About the Author

Bonnie Gray is the author of Sweet Like Jasmine, Whispers of Rest, wife, and mom to two boys. An inspirational speaker featured by Relevant Magazine and Christianity Today, she’s guided thousands to detox stress and experience God’s love through soul care, encouragement, and prayer. She loves refreshing your soul at...

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Thank you Bonnie.I too worry about the future and all the chaos around us.I put my trust in the Lord and try my best.You are a big help for me.Your writings give me hope and understanding.God Bless You.

    • Thank you so much, Nancy. We are all on this journey together. I’m so glad the words of encouragement that spoke to my heart encouraged yours! What a blessing. Hugs to you, friend!

  2. Bonnie,
    I needed to read this today! I always feel like I need to be in “go-mode” doing something for God’s kingdom – especially since the days are becoming more and more evil. I head up a Christian non-profit that takes hope into one of the darkest corners of the world. I write my blog – http://bit.ly/bev-r-blog and I finished a book proposal, but I have so drained myself. The hope has gone out of me. I need to have my hope renewed if I’m going to pour out into others. It is not selfish to be good to myself (speaking to me here). Thank you for the “permission slip” to do refreshing things that breath hope into my tired soul.
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

  3. I, too, started losing my hair in November during the stress caused by the betrayal of 5 out of my 6 young adult children in the midst of a nasty divorce I’m still embroiled in. Thank you for your vulnerability in sharing. I feel ashamed that it’s falling out because it shows how needy I am. My pride is struggling to face the truth that I can’t handle the stress I’m under. But coming to the end of myself has helped me experience the nearness of Jesus and the kind of real hope found in His love for me. It’s a freeing and unexpected relief! Who knew? Bonnie, please keep up your honest sharing. We need each other!

    • Your vulnerability reflects the beautiful loving kindness of Jesus, Lisa!Thank you for revealing such a tender chapter you’re having to navigate through. I’m so sorry for all you’re going through. You are worthy of being heard and seen. Continue to share your story! I know your story connects with many! Thank you for letting me know my honest sharing encourages you, friend! It inspires me to be brave, as I finish writing my new book in vulnerability, that releases this fall. Love this: “coming to the end of myself has helped me experience the nearness of Jesus and the kind of real hope found in His love for me. It’s a freeing!”

  4. Oh, Bonnie, how I loved this post. I’ve lost a ton of hair this year too. I think the stress of our new normal plus being 50+ have contributed. But, as the pandemic brought life as I knew it to a halt, like you, I grappled with what all my new roles needed to be. I suspect many of us had to figure out how to do life well in the midst of the sweeping changes. Taking care of myself with quiet times, working to sleep more, eat better, and exercise, and spending time with Jesus daily was helpful in restoring hope to my heart. Walking through this with my two boy-men has stretched me and taught me how to love them better . . . as I remember how God has loved me through every season of my life.

    I loved your words today.

    • Thank you so much, Jeanne. I treasure getting a glimpse into a window into your journey and insight into what your heart, spirit, and body are experiencing, friend! You are worthy of all the hope God’s inspiring in you to renew. Love hearing how taking care of yourself in the quiet and being stretched has brought remembrance of God’s love into your heart. You are soul beautiful. Hugs to you as you walk with your two boy-men, kindred mommy! xo I’ve got two boys myself.

  5. You’re in my prayers, Bonnie. =) I love the words that God pours into you, that spill out on your paper in the overflow. <3 I understand that need for hope when it seems more is pouring out of us than is pouring into us. Hope keeps the overflow going! 😀

    I tend to forget that earth isn't heaven and when things on earth get all shaky, I get scared and confused. God reminds me that earth is not heaven and never was meant to be heaven. But Jesus' prayer "Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" makes me calm and hope-filled again. When I focus on God's will here, in my life, in my home, there's lots of hope and courage and beauty and good. 🙂

    Another way God gives me hope is to remind me this: "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." So when I'm struggling with something too heavy, I consider it might be a burden not meant for me to carry. I give the heavy things to God and then the burden is light. All those ways God talks to us leave hope and light in their wake. 🙂

    Love you, friend! ♥

    • What beautiful insights and treasures you’re noticing and picking up on this hard journey, Julia! You are such a listener to the Holy Spirit and that makes life beautiful even as it’s hard. love this, friend: “I give the heavy things to God and then the burden is light. All those ways God talks to us leave hope and light in their wake.”

