Trusting When We Can’t See the Way

The Bible is filled with reminders that God’s plan is always at work, even when we don’t understand it. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us, saying, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse calls us to trust with our whole heart, to lean not on our own limited understanding, but to trust that God sees the bigger picture.

It’s a beautiful promise, but it’s also a challenging one. Trusting means letting go of the need to have all the answers, the need to see how everything will unfold. It means believing that God’s timing is always perfect, even when it feels slow.

As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” These words are a promise that God’s intentions toward us are good, even when the road is rough.

Finding Peace in Letting Go

Letting go isn’t just about releasing control; it’s about making room for God’s peace to enter our hearts. There was a story of someone who found themselves in the middle of a career setback, facing job loss and uncertainty about the future. At first, the anxiety was overwhelming. Every day brought new worries and questions about what to do next.

But instead of trying to force a solution, they decided to lean into prayer. They started each day by asking God for guidance, not knowing what would come next but believing that He had a plan. Slowly, that prayer turned into peace—peace that wasn’t based on circumstances changing immediately, but on the belief that God was guiding their steps, even when they couldn’t see where the path would lead.

In the months that followed, new opportunities arose—ones they never would have considered before. It wasn’t the direction they had planned, but it turned out to be exactly where they needed to be. The experience taught them that sometimes, letting go of what we think is best allows God to lead us to something even better.

Practical Ways to Trust God’s Plan

If you’re facing a season of uncertainty or feeling the weight of trying to control everything, here are a few ways to practice letting go and trusting God’s plan:

• Pray with Openness: Instead of praying for a specific outcome, try praying for God’s will to be done in your life. Ask Him to give you the strength to trust His plan, even when it’s different from what you imagined. This shift in focus can help you find peace in knowing that God’s ways are higher than ours.
• Write Down Your Worries: Sometimes, the act of writing down our fears can be a way of releasing them. Make a habit of journaling your worries, then offer them to God in prayer. It’s a tangible way of saying, “Lord, I trust You with this.”
• Focus on Gratitude: When life feels uncertain, it’s easy to fixate on what’s missing or what’s going wrong. But taking time each day to thank God for the blessings you have—no matter how small—can help shift your perspective. It reminds you that God is already at work in your life.
• Lean on Community: God often uses the people around us to remind us of His faithfulness. Surround yourself with friends, family, or a church community who can encourage you when your faith feels weak. Let their stories of God’s goodness strengthen your own.

Embracing the Journey

Trusting God’s plan doesn’t mean that life will always be easy or that we won’t have moments of doubt. It means learning to walk with faith, even when we can’t see the way forward. It means choosing to believe that God is good and that His love is constant, even in the midst of life’s challenges.

So, if you’re struggling to let go today, take heart. God knows the path ahead, and He is walking with you every step of the way. Release your fears, embrace the unknown, and trust that His plans are always for your good. In the end, you’ll find that His love is a light that guides you, even through the darkest valleys.

In Girtie: You Are Special, Girtie learns that her differences make her unique, and through her journey, she finds her place in God’s world. It’s a story that shows us how faith can be a guiding light, helping children embrace their own uniqueness and see themselves as God does—wonderfully made. Here are some ways to bring that same message into the lives of the little ones you love.

Teaching Faith Through Storytelling

Stories have a way of reaching into our hearts, and for children, they can make complex ideas like God’s love feel simple and real. Girtie is a perfect example of how a story can teach values like self-acceptance, resilience, and kindness. When children hear about Girtie overcoming her challenges and learning to see herself as special, they’re learning that God sees them the same way.

Reading stories together can be a beautiful way to introduce faith-based values. It’s in these moments—snuggled up with a book, exploring new worlds—that children can start to understand that God’s love is with them every step of the way. Stories create a safe space for children to ask questions, to wonder, and to see themselves in the characters they meet.

