Ashlie Miller

By Ashlie Miller

            Have you ever had a life-changing conversation? Many are engaging in both public and private discussions – looking for clarity, challenging others, or wrestling with unanswered questions. Often, clarity come when someone takes the time to journey with us and our questions.

            “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Rise and go toward the south….go over and join this chariot’” (read Acts 8:26-50). And so, Philip leaves a thriving ministry in Jerusalem to follow where the Holy Spirit’s leading – to share the gospel with an Ethiopian eunuch in the desert near Gaza. This story that both fascinates and helped propel me into Christian ministry. I must confess, there was a season in my youth when I assumed the role of a Philip in the life of a young believer. 

            It is part of our Christian life in the God’s family to share what we’ve come to understand and to help others to deepen their understanding their walk with Christ. Paul instructs Thessalonians Christians to admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, and strengthen the weak, all in patience (1 Thessalonians 5:14). It’s not hard to see the need to fulfill these biblically assigned roles.

            However, in my eagerness, I sometimes assumed my job was to teach, redirect, or encourage. Thankfully, not long after I first attached myself to this verse, I found myself in the other seat of the chariot – the seat we see occupied by the Ethiopian eunuch. Receiving truth and understanding why I believe what I believe became of great importance, particularly in my 20s. Having a teachable spirit to the unwavering, unchanging truth has kept me grounded. Though I long to follow the direction that leads me to help others know the truth (not my truth, the Truth), I’m also grateful when someone climbs into my chariot to encourage me and remind me of God’s thoughts towards me.

            The Ethiopian here was reading from Isaiah and had profound questions regarding the identity of whom the writer was described in Isaiah 53:7-8. Philip clearly gave the answer he was seeking. But I wonder what other questions were sealed for him, knowing he likely read the full scroll of Isaiah. Hold that thought. 

            This man was a eunuch, likely infertile – perhaps mourning the loss of family legacy as he submitted to his service to his queen. He was a also a Gentile – someone who was not a Jew, part of the chosen family of God. He was returning to his home of Ethiopia to serve Queen Candace after having spent time in Jerusalem worshiping God.

            As Philip explained the passage for which he had questions, did he have a profound “aha” moment – recalling other passages in Isaiah? Perhaps Isaiah 56:3–5, which promises eunuchs a legacy, or Isaiah 18, which speaks of Cush (his homeland) being welcomed into God’s family.

            How his heart must have overflowed, realizing that God saw him there in the desert and sent Philip to encourage him and lead him into a radical new life: one of hope, encouragement, joy! In fact, the Ethiopian was so overwhelmed by this transformative truth, he called out, “Look, there is water, what stops me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36). 

            Consider your role in the chariot of life, particularly the Christian life. Is it time for you to step into someone else’s chariot to help them understand? Perhaps it is to encourage a young generation filled with many questions and inundated with wrong, very loud answers. Or maybe it is time to invite someone to climb into your chariot, ask them some questions, gain some clarity, and hopefully be refreshed by the joy of salvation as you learn that Someone sees you and cares enough to send another to journey with you for a bit.

By Ashlie Miller

“If you believe you’ve ever experienced a miracle, we invite you to click here and share your story with us.” Thus read the email from a ministry that I subscribe to. I knew what they were going for – a sensational moment where a supernatural event happened, maybe a healing or evidence of God intervening in a spectacular way. 

Though the word “miracle” can often be used too freely to explain some events, I do believe that we can encounter miracles every day. We may think of a reversal of events and situations when we think of miracles. If the biblical definition of a miracle is when a supernatural being (God) intervenes in an inexplicable way beyond natural phenomena, could we include radical reversals in that definition? 

I think we could, and I have witnessed numerous radical reversals in life, even though I cannot recall a specific healing event that I have seen. I remember a shy, grieving young girl who felt alone becoming a bold, passionate witness who feels loved and healed by a loving Father. I know a story of a boy hurt by divorce when he was young, without a model of a faithful husband and father, who became a man in love with a Savior who transformed him into a man who would be a godly husband and dad. There’s a story about a boy also hurt by grief who turned to vices that threatened to drag him down into a life of loneliness and misery, but surrendered to a Rescuer who brought him joy and a family. There’s a story of a young woman who was searching – everywhere – to find meaning and answers, and Someone found her and brought her peace beyond explanation. 