  6. Been there done that, and I coach people daily in this as a career. It is interesting that it all happened to me while I was revealing it to others ( and had been for years) and I was not seeing it in myself. Thank you for sharing.

    • Wow, Jeana — this right here is deep wisdom: “It is interesting that it all happened to me while I was revealing it to others ( and had been for years) and I was not seeing it in myself.” I can see that coaching is your gifting, as you share from your deep awareness, as you discover insights along your own journey. Thank you for shining your light and sharing vulnerability with us, friend! Keep shining, beautiful friend!

  7. Oh dear Bonnie. Bless your heart! I understand how stress affects our bodies, it has taken a toll on many of us. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability, and for how you are progressing. I am eager to see what you have to say as you progress in your book writing journey so please keep sharing!

    • Sweet Shauna! Thank you for always cheering me on, as you also share from your own journey! This is a time to grow closer as a community, as we encourage one another and share from our stories! Thanks so much for your support, friend! Can’t wait to share about this book with you!

  8. Thank you for this Bonnie. I have been feeling less hopeful each day because life as we knew it before seems so out of reach. I am a first grade teacher and a single momma to an 18 year old daughter who is just beginning her second semester of college. She is 45 minutes away from home but it feels like she is across the country. She was losing her hair recently because of stress and I believe it is because stresses of the pandemic. I have come up short on prayers lately as I just don’t know what to pray for anymore. Personally, I also have been struggling with my career. I have been a teacher for 20 years and this is by far the most difficult time I have ever had in my profession. I taught my way through losing my sister to cancer 12 years ago and also showed up to work each day with a smile while I was going through a difficult divorce. But, now, I am having trouble finding joy. I recently changed my diet and have become more diligent with my workouts. This is helping however, as I am typing this, I realize I need to let go and trust God. Bonnie, thank you. Reading this today gave me a tug on my heart to leave a comment. This has helped put my thoughts I have been harboring out there. I am reminded I need to let go and let God. Have a wonderful day.

    • Dear Robyn, It’s so beautiful that as you’re typing, sharing out of your pain and also as you describe the wall you’ve hit– the Holy Spirit sparked an Ah-ha in your heart — as you said, “This is helping however, as I am typing this, I realize I need to let go and trust God. This has helped put my thoughts I have been harboring out there. I am reminded I need to let go and let God.” I’m so blessed and humbled that my words guided you to the gentle place of safety to express your journey. That is what inspires me to write, so thank you for taking time to share a comment. And in that pocket of typing your comment, your story found a voice: your voice as God’s beloved. You are so beloved. What beautiful whispers of rest you’ve received from our Loving Savior. Keep drawing near in this place between paper and pen. btw, thank you for being a teacher through all the years past. I know God will bless others through you, wherever he guides your next steps, friend. There is a lot of change for all of us and God has wonderful plans for you! (I think you’ll enjoy my book Whispers of Rest, as it share guiding journaling prompts to spark Ah-ha moments in the intimacy in your soul.)

      • Dear Bonnie, I finished Whispers of Rest over the Summer. I loved it so much that I gifted a few copies to my beautiful mom and close friends. Your words give me so much peace and comfort. Please do not stop writing and sharing your gift!

  9. This is absolutely lovely, Bonnie. God directs our steps and He directed yours to the park that, I believe, is one of your favourite places! He knows what we need to refresh, renew, and rest so we can do His way. Blessings to you and your family!

    • Thank you so much, Lynn! sending a warm hello and hug to you in Canada! So blessed having friends like you to share, refresh, and rest with on this journey. Yes, the park is my happy place — as I know it is for you, too!

  10. So beautifully said Bonnie, as usual. And perfect timing for me. Being loved by God Is something hard for me to believe and live like that. But He Is faithful to show me every time. Sending you love and hugs from Argentina!