Practical Tips for Nurturing Faith

Nurturing a child’s faith doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about weaving small moments of spiritual connection into the fabric of everyday life. Here are some simple ways to help your children grow in their relationship with God:

• Read Stories That Teach Christian Values: Books like Girtie can become cherished tools for teaching children about God’s love. As you read together, ask questions like, “How do you think Girtie felt when she learned she was special?” or “What can this story teach us about God’s love for us?”
• Encourage Daily Prayer: Teach children that prayer is simply talking to God, sharing their thoughts, their worries, and their thankfulness. Bedtime is a great time to develop this habit, helping kids to end their day by reflecting on what they’re grateful for and praying for others.
• Explore God’s Creation Together: Nature is one of the easiest ways to show children the wonder of God’s creation. Go for a walk and point out the beauty in the world around you—the trees, the sky, the birds. Remind them that just as God created the world in all its diversity, He also created them uniquely.
• Make Church a Positive Experience: Church can be a place where children see the broader community of believers, reinforcing the idea that they are part of something much bigger. Help them feel comfortable by explaining what happens during a service, introducing them to Sunday school, or simply making it a time for family connection.

Activities to Reinforce Faith Lessons

Kids learn best when they can interact and create, so turning faith lessons into hands-on activities can help them understand and remember God’s love. Here are a few fun ways to bring the lessons of Girtie into your child’s world:

• Art and Drawing: Encourage kids to draw scenes from stories like Girtie, or let them create their own illustrations of how they imagine God’s love. Art allows them to express their feelings and makes abstract ideas like faith more tangible.
• Memorize Bible Verses Together: Choose simple, child-friendly verses like Psalm 139:14—“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made”—and turn it into a game. Kids love challenges, and memorizing scripture can be a fun way to introduce them to God’s word.
• Role-Play Stories of Kindness: Help kids act out stories where characters show kindness, patience, and understanding, whether it’s a scene from Girtie or a story from the Bible. Role-playing helps children understand how to put their faith into action in everyday situations.

Planting Seeds That Will Grow

Instilling faith in children is a journey, one that takes time, patience, and lots of love. But every prayer you share, every story you read, and every conversation you have about God’s love is a seed that you’re planting in their hearts. It’s a seed that can grow into a strong, resilient faith that will carry them through all of life’s ups and downs.

Just like Girtie learned that she was special, we want our children to know that they are cherished by a God who made them uniquely and loves them deeply. And as they grow, those seeds of faith will blossom, helping them to see the world—and themselves—through God’s eyes.

So, take a moment today to share a story, say a prayer, or marvel at the beauty of God’s creation with the little ones in your life. Let them know that they are never alone—that God’s love is with them, guiding their steps and lighting their path.

Faith as a Creative Compass

When we let faith guide our writing, something remarkable happens. Our stories take on a depth that can only come from a place of authenticity. We begin to explore themes like hope, redemption, and resilience—not as abstract ideas, but as experiences that we know and feel deeply. Faith allows us to tap into a source of inspiration that goes beyond us, giving our words a power and purpose that can reach the hearts of others.

For many, writing becomes a form of prayer. It’s a way to wrestle with questions, to seek God’s guidance, and to find comfort in His promises. When we write with our hearts open to God, we’re not just creating stories; we’re sharing a piece of our journey with Him. It’s like saying, “Here, Lord, this is what’s on my heart. Use it as You will.”

Practical Tips for Writing with Faith

Writing from a place of faith doesn’t mean every story has to be about God or overtly religious. It’s about letting your beliefs shape the way you see the world and letting that perspective flow naturally into your writing. Here are some ways to bring your faith into your creative process:

