and not for self. And not that being capable is wrong, because it isn’t. But it’s who you build for.

Pr***en Devotional for Girls has been turned into a card deck!! Like what?!

Releasing October 27th, there are 52 beautiful cards for a teen girl to choose from for encouragement, scripture memory, and more.

Want a free deck? Drop the comment CARDS and I’ll pick several people to get one in the mail!

Lamentations ❤️