There are also the stories of those who joyfully found the Savior at young ages and instantly loved the comfort and peace and never looked back. Yes, these are salvation stories. They usually don’t fall under the category of what many would expect as a miracle. They do not seem sensational. Yet, if one were able to follow the potential trajectory of their lives without the power of the Holy Spirit, there would be no such radical transformation. 

Today, many are looking for a divine experience –  a miracle – to prove that God is real. “Just show me a miracle, and I will believe!” Perhaps the one who is witnessing their salvation story to you is the walking miracle you are looking for. How do they navigate hard times differently? Have you reconnected with a former schoolmate or coworker who went a very different route in a relationship with Jesus and now lives like a different person? 

Everyday miracles. Inexplicable things that would not have otherwise happened without the supernatural intervention. Have you witnessed a miracle?

Ashlie Miller is an everyday miracle and knows many. You can share your miracle story with her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

By Ashlie Miller

The month has been overshadowed by much tragedy – horrific headlines, violence, and the anniversary of 9/11. The door is widening for conversation among young people in particular, and the door is being pushed open to go back to church. 

I am hearing stories from Christian friends and neighbors of peers and family reaching out to them, asking to read the Bible or to have conversations with them, or even to say yes to visiting their church with them.

Some are hesitant because of past experiences or stories on how churches seem to be closed off and unwelcoming. I cannot speak to each of those testimonies or on behalf of those churches, even as a pastor’s wife myself. It is disheartening to say the least. But we cannot let those stories or even our experiences be the roadblock. There have been plenty of those in recent years. 

After nearly half a decade of checking out physically and only checking in virtually, people are looking to visit church for the first time or get back into actual community. If I were in a position of having to look for a church, here are some things I would consider: 

Expository preaching. In a world that continually extracts sound bites to post on our favorite platform, we know how drawn we are to sensational statements or parts of phrases to boost our case, or in the case of our heart, justify our actions. When studying larger passages, we can learn original intent, and what we observe about God and His character, humanity, sin, promises, and much more. I need more than a sermon that makes me walk away feeling good about myself; I need truth that is not going to be twisted based on who is using it. 

Pastors who see the kingdom of God beyond their facility and position. I would want a pastor who has encouraging connections with other churches and ministries, celebrating their work. Look how he disciples and equips his leadership team. What are the marks of kingdom work like: evangelism, international and domestic missions, and connecting with neighbors?

Fewer programs and more equipping. Before asking for suggestions of a church to visit and then requesting specific programs, consider reframing that to: How is the church equipping the congregation? Is it a community of hospitality? How are people being discipled toward growth, encouragement, and accountability? Do they excel in entertaining or equipping?

Reevaluating my preferences. If a church lacks a program I desire (children and youth ministry seem to rank as the top request, followed by lively music), what is it that they are really doing well? What are they investing in instead? How could God use a church quite different from what I want to cultivate maturity in my life?

And give each church a fair chance. It is amazing how we will subject ourselves to abuse of miserable service and experiences in almost any other area of life except the one that matters most. That is very telling, isn’t it?

Ashlie Miller is a pastor’s wife of a church plant in the University City area. You may contact her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

By Ashlie Miller

They say that rain on your wedding day is a good luck sign for a solid marriage. If that is the case, what does it mean when there is a large power outage during your wedding? That will be a follow-up question years from now for the bride and groom of the wedding my husband attended last weekend. 

It was an overcast day, but as we approached Mooresville, it was clear that rain would put a damper on the plans. I checked the wedding website, theknot.com, to see if there were alternate plans for the outdoor wedding on the greens of the golf course. Nothing was listed. Well, this could be interesting, I thought. 

Things were not looking up as we approached nonworking traffic lights, the closer we came to the venue. Very interesting, I thought. We pulled into the world-class golf club and walked with an umbrella over our heads in the slight drizzle to wait with no specific direction under the awnings of a building. Suddenly, “Okay, it’s happening, let’s go!” a photographer announced. Still unsure of where we were going, we walked towards an outdoor area, watching employees wipe down seats with pool towels. The fans and paper parasols intended for a hot late summer evening were only as much help as shielding from the slight drizzle. There was at last enough of a reprieve that a condensed – but still legal – wedding ceremony commenced. After the I do’s and a kiss, the happy couple bounded up the aisle, followed by a large ribbon of lightning across the horizon. Yet, no one bolted up the aisle. With joyful decorum, the wedding party exited up the aisle. 