• Start with Prayer: Before you write, take a moment to pray. Ask God to guide your thoughts and help you find the right words. Prayer can be a way to clear your mind and invite God’s presence into the creative process. You might be surprised at how much clarity comes when you begin with this simple step.
• Use Scripture as Inspiration: The Bible is filled with stories of love, loss, hope, and renewal—stories that can inspire your own creative work. Find a verse that speaks to you and meditate on it before you write. Let its message influence the themes or emotions in your story. For example, verses like Jeremiah 29:11—“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”—can serve as a reminder of God’s purpose, offering a guiding light as you craft your narrative.
• Embrace Vulnerability: Writing with faith means being willing to share the parts of yourself that might be uncomfortable. It means writing about your doubts, your struggles, and the moments when you’ve felt God’s presence most clearly. Don’t shy away from these moments—they’re often the ones that resonate most deeply with readers. When you write honestly, you create space for others to see themselves in your story.
• Listen for God’s Voice: Sometimes, the best thing you can do as a writer is to pause and listen. Let God speak into the silence, and don’t rush the process. You might find that He guides you in directions you hadn’t considered before. Trust that His voice is there, even in the quiet, nudging you toward the story you need to tell.

Encouragement for Aspiring Writers

If you’re just beginning your journey of writing with faith, remember this: Your voice matters. Your stories matter. God has given you a unique perspective, and He can use your words to reach others in ways you might never expect. Don’t worry about writing something perfect—focus on writing something true.

Trust that God is with you in every step of the creative process. He’s there in the moments of inspiration, and He’s there in the moments of writer’s block. He’s there when the words flow freely and when they come slowly, one by one. Let Him be your guide, and know that He is using your words to do something beautiful.

Writing from the Heart

Writing with faith is a journey—a journey of letting go, of trusting, of allowing God to work through you. It’s about turning the act of creating into an act of worship, a way to glorify Him with the talents He has given you. And as you write, remember that every story you share is an opportunity to reflect His love to the world.

So, don’t be afraid to write from the heart. Don’t be afraid to let your faith shine through your words. Because when you write with God guiding you, you’ll find that your stories carry a light that can touch even the darkest places.

1. The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

The Hiding Place is a story of courage, faith, and unwavering hope. Corrie ten Boom, along with her family, helped hide Jews during World War II, eventually being captured and sent to a concentration camp. In the darkest of places, Corrie discovered that God’s light shines even brighter. Her story is a powerful reminder that faith can be our refuge, even when everything around us is falling apart.

This memoir is perfect for anyone who needs a reminder that God is with us, no matter how dire the circumstances. Just as Girtie finds strength through her differences, Corrie’s story shows us that faith has the power to transform our greatest challenges into a testimony of God’s love.

2. All My Knotted-Up Life: A Memoir by Beth Moore

In All My Knotted-Up Life, Beth Moore opens up about the struggles and triumphs that have shaped her journey of faith. From personal hardships to the complexities of family and ministry, she weaves a narrative that is both raw and inspiring. Beth’s reflections on how God has untangled the knots in her life will resonate with anyone who has faced seasons of doubt or felt overwhelmed by life’s challenges.

Like Girtie, Beth’s story is about finding strength through vulnerability, learning to trust God’s plan even when it doesn’t make sense. Her memoir is a testament to the healing power of God’s grace, encouraging readers to embrace their imperfections as part of their unique story.

3. The Awe of God by John Bevere

If you’re looking for a book that will deepen your understanding of God’s presence in your life, The Awe of God is a profound place to start. John Bevere explores the idea of having a reverential fear of God—a fear that isn’t about being afraid, but about living with a deep respect for His power and love. Through Bevere’s insights, readers are invited to develop a closer relationship with God, one that acknowledges His greatness while embracing His closeness.

This book aligns with the themes in Girtie, where the characters learn to see the world through a lens of faith and trust. It’s a call to see God’s hand in every aspect of our lives, much like Girtie learns to find purpose even in her challenges.

4. Like a River by Granger Smith

Like a River is Granger Smith’s heartfelt account of finding faith and strength after a personal tragedy. Following the loss of his son, Granger shares how he navigated the deep waters of grief with God’s help. His journey is one of raw emotion and hope—a reminder that God’s love can carry us through even the darkest valleys.