    • Oh, wow, sister! praise God for online words, we can encourage each other — all the way to you in Argentina!! Sending you hugs from California here, Flor! xo

  11. Thank you for the encouraging word today. We must keep our hopes up for it is in Hoping in God that we will see the Light.

  12. Be still and know he is God..

    This scripture is so freeing.
    Practice doing nothing.The more practiced the easier it gets .Just trust .Rest in Gods love.

  13. I needed to read this devotional today! Thank you for sharing your feelings and experiences because the biggest lie that I often believe is “I am the only one going through this”. I have a travel & lifestyle blog, and the ‘travel’ part went downhill really fast at the start of the pandemic. It knocked me off my feet to cancel travel plans, and it took a while for me to realize that I needed to rediscover the ‘& lifestyle’ part of my blog. God has blessed me with an amazing talent for home decor and home has been at the center of life. Instead of dwelling in optimism, I found hope, and my days have been so much brighter.

    • Hey Alecia, wow! Such powerful Ah-ha moments you shared here! Rediscovering the “lifestyle” sounds SO exciting and it’s all so new and fresh for your soul! Love these words of yours: “it took a while for me to realize that I needed to rediscover the ‘& lifestyle’ part of my blog. God has blessed me with an amazing talent for home decor and home has been at the center of life. Instead of dwelling in optimism, I found hope, and my days have been so much brighter.” wow, a GIFT you are – and you definitely have a gift for words!! keep shining, sister!

  14. Bonnie you are beautiful. Even if you did loose all you all your hair. I know would not be nice. It not nice to see you loose your any of your hair. But you are a Daughter of the king of kings and that kings is Jesus. He loves you just the way you are. Hair or no hair on your head. I was bullied at on school my parents sent me too for two years a primary school. Call a name that was I was made me think I was not nice. I have forgiven the people. I moved on. At the time it hurt. A good friend sent the Father’s Love Letter. It showed me just how much our God loves us. You get it on YouTube. Put in the Father’s Love Letter. It tell you that our Father know the very hairs on your head. He knows you even before you were born. It goes on to tell you how much he loves you. So I don’t worry about what I look like. I just care what my Heavenly Father’s things on me. Not Man. I am like you presious in his sight. That is all that matters. We have hope and further. In the God who made this world and love us so much. That he sent his one and only son Jesus to die for us. Thank you for being so brave to share your story. I love you all incourage. I pray for you all. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little xxx

    • Dear Dawn, what an incredible intimacy you share with our Loving Savior through all the hard times. THank you for sharing your story. I’m so sorry you experienced bullying and hurt. So grateful our Heavenly Father holds you in his arms and will use your voice to lift others up!

  15. So lovely dear Bonnie.
    Thank you for your honesty..
    You are a wonderful lady..
    Bless you richly
    Carmel

  16. Thank you , thank you, and many thank yous!!!! Thank you for being transparent, thank you for sharing and giving hope, thank you that you would choose to put yourself out there with such delicate issue ( for women) in order to encourage others. You know this morning i was reading about how David wanted to build a house for God, and when he was told not to, he still did something. We may not be able to save others,but we sure are capable of sharing hope. God bless you beautiful friend, May the Holy Spirit guide you through this season, and may the hope of God be of great strength to continue blessing others, Blessings of rest to you and your family. Together and with God’s help we will get through this. Sending love and prayers your way.

    • Thank you, thank you for your loving words that light my heart and is like honey to my soul!! thanks for all your support on my ministry of words to encourage women! xo

  17. Bonnie, thank you for your words of encouragement. I needed these words and they spoke to me personally with all the stress in our house. Love Ruth Ann

  18. Dear Bonnie,

    Terrific that your hair loss is slowing down and you are taking care of yourself. Thank you for your thoughtful and very insightful writing. And remember to cast ALL your cares upon the Lord, even your crowning glory problem. I had the same problem when stressed and tried using Dr Hauschka Revitalising Hair & Scalp Tonic, quite good. Take care….