I do not know how many of us were concerned over the reception menu as we waited for the wedding party. There were hors d’oeuvres, and people gathered to chat. One only noticed that it was dimly lit because there was still plenty of clouded daylight. We sat down at a table with candles that were now valued more for their functionality than their ambiance; the chandeliers only glistening thanks to these humble lights below. Caesar salad before me, glancing at the menu (filet mignon and chicken), I wondered how they were going to pull that off. Answer: They couldn’t. After the ceremonial dances, the father of the bride announced, “Things haven’t gone as planned, aren’t going as planned, and won’t go as planned.” With a smile, he hinted that he would know what’s for dinner at the same time we would. I began to hear whispers of “Chick-fil-a.” 

Surely enough, the servers brought CFA nuggets and what my refined French fry palate determined to be Wendy’s French fries (do any others stay so crispy upon delivery?). A server elegantly brought out Heinz ketchup packets in a silver creamer. There was no overly apologizing for what was not being offered, but service with excellence. No one would have known it was the club’s first time dealing with such a crisis on a wedding day. 

Who was really there for the food anyway? We delighted in conversation and seeing the happy bride and groom celebrating this long-awaited day.

What a metaphor for marriage: Life hasn’t gone as planned, isn’t going as planned, won’t go as planned. But that’s okay. We can serve each other with excellence and care, and joy can be in making it through it together, with a smile and a dance…and maybe some chicken nuggets and crispy fries. 

By Ashlie Miller

“Do you ever feel lonely?” “Are you wiped out after connecting with people each week?” “Do you have to wear a mask? Do you get to be your authentic self?” “What do you do for the church?” These are some of the questions I’ve received in my role as a pastor/church-planter’s wife. I had many of the same questions (that I never asked) growing up in church and serving in different churches over time. 

Many know about Pastor Appreciation Month in October, and often that extends to his whole family. But I never really knew about a National Pastor’s Spouse Appreciation Day (it just so happens to be this first Sunday of September) or the whole month with them in mind (in March) until the last couple of years. 

These wives are pretty special, and I’m humbled and honored to serve in this way as well. I cannot speak for all of them. Just as each pastor is unique, so are their wives. There’s not one personality or qualification that is cookie-cutter. Here are some ways we may differ and other things we have in common:

She may have dreamed all her life of being a wife to one in ministry. 

She may have never imagined that she could or would be the wife of one in ministry. 

If her husband takes the pastorate of an established congregation, she may be welcome to serve in a way she feels called. Or she may be serving a congregation that presumes that she is a second, unpaid employee who will also fulfill various roles, such as leading a group or ministry or playing the organ. My husband has said he never married a pastor’s wife. That was not and is not my identity. He also never has had a specific expectation of my role in serving the church, which frees me to serve in the only way that is unique to me alone – to provide solace for our family. That benefits our entire church community.

She may be extroverted and thrive on social interactions, and be able to talk to anyone, but is working on the sanctification process of not being a people-pleaser. She may be introverted and able to go deep in spiritual and emotional discussions, but is working through her own sanctification process of being comfortable around large groups or initiating small talk. 

She is often at her best when she is discerning, able to listen to others and give counsel, flexible in her schedule due to demands of ministry, but also able to be a gatekeeper appropriately when needed, and embracing of hospitality.

She is human. 

She has her own struggles, obstacles, temptations, needs, and process of sanctification. She may feel lonely at times as she sees the distance brought by others who view her as more than something she is. She may trust in God but struggle to trust her cares and concerns to others. Her circle of acquaintances may be broad, but of friends, small. You likely think more of her than she deserves. You likely think less of her than she deserves. And I’ve been guilty of both.

The pastor’s wife you are thinking about may be many of these things or very different. The one common thing – these sisters all need prayers and encouragement from loving members of the congregation. And that you can do any day or month of the year.

Ashlie Miller is wife to Pastor Chad Miller of Mission Bible Church in the University City area. You may email her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

By Ashlie Miller

Last week, many headed to their favorite coffee spot for a PSL (pumpkin-spiced latte). Pumpkins are already beginning to adorn steps, doorways, and windows, creating scenes straight out of a Gilmore Girls episode. Pumpkins may be the fruit of the season. Not so fast! For me, the fruit of the season is the fig. It is still late summer, after all. I have had an affinity for figs since childhood. Summers at my grandparents were crowned with their fig bushes bursting with bounty. I love the crunchy, seedy texture. As a child, I ate them straight off the bush. Now, with my more refined taste, they adorn toast garnished with goat cheese and honey. Ok, maybe not that refined. Last week’s “toast” was leftover hotdog buns, but in my mind, they were French baguettes. 