This story of healing and resilience mirrors the journey of characters like Girtie, who find hope in the midst of their struggles. Granger’s story encourages readers to trust that even in our pain, God is working to bring us closer to Him. It’s a book for those who need to be reminded that faith can turn our trials into testimonies.

5. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

A timeless classic, Redeeming Love is a powerful retelling of the biblical story of Hosea, set against the backdrop of the California Gold Rush. It follows the story of Angel, a woman who believes she is beyond redemption, and Michael Hosea, a man who is called by God to love her unconditionally. Through their journey, Redeeming Love explores themes of grace, forgiveness, and the transforming power of God’s love.

This book, like Girtie, is a beautiful reminder that no one is too far from God’s reach. It shows that even when we feel unworthy, God’s love is constant, always calling us back to Him. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who needs to be reminded of the depths of God’s grace and the beauty of unconditional love.

Finding Hope in Every Story

Each of these books offers a different perspective on what it means to walk with God through life’s challenges. They remind us that, just like Girtie, we are all on a journey of discovering God’s purpose for us, learning to see our struggles through the lens of His love. Whether you’re looking for a story of resilience, a deeper understanding of God’s character, or a reminder of His grace, these books are here to uplift and inspire.

So, if you’re ready for a new chapter in your spiritual journey, pick up one of these books and let the words guide you. Let them remind you that you are never alone—God’s love is always with you, lighting the way.

Faith as a Source of Inspiration

There are times when the blank page feels intimidating, when ideas seem distant and hard to grasp. But that’s when faith steps in. It’s not just about the stories I want to tell; it’s about the stories God has placed on my heart. I’ve learned that when I start with prayer, inviting God into my creative process, the words flow with a sense of purpose that goes beyond me.

Faith gives me a deeper reason to write. It’s not just about crafting a story; it’s about sharing a piece of God’s love, hope, and truth. It’s knowing that each sentence might touch a heart, might plant a seed of encouragement in someone who needs it. Writing becomes a way to reflect the light of God into the world, one word at a time.

The Role of Reflection in Writing

Some of my most meaningful writing comes from those quiet, reflective moments—the ones when I’m simply sitting in God’s presence, listening. In these moments, the noise of everyday life fades, and what remains is a clarity that comes only from Him. It’s like watching a fog lift, revealing the path ahead.

I believe that creativity is a gift from God, and like any gift, it grows when we make space for it. When I take time to pause and reflect, to ask God what He wants to speak through my writing, I find ideas I hadn’t even considered before. Sometimes, a Bible verse will inspire a scene or a character. Other times, it’s a memory that comes back, one that holds a deeper meaning than I realized at the time.

This practice of reflection—of making room for God’s voice—shapes every story I write. It reminds me that I’m not writing alone. And that makes all the difference.

Encouraging Aspiring Writers to Write from Faith

If you feel called to write, know that your voice matters. Your stories matter. Here are a few ways to let faith guide you in your creative process:

• Journal as a Form of Prayer: Let your journal be a space where you pour out your thoughts, prayers, and questions to God. It doesn’t have to be polished—just honest. Some of the most powerful ideas can come from these unfiltered moments.
• Use Scripture as Inspiration: The Bible is filled with stories of faith, resilience, and transformation. If you’re feeling stuck, open to a passage that speaks to you and let it inspire a new direction for your writing. You might be surprised by what comes up.
• Create Space for God’s Voice: Writing is as much about listening as it is about creating. Before you begin, take a few minutes to sit quietly and ask God to guide your words. Trust that He will meet you there, helping you write with a purpose that goes beyond just putting words on paper.

Embrace the Journey of Faith and Creativity

Writing with faith is a journey—one that is filled with surprises, challenges, and moments of awe. It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it. It’s a journey of trusting that God can use even the simplest stories to make a difference in someone’s life. And it’s a journey of seeing the ways He shows up, even in the smallest details.

