Dear Readers,

At our Tuesday night ladies Bible study, my daughter said something that completely stopped me in my tracks.

“Courage is proof you are afraid.”

And wow, that one sentence really hit me. It reminded me of something my preacher once said: being brave doesn’t mean you aren’t afraid. It means you do the thing anyway. You step forward, you speak up, you act, even when fear is still there. And that, my friends, is what real courage looks like.

We were studying Rahab that night. Her life and the safety of her family were on the line, yet she made the choice to hide God’s spies. She chose faith over fear when everything around her was dangerous and uncertain. Can we just pause for a second and

Dear readers,

Faith is one of those things that’s deeply personal and sometimes hard to put into words. I’m still figuring it out myself—and honestly, some days it feels stronger than ever, and other days I feel like I’m just trying to hold on to it. But I wanted to write this, not as an expert or someone who has it all together, but just as a woman on her own journey—reminding herself what matters.

For me, faith means trusting in something bigger than myself… even when things don’t make sense. Especially when they don’t.

I remember a time not too long ago when life felt

Dear readers,

I read something recently that hit in that quiet, gut-level way.

“6 + 3 = 9, but so does 5 + 4.

The way you do things isn’t always the only way to do them. Respect other people’s way of thinking.” I’ll even add 7 + 2.

Simple. But layered.

Because somewhere along the line, many of us were conditioned to believe there was only one right way to show up in this world. That the path we were taught—whether in our households, our churches, or even within ourselves—was the blueprint everyone else should follow too.

But the truth is:

Dear Readers,

During our weekly women’s Bible study, my sister asked a question that didn’t just land — it lingered.

“What name have you been answering to that God never gave you?”

At first, it sounded like a simple reflection. One of those pause-and-think-for-a-second questions.

But then, the room fell quiet.

And in the stillness, I realized: this was not a surface-level question. It was a soul-level one.

Because if we’re being honest, most of us have been answering to names we were never meant to carry.

We’ve been responding to labels given to us by pain, by people, by pressure.

We’ve accepted definitions that were born out of trauma, criticism, or comparison — and we’ve worn them like identity badges.

Names like:

God Speaks Our Language

On a recent Sunday morning at church, we were graced with the presence of a missionary who shared a powerful and moving story. His talk was filled with inspiring accounts of the amazing work being done and the incredible things happening around the world. Yet, amidst all these wonderful stories, one particular moment stood out to me profoundly: the realization of a woman who said, “God speaks our language.”

Imagine living your life feeling as though the divine is distant, unable to fully understand your unique voice, culture, and heart. And then, in a moment of

Greetings, fellow readers,

Today, my heart feels heavy as I navigate the complex emotions that come with loss. Recently, my dear cousin departed this world, leaving an indescribable void in my life. As I grapple with the pain, I find solace in sharing my thoughts on the intricate nature of grief.

Expressing Grief Authentically

Grieving is a deeply personal journey, and there’s no predetermined timeline for healing. In the midst of my sorrow, I’ve encountered opinions suggesting that expressing grief openly implies a lack of faith. To the contrary, I firmly believe that acknowledging our pain doesn’t diminish our trust in a higher power. It’s a testament to our

Greetings, fellow readers,

As I reflect on my recent journey through a series of challenges, I am compelled to share the profound sense of peace and resilience that now envelops me. Life has thrown its share of obstacles my way, challenges that may have once shattered my spirit. Yet, today, I stand unbroken, unwavering in the face of adversity.

Unfazed by Traps, Fortified by Faith

In the past, the snares set by others might have elicited stress, worry, and tears. However, a shift has occurred within me. Perhaps it’s the fortification of my faith or the accumulated wisdom from weathering similar storms. These challenges, designed as traps, have unexpectedly unfolded into blessings, reinforcing my belief that

Hello, dear readers! Today, I'd like to share a heartwarming story about a chance encounter that reminded me of the power of faith, friendship, and the presence of higher forces in our lives.

I recently visited a local nail salon, hoping for a relaxing afternoon of self-care. Little did I know that this visit would lead to an encounter that would touch my heart and soul.

As I was sitting in my chair, a wonderful woman moved to a chair near me. I struck up a conversation with the lovely woman seated next to me. From the moment we started talking, her warmth and kindness were evident. It didn't take long for our discussion to turn to matters of faith and spirituality, topics that we both hold dear.

During our conversation, my

Welcome back to "Just Catrina," where we find solace in faith, strength in hope, and inspiration in the belief that there is a higher power guiding our journey. In a world filled with uncertainty, chaos, and challenges, let us pause and be reminded that God is alive, and His presence can light the path even in the darkest of times.

Finding Light in the Darkness

It's no secret that the world can be a turbulent and unpredictable place. The news headlines are often filled with stories of hardship, division, and uncertainty. It's easy to feel