Our guest, writer and transition coach, Carolyn Grant, is no stranger to change. Born and raised in South Africa, she moved to the U.K. and then to the U.S. In this episode, she and I discuss both the challenges and blessings we experience as immigrants. Carolyn reflects on how her immigrant journey strengthened her faith in God and what inspired her to become a transitions coach. She shares tips on navigating seasons of change with purpose and hope.

1. Transition is ongoing for many immigrants, who’re constantly learning new things and living in between cultures.
2. God is the same, yesterday, today, and forevermore. He can be our anchor during times of transition.
3. Our identity and sense of belonging are rooted in Christ. Remembering that we are children of God who belong to Him can help us cope with difficult changes.

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February is Black History Month. We’d like to spotlight Keishia Lee Louis, an African American educator and children’s author, who’s using her words to impact the next generation for good. Through both scholarship and storytelling, Keishia seeks to illuminate God’s image reflected in literature and children’s lives.

Keishia and I discuss her book Use Your Palabras, Jovita! which is based on the life of a lesser known hero of American history, Jovita Idar. A Mexican-American journalist, activist, and suffragist, Jovita used her words to fight for justice and equality in the face of intense opposition. She advocated for the First Amendment and multicultural/multilingual education in schools, among other issues, in Laredo, Texas, in the early part of the 20th century. Keishia talks about her cross-cultural marriage, representation in children’s literature, the relevance of her book today, and the importance of multicultural education.

1. Parents and educators must make an effort to communicate to children that they are created in God’s image and have worth and dignity. Through their unique gifts and attributes they not only reflect Him but also can achieve great things in His name.
2. When children and young people understand that their words carry power, they can make a change for good through their words.
3. Our faith in God informs our practice of justice and motivates us to love others.

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Learn more about Keishia

Learn more about Use Your Palabras, Jovita!: How This Brave Journalist Stood for Justice

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In this special episode, I share a Christmas message with you.

Jesus’ birth story demonstrates that He was no ordinary, earthly King. He is humble, servant King who came to love, serve, and save others. His beginnings were humble. Jesus’ parents were poor and He was born in an insignificant village, Bethlehem. When He was only a toddler, He became a refugee along with His parents.

Jesus associated Himself with the poor, the despised, the lowly, and the refugee. And this has implications for us:

1. As Jesus’ disciples and citizens of His kingdom, we too must view and treat people the way Jesus does.
2. If you feel unloved or unimportant, or if you’ve been treated badly, remember that Jesus empathizes with you. He loves you and came to earth to sacrifice Himself for you.

Our salvation, our adoption into God’s household, and our citizenship in His kingdom are gifts from our Father in heaven. Let this Christmas season remind you that you could receive these gifts only because of Jesus’ sacrificial love for you. Let us remember that just as He is not of this world, we too are not of this world. We are called to follow His example and show radical love toward the poor, the needy, the refugee, and the outcast.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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