wisdom

Return & Release

/ LaShona Sellers / Leave a comment

In 2024, I reflected on what I was releasing ( The Release). The most significant was releasing my son into adulthood as he turned 18 and prepared to go away to college.

In 2025, life pivots brought him home to work and continue his schooling.

He returned home different. He had new perspectives and new habits. He was experienced yet still had much to learn.

He returned to a different home. Our perspectives and our family rhythm had been shaped by his absence.

It was a challenging adjustment. Each of us wrestled with the grief of unmet expectations. We balanced hard conversations with space and grace. We opened ourselves to rediscovering what was possible.

His return triggered another release. In trying to respect my young adult, I quickly realized- it’s one thing to pray and release from afar but something entirely different to pray and release up close, in real time.

I had to

ask questions,

set & respect healthy boundaries,

choose to hear what wasn’t being said,

and recognize where I was projecting my issues instead of acknowledging his.

It’s been a continual exercise in

encouraging,

affirming,

challenging,

advising,

and sometimes stepping aside to let him feel the full weight of his “adult” decisions.

Parenting in this season of life has stretched me in ways I didn’t know I needed. Some days I feel like I’m fighting for my life in the trenches but I’m grateful for the ways God continually shows himself strong, whispering grace where I see missteps.

My second born (the grand finale) is a teenager coming into her own. She’s watching and taking notes. I know her release will look different from her brother’s .

Our children may resemble us, but they are not us. They have a story, a place and a purpose all their own. We can’t negate the free-will God has given them nor underestimate His grace and transformative power at work in their lives. We can’t know all the future holds for them but we can trust and surrender it all to the One who does.

“Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of our (and our children’s) faith.” – Hebrews 12:2

Grateful for… The honor of nurturing the future. (Gratitude in Six Words)

Just Be You

/ LaShona Sellers / Leave a comment

Holley Gerth’s Your Introvert Coach newsletter blesses my inbox every month. Her book, The Powerful Purpose of Introverts,  explores the science of introversion and sheds light on the psychological, relational and spiritual wiring of introverts. It sits on my bookshelf highlighted and well worn.

Her recent newsletter was so rich with gems, I had to share. Whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, I hope her wisdom resonates.

“…In seasons of intensity, the loudest voices often dominate the room. Urgency rises. Opinions sharpen. Everything feels immediate. And in that kind of environment, introverts can start to question themselves.

Should I be more outspoken?
Should I be more visible?
Am I doing enough?”

“…The world needs people who don’t just react—but respond.
People who don’t amplify noise—but offer clarity.
People who don’t chase attention—but cultivate wisdom.”

“…Your ability to sit with complexity matters. Your empathy matters. Your thoughtful emails, your quiet conversations, your steady presence in your family, workplace, church, or community matters.

“…You don’t have to be famous to be faithful.
You don’t have to exhaust yourself to prove you care.
You don’t have to become someone else to make a difference.”

Emotions, Thoughts, Words

/ LaShona Sellers / Leave a comment

“Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” – Robert Frost

April has been a blur but I couldn’t let it end without paying homage to the rhythmic beauty that is poetry. Check out the Academy of American Poets to learn about the celebration. On this final day of the month, I celebrate with a poem of my own.

My friend

Who told you to shrink?

You diminish your stature

To fit narratives that don’t consider you

You mute your voice

To maintain a facade of peace

You darken your light

To  occupy spaces that don’t welcome you

Who told you to shrink?

Did fear whisper the worst?

Did your past call you unworthy?

Stand.

Speak.

Shine.

Shrink No More.

-LAS

Love Poetry? Need a Gift? Get your copy here.

The Release

/ LaShona Sellers / 2 Comments

Last summer I released my first book Barnabas Blessings. It was a major accomplishment and still feels a bit surreal.

This summer I’m working on another major release…my first born into adulthood. There are documents and releases to sign declaring his new legal status. There are checklists and deadlines preparing to send him off to college. There’s the shift of authority as he asserts his independence.

There are other releases too. There’s the pruning necessary to remain, fruitful and connected to the Vine (John 15:5). There’s the shedding of weights that bound and distract (Hebrews 12:1). There are trust falls into the arms of Jesus instead of my limited understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

This is a season of joy and the bittersweet, fear and courage, hope and tinges of regret, answered prayers and not yets, hard questions and some hard answers. This season testifies to the power of Christ at work to sustain, transform and renew.

I’m reminded that a hand and heart open to release are also open to receive. As I release, I’m receiving the blessings of a present Father who proves Himself faithful over and over again.

What are you releasing and receiving today?

“I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].” – Philippians 1:6 AMP

The Shadow of Doubt

/ LaShona Sellers / Leave a comment

“Without a shadow of a doubt”

Are you familiar with that phrase? Spoken with complete confidence that whatever it is, there is no question of truth or certainty. But what if there is a shadow of doubt. What do you do with it? What do you do with doubt?

Some bulldoze through with a “just do it” attitude. Doubt is a dirty word and a near heretical thought.

Some are paralyzed, unable to take a step forward, backwards or sideways. Doubt leaves them at a complete loss for what to do next.

I have found myself at both extremes and somewhere in between. But with time I’ve learned to view doubt as an invitation.

Doubt is an invitation. An invitation to check my motives. An invitation to dig at the roots of what triggers me and makes me tick. An invitation to seek wisdom and guidance. An invitation to stop and re-evaluate. An invitation to draw nearer to God.

The shadow of doubt is an invitation to rest in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1 NIV).

What is doubt’s invitation to you?

Poetry Love

/ LaShona Sellers / Leave a comment

It’s that time of the year again to celebrate all things poetic. I’ve been celebrating all month with the Academy of American Poets Poem-a-Day. And as I’ve begun to diligently work on my own book of poetry, I can’t let the month end without paying homage to a poet who has inspired me.

I’ve been in awe of Maya Angelou since I was a teenager reading I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. And I made it my mission to memorize her affirming Phenomenal Woman, regularly performing it in front of my bedroom mirror. So imagine my excitement, reading Cicely Tyson’s memoir (Just As I Am, a breathtaking read full of history and wisdom) and coming upon a quote from a poem by Ms. Angelou with which I was unfamiliar. This poem resonated deeply as I thought of my Gran Gran and all of the great souls who have passed.