Michelle Russell Michelle Russell

Rediscovering Faith through wounds and signs

The past five years have been marked by struggle and doubt in the faith I once embraced. It’s been a time when the wounds inflicted by those I trusted deeply felt insurmountable.

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Michelle Russell Michelle Russell

Danté

Danté’s rescue story was unlike any I have ever witnessed. His journey began in fear; a tiny long-haired Chihuahua used as a breeding stud by a hoarding backyard breeder while still a mere puppy himself.

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Michelle Russell Michelle Russell

Superficial Relationships

Betrayal has been a recurring theme in my life, like a magnetic field drawing me into situations where trust was broken. It started with my early experiences with family, where broken promises and unmet expectations marred the foundational bonds.

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Michelle Russell Michelle Russell

The Hard Scary Things

Three years ago, I stood at an impossibly wide and daunting crossroad. For nearly twenty years, my job had been more than just a paycheck; it was a cornerstone of my identity. I'd weathered countless challenges and celebrated many victories within those years. But then, my boss, whom I considered a friend, began to unravel.

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Michelle Russell Michelle Russell

The Good Death

Saying goodbye to our beloved pets, who are our family members, is never easy— but “pulling the trigger” to say goodbye is unthinkable! We want them all to go peacefully in their sleep, but that is rarely the case.

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Michelle Russell Michelle Russell

Graceless Government

I never saw this day coming. I find myself pacing back and forth. Pulling out my calculator, looking at my "in-coming" and my "out-going," I close my eyes…

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Michelle Russell Michelle Russell

Grace to forgive

I never thought I would heal from losing our marriage, let alone be friends with my ex-husband. Those words in the same sentence are an oxymoron: "ex" and "friend."

I also never thought I was the one in our marriage who needed to be forgiven

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Michelle Russell Michelle Russell

Do Unto Self

A few years ago, I started buying flowers for myself randomly. I love flowers. Something about them gets deep in my soul and secretes joy. That joy overflows, and it is just a good thing all around.

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Michelle Russell Michelle Russell

The Hoffman Process

Reflecting on my week at Hoffman this morning, I am still so unbelievably grateful for the tools that move me from awareness to experience, then to compassion, and finally, new behavior (change). It’s what Hoffman calls the cycle of transformation. I thank God for ALL of these gifts/tools.

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