Fig trees were a topic of discussion between my daughter and me last week as we were reading through the New Testament. “Mom, what is this about the fig tree that Jesus cursed?” she asked. Well, let’s go to the beginning – Genesis, to be exact. 

After the Fall of humanity – when Adam and Eve both ate the forbidden fruit – they realized their nakedness and were filled with shame. Consequently, they covered themselves with fig leaves that they had sewn together, but it was not enough. God had to make them garments of skin, meaning something had to die to clothe them. Manmade efforts were inadequate; God had to intervene through a sacrifice. 

Throughout the Old Testament, fig trees symbolize prosperity, peace, fruitfulness, and even Israel. In the New Testament, Jesus confronts opposing Jews, sometimes through direct encounters, while at other times it would be through parables. Occasionally, though, He would use an object lesson. In the Parable of the Fig Tree (Luke 13:6-9), Jesus tells a story of a fig tree that is barren for three years. The vinedresser says it should be dug up or cut down if irrigation and fertilizer do not help. 

Later, Jesus curses a fig tree that only has leaves. Although it was not the season yet for ripened figs, this early-blooming leafy tree should have already been filling out with figs. He curses this tree so that it never bears fruit again. A day later, Peter sees it and is amazed that it is already withered. 

What gives? The initial observation is that God values fruitfulness. We are to bear fruit as Christians. In fact, the evidence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is called “fruit.” Professing Christians can too often be merely consumers and not contributors to the Kingdom of God. We can look impressive and religious but have no evidence of the Holy Spirit. 

The fig tree can also represent the Law (commandments) given by God, and that Israel was meant to be a conduit for God’s love reaching the world. But over time (and not a long time at that), they failed. A focus on what one could do to inherit eternal life (see the rich young ruler) took precedence over a relationship with God. Self-made efforts and keeping laws to cover sin and look religious were found to be inadequate. Jesus’ earthly ministry of three years was to first present the gospel to Israel. They refused. They wanted more miracles and signs (but not on the Sabbath!), more rules, and more to consume. But Jesus came with a better, complete plan. He fulfilled the Law and provided the only way to inherit eternal life – for all people. The unfruitful fig tree, the channel that stopped short, was no longer necessary or useful. 

My figs and honey remind me of the sweetness of the Law – showing us where we are imperfect and need a Savior.  They also let me know that fall is just around the corner.

By Ashlie Miller

Recently, dear friends allowed me and my youngest two children to use their place at the beach for several days. It was to be a refresher for us, while my husband was on a mission trip with two of our teenage children. It can be difficult for little ones when a parent is away for several days. Tears can flow when they begin to miss Daddy. A good distraction is always a welcome thing, and can anything be more welcome than a trip to the beach?

Though it was only three of us, it looked as if we had packed for 7! Back seats down, the trunk of the Odyssey was filled with floats, crafts, games, books, and our luggage. Usually, we have to be very minimalistic in our packing. Not this time! I had a crafty little plan to take advantage of the days there with field trips and what we call “funschooling.” Little did they know, the crafts we would make, the books on the ocean and sea shells we would read, the stories we would hear, the podcasts on nature we would tune into would all help us begin our homeschool year. 

It worked like a charm! Instead of loathing the activities and the learning, the children actually asked to stay inside most days during that especially hot, humid, and often stormy last week of July at Holden Beach. We opted to enjoy the sand and surf in the evenings.

Embracing school days, though cloaked in the guise of fun, was not the only difference I took note of during our stay. I notice that when we stay at someone else’s home, cleaning seems like less of a chore and more like a gift. At home, completing the same tasks that week would feel laborious and tedious, with no end in sight. Then, there is rage-cleaning, which you may have heard about – the cleaning many moms (and dads) do when they are sick and tired of the mess, making sure everyone hears about it as they clean. “I have to do EVERYTHING around here. I guess no one else can see this?! I suppose it must be nice to rest and relax while watching me work.” (Anyone ever guilty of this one? I’m a recovering rage-cleaner.) 

