The glue that hold us together

Last Sunday, we took time to honour moms and the remarkable women who shape our lives. Whether through a kind word, a steady presence, or an unshakable faith, these women often carry more than we know—and sometimes more than seems possible.

Have you ever felt like you’re carrying more than you can handle?

You're not alone.

In Matthew 1:21, we meet Mary. She’s a teenage girl—engaged, unexpectedly pregnant, and facing the kind of public scrutiny most of us can only imagine. And then an angel appears to her fiancé, Joseph, saying:
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
No pressure, right?

But here’s the beautiful thing—before Jesus ever walked on water, healed the sick, or conquered death, He was simply a baby in someone’s arms. Mary held Him. Rocked Him to sleep. Whispered His name before the world ever knew its power. She carried the Savior—and in doing so, shows us something extraordinary about strength, faith, and love.

Did you know that the Hebrew word for mother carries a hidden meaning?

According to the Ancient Hebrew Research Center, the word is made up of two symbols:
Aleph – a picture of an ox head, meaning strength.
Mem – a symbol for water, often associated with life or chaos.

Put together, they form a word that literally means “strong water.” Why is this significant?

In ancient times, the Hebrews made glue by boiling animal skins in water. As the skins broke down, a thick film rose to the top. That film—called strong water—was used as a binding agent. Glue. Something that holds things together.

The Hebrew word for mother isn’t just about biology—it’s about being the one who binds, who holds, who keeps things from falling apart.

That’s a powerful image. And not just for moms. Because whether you're a parent or not, you’ve likely found yourself in a season where you're holding it all together—for your family, your friends, your job, your community.

But let’s be honest—being the glue can be exhausting. The weight of responsibility, of worry, of just keeping everything from unraveling—it’s a lot.

So here’s your next step:
Whatever you're holding together right now—name it. Say it out loud. Then invite Jesus into that space. Ask Him to hold you together.

Because the Savior Mary once carried is the same Savior who now carries you.

You are the ONE!

You Are the One Jesus Loves
John 3:16 | Luke 15 | 1 John 4:8-10

Have you ever believed God loves the world—but wondered if He could truly love you?

It’s easy to accept that God is love, that God sent Jesus for “the world.” But when we know our own regrets, our doubts, our secrets—it can be hard to believe that love applies personally.

But here’s the truth: You are the one Jesus loves.

St. Augustine once wrote, “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” That’s not just poetic—it’s scriptural. In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story about a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to find the one that’s lost. And when he finds it? He rejoices. That’s the kind of love God has for you.

John, the disciple once known as a fiery “Son of Thunder,” became the apostle of love—not because he cleaned up his act, but because Jesus loved him as he was. Over time, John came to refer to himself not by his past, but by his identity: “the one Jesus loved.” You can too.

God’s love isn’t something we earn. It’s who God is. “God is love” (1 John 4:8). And God, the Father, proved that love by sending His Son—not when we had it all together, but while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).

So, whatever your story—whether you feel unworthy, broken, or far from God—know this: Jesus sees you. He came for you. He died for you. He rose for you.

You are not forgotten. You are not disqualified. You are not too far gone.
You are the one Jesus loves.

Say it today, and let it sink deep into your heart:
I am the one Jesus loves.

I can do all things...!

It’s one of the most quoted Bible verses—Philippians 4:13. You've probably seen it on coffee mugs, t-shirts, gym bags, and locker room walls. But so often, it’s misunderstood. This verse isn't really about achieving our wildest dreams or winning a game or gathering the courage to do something brave. As inspiring as those things are, that’s not what Paul was getting at.

This verse is about something much deeper. It’s about contentment.

Paul wrote these words while he was sitting in prison. Not exactly a mountaintop moment, right? But just before he says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” he shares something incredibly profound:

“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation—whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Paul is saying, “I’ve discovered the key to peace—true, lasting peace that doesn’t depend on my circumstances.” And what is that secret? It's not willpower. It's not positive thinking. It’s this:

Jesus in me is enough for me.

That’s what gives him strength. That’s what gives him joy—even in a prison cell. That’s what gives him peace when everything around him is falling apart. And friend, that same Jesus lives in you.

I don’t know exactly what you’re walking through right now. And you don’t know what tomorrow will hold. Life is unpredictable and sometimes so hard. But here’s what you can know:

Jesus is a never-ending fountain of joy that can’t be taken from you.
Jesus is a deep well of peace in the middle of a chaotic, anxious world.
Jesus is the source of strength you need—supernatural, sustaining strength—for whatever you face.

So yes—you really can do all things. Not through your own effort, but through Christ who lives in you.

You can endure.
You can stand strong.
You can walk through the valley.
You can live with joy.
You can breathe in peace.
You can be content—not because life is perfect, but because Jesus is present.

That’s the promise. That’s the power. And that’s the encouragement I want to leave with you today:

Whatever this day holds, Jesus is enough for you.