When the world feels unbearably heavy, I find I’m extra grateful for stories that give my heart a break. Books remind me that every storm passes. They offer solidarity in the dark. They have the words when I can't find my own. What books are carrying you lately?

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If we're not careful, the world will define our success by money, fame, power...but I've met people with those things and none are immune to depression, fear, or failure. Success is simple: define, quantify, and work toward YOUR goals. Rest up, wake up, repeat. THIS is winning.

Some days I get turned inside out by life too—trying to build my writing, the state of the world, my own issues. But it's because I’m human, and that's okay. If you can relate, you’re not defective either—and you’re not alone. Keep going, even when it’s hard. This too shall pass.

I've felt unseen as a writer lately, and to be honest I've been discouraged. But when a stranger recognized my logo at my church's women’s conference—which was all about being seen and called by God—it reminded me that my calling stands, even when I stand alone in it. #godwink

This was definitely a switch-up from my typical read, but in a great way. The narrative is emotionally evocative, but it really becomes something special when paired with the themes and content of the story itself. A powerful exploration of death, grief...and healing.

Life does have a way of bringing unavoidable challenge, but defeat is still a choice. When we walk through storms with heads up and shoulders back, we guarantee the sun will shine again—because the victory isn't refusal to fall. It's determination to get back up.

Too often, people only notice the storm—the darkness, the wind, the rain. But storms pass, and even when our terrain is changed, we are not the rain. PTSD may shape how I see the world, but it isn’t all of who I am. It's only a sign that I've learned, kept walking, and endured.

When people ask about my life and begin to see the depth of my experience, they often ask how I got through. For the first twenty years or so, I have to shrug my shoulders. "I don't know. Instinct, maybe? Desperation?" But after 2005, the answer is simple. It's always: "Faith."

Some call her a survivor—she feels like a fool. After her husband's latest and most brutal attack, Christine is ashamed of the past and terrified of the future. She's critically injured, but at least she’s alive. And one win at a time, she's determined to fight for her freedom.

As a new Christian in my 20's, my faith in God was solid—but faith in myself was harder to come by. I was a young single mom. Crappy car, no money. Not much to offer. But what God showed me is that he doesn't NEED much to DO much. All it takes is obedience with what you have.

People think writing is quick—make up a story, type it out, hit publish, you're rich! But it’s also long days, late nights, and sacrifice. And still, I love it. Because if somewhere, someday, some story I share meets someone right in the dark? That’s worth everything.

Some books just feel like home, don't they? For me, it's the Outlander series. Every time I read them, it's like visiting old friends and familiar places. If you've got a book or series you love in the same way, I'd love to know what it is—and what makes it special for you!

It’s so easy to get discouraged. Mistakes weigh on us, fear paralyzes progress, we beat ourselves up for falling instead of climbing to our feet to try again. I get it. I’ve been there. But in the hardest moments, resilience reminds me: baby steps are STILL forward steps.

October always reminds me that awareness is truly only the beginning. Seeing a problem and calling it what it is are a start—but moving to examine the problem from every angle in order to seek a solution takes more. Acting toward change takes strength. Healing is possible.

Sometimes, people struggle to understand why I spend so much time on writing. They'll say, “Take a break! Live in the moment!” But the fact is, working toward what I want most in the future often means saying no to temporary comforts now—and honestly, I don't see it as a loss.

We all want the rainbow—money, respect, success—but are we willing to endure the rain? Change takes persistence and accountability, and wishing won't force results. The fact is, even if the world was a remote with a button for everything...we'd still have to push the button.

Some days social media is no more than a parade of protests to prove potency. Resentful rebellion, refusal to be reduced. But screaming one-upmanship won't make you MORE, and LOUDER isn't BETTER. Want to be seen and valued? Change minds through peaceful persuasion instead.

Wow, you ever have times where a few weeks felt like a few years? Well, between travel, covid, chaos, fall break, grief, and a strong confirmation from God, things have been sure been hectic at my house! Want to follow along? You'll find me here: authorbrandikennedy.blogspot.com

Every “someday” we hope for is a moment passing, and I wonder—how would you be remembered if this day was your last chance to grow? If personal development is the difference between staying the same and becoming whoever you’re meant to be, who are you now, in the space between?