  19. Dear Bonnie, I’ve never really commented on your posts before but this one hit home for me as it obviously did for many others. I’ve been losing hair like crazy too, but I just thought it was age-related. But when I read your post, I realized, nope, that’s just another symptom of the anxiety and stress levels that I have been trying to function under. Three different ways the Lord said to me “be still and know that I am God“ and that is really hard for a doer/fixer like me. So thank you for your encouragement and for sharing and I loved reading all the other comments too.
    Because of this gathering of His message to me, I have decided to pursue retirement. I realize that a lot of the stress I’m enduring has to do with my job and that was a revelation that came when I was quiet enough to hear God speak. Thank you again for sharing, and God bless you!

    • Karen, having been where you are, I will say retiring was the best decision I have made in a long time. I retired 20 months ago before I was Medicare eligible and before I was full retirement age. God blessed me through that 20 months with good health and teaching me to rely on him to show me where and when to adjust my budget. I wish you all the best as you work through this.

  20. I feel like I am reading my own words when you are talking about getting lost in all the new things required of this time and the new roles. I to got to the point where I realized I was not taking care of myself. My stress was high, and I had put life on hold. And so I started hoping again, living again, making time to do things that feed my soul, taking care of myself, and lowering my stress. Yes part of it is realizing that we are worthy to be loved. By Him and others.

  21. I loved every word of this, Bonnie. Your definition of hope along with the contrast between hope and optimism especially spoke to me.

  22. Bonnie, I love your words and your posts. I don’t know how parents handle all they have to do without a pandemic. This heartbreaking time we’re going through must make it so much harder. I have struggled with hair loss for years. It’s scary. I have adjusted over time. Thanks again for reminding me we are not alone.

  23. “His love fuels your hope, and hope is the oxygen your soul breathes.”
    Bonnie,
    Thank you for reminding me of this TRUTH! I had forgotten that the (in)Courage blog is how I discovered you and your first book a few years ago! Thank you for all the time you invest in encouraging others. God delights in YOU!

  24. Bonnie,

    The pandemic changed our lives slightly. Hubby got furloughed for 6 weeks. He thought it was end of world for him. When they called him back to work he had to work extra. I was never worried because Psalm 23:4 was my go to: Yea though I walk THROUGH the valley of shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me. Thy rod & staff they comfort me. I continually reminded myself & others that God is in control of this spinning universe. He will see us through to the other side. I was continually hopeful knowing God would care for His children.

    Blessings 🙂

  25. I appreciate your insights, Bonnie. Especially, “Hope gives us permission to do things differently and to believe God will be faithful.’ And, “His love fuels your hope, and hope is the oxygen your soul breathes.”

  26. Such wise and sensitive words, much needed today, Thank you so much Bonnie for such grace filled words of encouragement.

  27. I find myself completely without hope. During the pandemic, my anxiety disorder and depression has grown into a monster I can no longer fight. I am medication resistant and I have been hard to live with this past year. My husband and adult kids (who have had to come home from university) have made it very clear that they’ve had enough of me. I’ve had enough of me too. My physical health has been badly affected and I am at my wits’ end. just done. I can’t pray anymore and this morning I told my husband I just want to die. I’m in therapy, but nothing seems to help me anymore. I feel so lost and forgotten by God and I just don’t even know how I am going to get through today alone.

  28. Dear Bonnie,
    Thank you so much for sharing your heart and,your faith. I have been dealing with a surge of anxiety attacks since a concussion from a fall in October. So your words give comfort to my soul-especially.. ” hope is seeing God’s love and care in the midst of bad circumstances. Hope is the refuge in uncertainty when optimism runs dry.” It helps me in putting things into God’s hands during this time of extra physical pain from my recent pain flare up,just when I thought I was making progress, that heightened the anxiety that I’m currently battling.
    Because of the pain I don’t always feel that I’m measuring up to ‘x standards’- whatever they may be that particular day. But after reading your post and the steps you have taken, I have renewed hope in what I can do to take care of myself without guilt or feeling that I’m avoiding something else more important that I ‘should’ be doing. And with hope and faith in God’s help I can take small steps forward (physical and emotional ones). I look forward to reading your next inspiring book. Thank you again and God Bless ❤

  29. Bonnie thank you so much for this. I am just now reading this but I am a firm believer that Gods time is always perfect!!! I am having a lot of stressful time with my marriage at the moment and my hair is also falling out. God bless you ❤️❤️