Although no cleaning list was posted or expected as part of the gift of staying at a friend’s place, the desire to express gratitude through an act of service was tangible and longed to be expressed. The children picked up sticks fallen from storms in the backyard while I swept, mopped, and even dusted. As the children realized the great gift given, they, too, asked how they could help. When cleaning and chores are an expression of gratitude rather than a list of expectations, the heart and energy that goes into them are different. One may argue that the cleaning is more thorough when done from a place of gratitude. 

That provoked me to think, “What would happen if I carried that same gratitude to my home?” Thanking God for the many dirty dishes means that many good meals are enjoyed at the family table. Conquering Mount Never-rest (my name for our laundry pile) means we were busy working, playing, or doing, and have plenty to change into. Helping pick up toys implies that someone has been making memories rather than being sucked into entertainment onscreen. More than a temporary place at the beach, the Heavenly Father has blessed and entrusted me with an earthly dwelling. Surely, there are more profound lessons than that, but for now, I’ll try to be more expressively grateful and less complaining when I clean. (And, no, let’s be honest. The children didn’t bring that same lesson home with them from the beach.)

By Ashlie Miller

It’s 4:00 a.m. After unsuccessfully wrestling myself back to sleep, then spending time praying or listening to the YouVersion Bible app, I open up the Facebook app, and it is evident – I am not the only one awake this early. For some, it is part of the unexpected joys of hitting midlife, for others, it is anxiety over life’s issues, or it may be a bizarre question that needs answering at 2:30 a.m. 

I find myself in the company of several others lately who commiserate with me. We lean into each other with advice: “What is your sleep hygiene routine?” We offer encouragement: “It is amazing how God continues to give us strength to make it on a given day with so little sleep.” We wonder at what we would have accomplished on 4-5 hours of sleep a couple of decades ago, when we had more strength and vitality. We joke: “Well, I’ll just text you when I wake up at 3:00 a.m., because you’ll probably be awake, too.” 

How often do you consider that God never sleeps or slumbers and can meet us amid the storm, even in the latest hours of the night (or would that be the earliest hours of the day)? In Matthew 14, Jesus and the disciples have experienced grief from the brutal murder of a dear friend (John the Baptist), followed by a full day of miraculous ministry (feeding the five thousand with five loaves and two fish). Surely, they need a moment to get away, to grieve, to recover from even the emotional high of the day. Jesus goes away from the crowd and His disciples to pray, but not before sending the disciples into a boat to go ahead of Him to the other side of the lake, where He will do ministry the next day. The ship is far from land, tossed and turned in the wind and waves, and suddenly, they see – is it – a ghost?! The disciples were often blind to what was true and what Christ was saying to them. Even after a miracle and being around Jesus all day, they do not recognize Him and believe the worst spiritual thing they can imagine. But, here is Jesus in the 4th watch of the night (that’s 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.), inviting Peter to walk on water, rescuing him when he begins to drown, and then entering the boat with him as He simultaneously calms the wind and the sea. 

While familiar with this real-life illustration of Jesus’ presence in the midst of our storms, this small detail regarding the time of the encounter – the 4th watch of the night – has been an added comfort to me lately. There is never a bad time to be with Jesus, even if it’s an invitation to test your faith, rescue you from drowning, and then calm the raging waters around you. He gets in the boat with us. The storms may still threaten to capsize us. He is no less mighty. He is still there. Maybe you are blessed with solid sleep. When are those inconvenient times that He meets you and invites you? His omnipresence is a blessing for those in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Do you know how to have peace even when sleep is fleeting? 

Ashlie Miller averages a couple sleep-interrupted nights per week in Concord, NC. Email her sometime around 3:00 a.m. at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

By Ashlie Miller

If you’re a Christian, you know you carry the Hope of eternity with the gospel for a world that needs to hear it, but how does one initiate opportunities for such conversations? I have friends who are bold and courageous, getting straight to it while in line at a quick service counter, “Hey, we just came from church and are eating together here. Do you go to church? You don’t?! You should come to ours!” Sometimes, we let our server know when we are about to pray that we would be happy to pray for them if they feel comfortable sharing something. Many times, they have a specific need.