So, if you have a story on your heart, don’t be afraid to write it. Don’t worry about whether it’s perfect or polished. Let your faith guide you, let God’s love shape your words, and trust that He will use them in ways you might never imagine. Writing with purpose means writing with an open heart, ready to see what God can do through the stories you create.

Because in the end, every story is a chance to share a little bit of His light with the world.

Girtie’s Journey: Finding Strength in Struggles

In Girtie: You Are Special, Girtie’s story is one of embracing her uniqueness, even when it seems like a burden. Blind in one eye, she learns to see her differences as a source of strength, not weakness. Through the love of those around her and the realization that she is cherished just as she is, Girtie’s journey becomes a story of healing. It’s a reminder that even when we feel broken, God sees us as whole. He sees beyond our scars and fears and calls us to trust that He has a purpose for every tear, every challenge.

Real-Life Stories of Healing Through Faith

Girtie’s fictional journey is one of hope, but it’s not unlike the real stories of countless people who have found strength in God’s love during their darkest moments. Take, for example, a survivor of loss who, through prayer and a supportive church community, found a way to move forward after the passing of a loved one. Or a person battling illness who leaned on scripture for comfort, finding peace in verses like Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

These stories remind us that faith doesn’t take away our pain, but it offers us a way through it. It’s like a guiding light in a dark room—steady, reassuring, and always pointing us toward hope. Even when the road feels long, faith assures us that we are not walking it alone.

Practical Ways to Lean on Faith During Hard Times

So how can we find this healing in our own lives? How can we embrace God’s love when everything around us feels broken? Here are a few ways to let your faith guide you through life’s challenges:

• Pray Honestly: When the pain feels overwhelming, bring it to God. Let your prayers be real and unfiltered. Tell Him your fears, your doubts, your struggles. He is listening, and He understands your heart even when words fall short. Prayer can be a powerful release, a way to hand over your burdens and feel His comforting presence.
• Seek Community: God often works through the people He places in our lives. Surround yourself with those who uplift you—whether it’s through a church group, close friends, or family. In these connections, you’ll find the encouragement to keep moving forward, even when the path feels uncertain.
• Find Strength in Scripture: The Bible is filled with verses that speak directly to our pain and offer promises of hope. Verses like Isaiah 41:10—“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”—can serve as anchors when life’s storms threaten to sweep us away.
• Embrace Rest and Reflection: Healing takes time. It’s okay to pause, to breathe, and to let yourself feel what you’re feeling. Take time to sit quietly in God’s presence, reflecting on His promises. Let these moments of rest remind you that God’s timing is perfect, and His plan is always working, even when we can’t see it.

A Hopeful Reminder: God’s Love Never Leaves Us

Whether you’re facing a struggle that feels too big to bear or simply needing a reminder of God’s presence, know this: God’s love is not just for the good days. It’s for the hard days, too. It’s for the days when you feel lost, when you’re searching for answers, when the brokenness seems too much. And just like Girtie, you have the strength to find your way through, with God guiding every step.

God’s love is a healing love. It’s a love that finds us in our darkest moments and offers a way toward the light. So, if you’re feeling broken, let His love be the glue that holds you together. Let His promises be the foundation you stand on. And remember that every scar, every struggle, is a chapter in a story that God is still writing—a story where healing is possible, and hope is always within reach.

Finding God in the Daily Routine

In Girtie: You Are Special, Girtie learns that being different is not a burden but a blessing—a way for God to show His love in unexpected ways. And just like Girtie, we, too, can find God’s love in the simple moments of our day-to-day lives.

