The First Step Back

"Finding Peace. Reclaiming Joy. Hearing His Voice. A soul-centered newsletter"

"Where He leads Joy Follows" -Joy Butts

Grief doesn’t always end with a grand breakthrough. Sometimes, it begins to lift quietly—with a small smile, a soft laugh, or a moment of peace you didn’t expect to feel again.

The first step back into life can feel uncertain, even disloyal to what you’ve lost. But it isn’t. It’s a whisper of God’s promise unfolding—a crown of beauty beginning to rise from ashes. Healing rarely happens all at once. It’s slow, sacred work. And God is never in a hurry with your heart.

Breathe again! Laugh again! Dream again! And know that Joy reveals the gentle hands of a God who restores.

With Love and the utmost respect,

Joy Butts

🪞 A Moment of Reflection

🌸 Take a moment and just, LAUGH!

Prayer

God, thank You for walking patiently with me through every phase of my journey. Your constant steady loving hand is a comfort in every season. When healing feels slow, remind me that You are near. Help me take one small step toward joy today, trusting that beauty will rise, even from ashes.

Amen.

Hope For The Day

“ Joy is your birthright as a child of the King."

Scripture reference: “…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” – Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)