But one of my recent go-to questions for engaging people in the marketplace is looking for a person wearing a cross pendant around their neck. Believe it or not, on most errand days, I will usually connect with at least one. “Tell me about why you wear your cross or what it means to you?” I may be met with a bright smile and a ready answer to share the gospel with me! That has been refreshing and even surprising at times. I realized I had previously asked one young man at my local Harris Teeter this question when I recalled him giving a similar answer before. He began responding with the scripture on the back of the cross that helps him keep his focus when tempted to sin. I was amazed at his readiness to share something genuine and personal. I wondered aloud if he was often asked this question. He replied, “No, actually, I think you are one of the only people to ask.” 

One young lady at my favorite coffee spot thanked me for recognizing her cross and engaging her. She was wearing three, actually, and commented that no one had ever asked her before why she wears them, which she thought was odd given the number of crosses she wore. She was excited to tell me about her relationship with the Lord in the church that she attends. The young lady further commented, “You know, it is strange that people wear it as a fashion statement, because why would people wear this for any other reason than a relationship with Jesus? Do people really know what this cross means? A yarmulke is also a piece of religious symbolism, but no one wears it as a fashion statement.” I smiled at her wisdom.

At other times, the answer is nostalgic: “My grandmother always wore one.” I will ask, “OK, but does that have any personal significance for you?” Since I cannot have a whole conversation in a 30-second interaction, I follow this up by urging them to seek out the meaning behind the cross and its significance. My hope and prayer is that as they think back over their day or evening, they revisit that interaction. 

At other times, I have found people who wear it as a charm of sorts or only as a cultural identifier. The young Walmart cashier told me his thick black cross was a relative’s urn, which he wears for good luck. Another young man at the car wash wears one because he and his family attend church. When I asked him, “OK, but what about for you? Does that have any personal significance?” He was at least honest, saying, “Not really.” Again, I encouraged him to seek that out. 

Linguistic theft (words no longer meaning what they once meant) and the hijacking of Christian symbolism mean that we can not make assumptions by what someone is wearing or plastering on their vehicles to determine what they believe. These can be great conversation starters to either find a common belief or question a belief with thought-provoking questions.

What are the ways you are using to connect with others deeply in one-minute or less interactions? 

Ashlie Miller’s favorite cafes are Holy Grind and Press & Porter. You may contact her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

By Ashlie Miller

Was I ready for this moment? A 19-year-old was strapping in my 7-year-old for his first zipline experience. How watchful would you have been in a moment like that? Maybe you have been in a moment like that. Normally, I would have been extremely cautious and questioning. 

This wasn’t just any older teen, though; this was my firstborn preparing and checking his littlest brother. There is a 13-year difference in their ages. My oldest has been interning at Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters (SWO), a Christian retreat and camp center in Andrews, NC, for the last year. He has been well-trained to work various outdoor recreation activities, but this summer, the zipline is his expertise. Watching him work in his element put my parenting into perspective. 

Like any cautious mother, I watched closely to see if my baby boy was being properly harnessed. But, I was able to put those cautions aside because I knew the one in whom we were entrusting care – a brother who cared and loved and would protect his baby brother better than anyone else. After being double-checked by another activity assistant, my 7-year-old made his way up the trail to the high tree for his adrenaline-filled rush. And what a rush! His squeal of terror turned to delight as much of the camp could hear him. “Must be Chase’s brother,” I heard other recreation leaders remark. Yes, for big brother also vocalizes excitement with explosions of yells and yawps. 

My husband and I have also watched our oldest learn to exercise what he has learned in other ways. No longer under the shelter and care of his home and family, he has to work out his own salvation and faith journey. His father and I, along with other spiritual influences, did our best to spread a buffet, equipping him for walking by faith. The last year has provided many opportunities for him to make his faith his own, drawing him to seek answers in the Bible and to ask questions of those who have a heart leaning into the Savior and Creator. In turn, he has been able to share his personal struggles, his knowledge of God’s Word, and the encouragement and comfort God has given him with other interns and campers alike. 

I can still remember my oldest needing me to help make sure he was safe and being smart as he dared to attempt his own adrenaline rush activities. Now, he is doing much of the same for others – his little brother, yes, but also to those he interacts with from week to week. I may not have been ready for this, but he was, and God has met him there. Much of Christian parenting is learning to let go of that harness and believing that God is faithful to be the Father and the Holy Spirit in their lives. But if God has truly begun a good work in them, we know He will complete it (see Philippians 1:6). 

Ashlie Miller and her husband raise their children in Concord, NC. She will be saving this piece to reread and remind herself of these truths later.