A Thought About Tyra. And About All of Us.
We are very good at turning people into villains.
In a digital world, nothing stays buried. Old interviews resurface. Clips are slowed down and replayed. Moments that lasted seconds are stretched into narratives that define a person.
And before long, we’ve crowned one.
Did Tyra do everything right? No. But if we’re honest, neither have we.
The thing about sin? It never shows you the ending in the trailer.
Sin feels good… for a while.
It promises you things it can’t deliver:
“No one will ever know.”
“This will make you happy.”
“You deserve this.”
It lies.
It deceives.
And in the end, it destroys.
Let’s Be Honest—We Want the Credit.
If we worked hard, earned the degree, came up with the idea, or perfected the craft—shouldn’t we get the recognition?
Why should someone else receive the credit we deserve?
It’s easy to get caught up in the desire for applause.
I’ve been there. Maybe you have too
Mirror… mirror.
Who do you see looking back at you?
Do you see failure?
Brokenness?
Unworthiness?
Too far gone?
Unlovable?
Shame?
I’ve been both girls.
When Your Legacy Looks Different Than You Imagined
There was a time I believed that if I stayed faithful, God would write a beautiful, public story through my life.
I imagined stages. Books. Fruit that others could see.
And then I fell.
Not in a small way—but in a way that wrecked trust, broke hearts, and shattered illusions.
Dream Again
I went to bed last night thinking about dreams and how I don’t “dream” with God anymore. I used to be the BIGGEST dreamer. I knew God was the God of the impossible and that nothing was too hard for Him, so I would regularly find myself daring to dream the unimaginable and unthinkable because, from my perspective, He could do it IF He wanted to, getting all of the glory.
Delays & Divine Detours
On America’s Next Top Model we went to Santorini and last month I got the opportunity to return!!! It has been one of my most favorite places I’ve ever visited. I almost didn’t get to do the planned photoshoot because of the weather. Jesus did what only He could do and He calmed the seas.
Prodigal
I love the story of the prodigal son because I have been a prodigal child. In Luke 15:12 the younger son became impatient and asked his father for his share of the inheritance which would have been 1/3 of the estate. The father graciously grants his son's request. This is a picture of God allowing us to have what we want, even though it may not be His best. God gives each one of us a "free will."
Forgiven and Free
I was an adultress, but that is not what defines me. I am not defined by my biggest failures, past mistakes, sizeable sin, greatest accomplishments, or astounding achievements. My identity doesn't come from my job or a title, but it is found in the One who gave His life for me, Jesus Christ. He has given me a new name: redeemed, chosen, adopted, forgiven, daughter, royalty, and even masterpiece.
Meet Mike
Mike gets up before most people. He reads the Bible, prays, and drinks a few cups of coffee. He may write a new series and/or work on the message that he will teach that weekend before he goes to the gym to train people. After the gym, he will come home and study more. I will hear him on the phone at different times, listening to people bare their souls to him because they are in desperate straits.
Fall From Grace
I did something I never thought I would ever do, I had an affair a couple of years ago. The world around me, inside and outside, blew up. I became so embarrassed and ashamed. I hated myself for not doing what I encouraged others to do. I hated myself for going outside the boundaries of God, ultimately disobeying Him.
Spiritual Discernment
I was reading about Nehemiah yesterday, and there were a few things that really stood out to me. I love that about the Bible! You can learn something new every time you read it! The Bible says, “it is LIVING, and active, sharper than any two edged sword.” (Hebrews 4:12)
Rumor Has It
Have you ever gossiped about someone? As much as I would like to be able to say I have not, I know I have. Have people ever gossiped about you?! Maybe what was said was so ridiculous that you wanted to laugh? Or maybe it was so incredibly hurtful that you wanted to cry?
Broken Vessel
There have been times in my life that I thought I was so broken, even beyond repair. Have you ever felt that way?! Have you ever felt so discouraged, beaten down, ruined, overwhelmed, and even hopeless that you wondered how in the world could the Lord ever make you whole again?!
It’s A Wonderful Life
I just watched it’s a “ It’s Wonderful Life.” I have seen this movie several times, but this movie spoke to me a little differently this time. Have you ever read or watched something and got something different from it, no matter how many times you read or watched it?! They don’t seem to make feel good, sweet movies like this anymore.
Mark Of Shame
Have you ever felt like you were walking around wearing a scarlet letter on your chest?! Maybe you think that when people look at you, all they see is your past sins or sin, making you want to run and hide like Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden?
Have Mercy On Me, God
I could say this about myself…. “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” (1 Timothy 1:15) I, like David, have cried out to the Lord, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
When we are awakened to see ourselves as we are really are, in the depths and weight of our own sins, how can we not have compassion and mercy on others?! The Bible says, “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged…Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? (Matthew 7:2-3)
I Would Never Do That
It can be easy for us at times to look at someone else and think, "well, I would never do what they did or what they are doing... That would never happen to me!" What does the Bible say? "For ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) We are ALL in desperate need of God's love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Each and every one of us are capable of doing the unthinkable.