• Start Your Day with Gratitude: Each morning, take a few moments to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as the warmth of the sun, a hot cup of coffee, or the laughter of a loved one. Gratitude opens our hearts to see God’s goodness, reminding us that even the smallest joys are gifts from Him.
• Pause for Prayer Throughout the Day: Life can get hectic. But even in the busiest days, we can find time for God. Take a moment between meetings or errands to pause and offer a short prayer. It doesn’t have to be long or elaborate—just a few words inviting God into your day. These small moments of connection can bring a sense of peace that lasts far longer than the time it takes to pray.
• Look for God in Nature: The natural world is one of God’s greatest masterpieces. Take time to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and notice the details—the rustling leaves, the birdsong, the vibrant colors of a sunset. It’s in these quiet, beautiful moments that we can feel God’s presence most deeply. Like Girtie discovering the beauty in her own uniqueness, nature invites us to see the beauty in the world God has created.

Reflecting on God’s Promises

The Bible reminds us time and time again that God is with us, even in the smallest moments. As it says in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This verse is a reminder that when we bring our worries to God, He fills us with a peace that goes beyond what we can understand—a peace that is found in those simple, everyday acts of faith.

Practical Ways to Feel God’s Love Daily

Living a life of faith doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about making space for God in the little moments and remembering that He is always near. Here are a few simple ways to invite His love into your daily routine:

• Be Present in the Moment: It’s easy to rush through life, moving from one task to the next. But God’s love is often found when we slow down and pay attention. Take a deep breath and notice the world around you—the laughter of children, the warmth of a hug, the beauty in a quiet moment. These are God’s whispers, reminding us that He is here.
• Share a Kind Word: Sometimes, God’s love shines through us when we reach out to others. A kind word, a small act of service, a genuine smile—these simple gestures can be a way to share His love with those around you. And in giving, we often find that we receive His love in return.
• End Your Day with Reflection: Before you go to bed, spend a few minutes reflecting on where you saw God that day. It could be in a moment of comfort, a challenge that taught you something, or a surprising blessing. Writing these reflections in a journal can help you see how God’s hand has been at work, even on the hardest days.

Embracing God’s Presence in the Ordinary

It’s easy to look for God only in the grand gestures—the answered prayers, the life-changing events. But Girtie teaches us that God’s love is in the details. It’s in the way He shapes our lives, guides our steps, and shows us beauty where we least expect it.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, remember that God’s love is as close as the air you breathe. It’s in the everyday moments, the ordinary places, the quiet whispers of life. And as you open your heart to these small signs of His presence, may you find a deeper sense of peace, a stronger faith, and a love that carries you through every season.

Meeting Girtie: The Spark That Started It All

In the early 1990s, Doris found herself at Christians in Action (CIA) camp, a place where faith was more than just a word—it was a way of life. This was a time when Doris was embracing a deeper commitment to her faith, a time when she was exploring the calling God had placed on her heart. It was here that she first met Girtie, a little duck who was different from the rest.

Girtie was blind in one eye, a simple detail that made her unique. But there was something more about Girtie, something that resonated with Doris. She saw in Girtie a story waiting to be told—a story about finding worth even in the things that make us feel different. In that moment, a connection was formed. It was the beginning of a journey that would eventually become Girtie: You Are Special.

Weaving Faith into Storytelling

For Doris, writing has always been more than just putting words on paper. It’s a way of sharing her heart, of offering pieces of her own faith journey to others. When she sat down to write Girtie’s story, she wanted to capture that same feeling of hope and resilience she had seen in the little duck at camp. She wanted readers, young and old, to see that being different doesn’t mean being less—it means being special.

Her experiences as a missionary shaped every page, every lesson woven into the narrative. Girtie’s journey reflects the challenges Doris faced in her own life, moments when she needed to lean on God’s love and trust that He had a purpose for every twist and turn. It’s a message that flows through each chapter, reminding readers that God’s plan is always bigger than what we can see.

From Idea to Page: The Heart of Girtie’s Story

Turning Girtie’s story into a book wasn’t a straight path. It was more like a meandering river, full of bends and pauses, moments of clarity and stretches where the words didn’t come easily. But for Doris, the process was part of the gift. It was a chance to reflect on what she had learned through her years of mission work and to pour those lessons into a story that would reach across generations.

Girtie became more than just a character—she became a symbol of the belief that God makes no mistakes. Her journey of discovering her worth despite her differences is a reflection of the message Doris hoped to share with every reader: that God’s love sees beyond our flaws and fears. It sees the beauty in what makes us unique, the potential in every challenge.

A Word to Aspiring Writers: Finding Inspiration in Everyday Moments

Writing a story like Girtie doesn’t require a grand adventure or a perfectly crafted plan. Sometimes, the best inspiration comes from the small moments—the simple encounters that leave a mark on your heart. Doris’s journey from meeting a little duck to writing a story that has touched so many is proof of that.

For those who feel a calling to write, Doris’s story is a reminder to start where you are. Write from the heart. Let your faith guide you, even when you’re not sure where the story is headed. Trust that the experiences God has given you—whether they’re full of joy or struggle—are the seeds for something beautiful.

And if there’s one lesson that stands out from both Doris’s life and Girtie’s story, it’s this: God can use the smallest moments to create the biggest impact. All we have to do is trust Him with the story.

Embrace the Journey

Girtie: You Are Special is more than just a book. It’s the result of a lifetime of faith, of moments spent listening for God’s voice and following His lead. It’s a story about a little duck that taught big lessons and a reminder that each of us has a story to share.

Whether you’re a writer, a dreamer, or simply someone looking for a story that speaks to your heart, may you find in Girtie’s tale the courage to embrace your own journey. And may you remember that no matter how small your story might seem, it has the power to change lives—starting with yours.

A Day That Changed the World

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Sujo John arrived at his office in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Like any other day, the routine began—phone calls, meetings, plans. But at 8:46 AM, everything changed. The sound of an explosion rocked the building, and the world as Sujo knew it turned upside down.

In those moments, fear could have overwhelmed him. Panic could have taken over. But as the smoke filled the air and chaos erupted, Sujo did something that would carry him through the unfolding nightmare—he prayed. Amidst the panic, he turned to God, seeking comfort and strength.

Finding Light in the Darkest Moments

As the tower shook and the flames spread, Sujo and countless others made their way down the stairwells, facing an uncertain fate. He prayed for his safety, for his wife, who worked nearby, and for the strangers around him. And as he descended those steps, he felt a presence—something beyond the fear, something that brought a sense of peace amidst the chaos. It was his faith, steadying his steps as the world crumbled around him.

When Sujo finally emerged from the tower, the second building collapsed. Dust and debris filled the air, but Sujo clung to his faith, believing that God had a purpose even in this tragedy. His story is one of resilience, not because he escaped unscathed, but because he found strength in surrendering to God’s will, trusting that He was still present, even in the darkest of hours.

A Reflection of Girtie’s Journey

Sujo’s story is a powerful reminder of the same truths found in Girtie: You Are Special. Girtie, a little duck facing her own challenges, learns that what makes her different is what makes her strong. Through faith, she discovers that she is not defined by her struggles but by her capacity to grow through them. And just like Sujo, Girtie finds that even when life doesn’t make sense, God’s love remains a guiding light.

These stories show us that transformation doesn’t come from avoiding hardship. It comes from facing it with open hands and a heart that trusts in God’s plan. It’s about finding the courage to step forward, even when the future feels uncertain.

Embracing the Power of Faith

So, how do we hold onto this kind of faith in our own lives? How do we find hope when the ground beneath us feels shaky?

• Pray with Purpose: Like Sujo in the stairwell, turn to prayer when fear closes in. Let prayer be your lifeline, a way to connect with God’s peace when the noise of life grows too loud.
• Lean on Scripture: Verses like Psalm 46:1—”God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”—remind us that we are never truly alone. God is with us, a steady presence even in life’s most chaotic moments.
• Look for God’s Presence in Small Moments: Sometimes, we expect God to show up in grand gestures, but He often speaks through the little things—a kind word, a quiet moment of calm, a reminder of His love.

A Message of Hope

Sujo John’s story and Girtie’s journey teach us that we are not defined by the trials we face but by the faith we hold onto through them. In times of crisis, faith has the power to bring light into our darkest hours, showing us a way forward when all seems lost.

If you’re facing your own struggles, remember that you, too, can find strength in God’s love. Trust that He is guiding you, even when the way seems unclear. Believe that just like Girtie, just like Sujo, you can emerge from the darkness with a new story to tell—a story of hope, of resilience, and of faith that never wavers.

Learning to See Beyond the Storms

In Girtie: You Are Special, we follow a little duck with a big heart. Girtie is blind in one eye, different from those around her. But through her journey, she learns that her differences don’t make her less—they make her special. It’s a story that reminds us all that God’s love doesn’t see flaws or imperfections. It sees potential. It sees purpose.

Girtie’s story is about finding strength in what makes us unique. It’s about realizing that God has a plan, even when we can’t see it. And sometimes, those plans unfold in ways we don’t expect. As it says in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This verse captures the heart of Girtie’s journey, reminding us that even our struggles can be used for something beautiful.

Bethany’s Story: A Real-Life Girtie

In the real world, there are stories that shine with the same light of hope and faith. One such story is that of Bethany Hamilton. A promising young surfer, Bethany’s life changed forever when a shark attack left her without an arm. In a moment, everything she knew seemed to be slipping away. Yet, amidst the pain and loss, she found something deeper—her unwavering faith.

Bethany could have given up. Many would have understood if she had. But instead, she chose to lean on God’s love, finding strength in her belief that He had a purpose for her life, even in the midst of such a tragedy. She returned to the ocean, to the very place where she had faced her greatest fear. And she surfed again.

Her story, like Girtie’s, is a testament to the power of faith. It shows us that even when we feel broken, God sees us as whole. Even when we face setbacks, He is crafting a comeback. Bethany’s resilience inspires us to trust in God’s plan, knowing that He is with us, even in the hardest moments.

Finding Strength in Faith

It’s easy to lose sight of God’s love when we’re in the middle of our own storms. But that’s exactly when we need to look for Him the most. Just like Girtie learned to embrace her differences, and Bethany found strength after her injury, we, too, can find God’s love guiding us through life’s toughest challenges.

Maybe you’re facing something difficult right now—a struggle at work, a relationship that’s falling apart, or a loss that feels too big to bear. In those moments, remember that God sees the whole picture, even when we only see a piece. His love is there, ready to turn our scars into stories of strength.

Practical Ways to Embrace God’s Love

So how do we find this strength? How do we hold onto the belief that God is working, even when it’s hard to see? Here are a few ways to let God’s love transform your circumstances:

• Pray with Honesty: Pour out your heart to God. Share your fears, your doubts, your pain. Prayer doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be real. Let God meet you where you are.
• Look for Small Blessings: Even in the darkest days, there are glimpses of God’s love. A kind word from a friend, a beautiful sunset, a moment of peace. Hold onto those moments—they are reminders that He is near.
• Lean on Scripture: Find comfort in verses that remind you of God’s love and promise. Verses like Isaiah 41:10—“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you”—can be a source of strength.
• Trust in His Timing: Sometimes, we want answers now. But God’s timing is always perfect, even when it feels slow. Trust that He is preparing something good, even if you can’t see it yet.

A Message of Hope

Both Girtie and Bethany show us that our struggles don’t define us—God’s love does. They teach us that even when life knocks us down, we have the choice to stand back up, to believe that something better is coming.

So, if you’re feeling lost or unsure, remember this: God’s love is a constant, even when life is not. It’s the light that guides us, the anchor that holds us steady. Just like Girtie, just like Bethany, you have the strength to face whatever comes your way. And with God by your side, every challenge can become a stepping stone toward something beautiful.