Christmas

The True Narrative

This season, I have been invited into countless stories—testimonies of real people, walking through real pain, longing for relief, clarity, answers, or change. Some hold tightly to a flicker of hope. Others have lived without it for so long that hope feels like an impossibility, a foreign language, something meant for someone else. When we are surrounded by chaos, it becomes nearly impossible to see a bigger picture—to recognize that our personal story is woven into a much grander narrative. In those dark moments, doubt creeps in, whispering, “What good could ever come from this?” The chapters we are living today may feel so dark, so overwhelming, that we begin to assume every future page will read the same.

Yet Psalm 139 reminds us: “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb… Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book.”

How do we hold onto that truth when our present-day story feels so broken? There were many seasons in my life when I longed for a rewrite—a clean slate, a chance to start again. I believed a do-over would somehow make everything right. But with time, I began to understand: even if I could rewrite my circumstances, it wouldn’t have rewritten me. Changing circumstances does not change a person.

Somewhere along the way, subtle lies slipped into my narrative—quietly, gradually—until they shaped my thoughts, emotions, and choices. I forgot that my story was always part of God’s story.

A story of rescue.

A story of forgiveness.

A story where wounds, fear, running, and loss do not get the final word.

When I look back now, I see clearly how the enemy tried to hijack my story and write an ending marked by defeat. But that was never God’s plan. Instead, He stepped into the broken chapters and offered me brand-new ones—pages of healing, growth, and redemption that I could never have penned on my own.

God is always authoring a bigger story of redemption than we can comprehend. C.S. Lewis writes, “Mere improvement is not redemption.” God wants more for us than a sprinkling of self-help. When we surrender to Him, we invite Him to move in our lives in ways we simply cannot orchestrate ourselves. And nothing—absolutely nothing—is too broken for Him to restore. This is the true narrative of Christmas.

Let Him write your story.

Let Him transform false narratives.

Let Him have the last word.

Discovering Your God-Given Gifts This Christmas Season

Hi, I’m Andy Dalton, one of the Life Coaches at Rock Solid Families. Having worked with young adults—especially young men—for the past 12 years, I’ve spent countless hours talking about calling, purpose, and the gifts God has placed in each of us. With Christmas approaching—a season of giving—I wanted to reflect on the way God gifts us not just with talents, but with mission.

What Are Our Giftings For?
When most people talk about giftings, they’re referring to abilities God has woven into their lives—public speaking, artistic skill, musical talent, athletic ability, compassion for others, and so on. It’s common for young adults to assume that these talents should directly guide their career path. Maybe you love helping people, so you pursue nursing. Or maybe you’re athletic and want to coach.
Nothing wrong with that! I wholeheartedly believe God delights when we use what He’s given us.

But Christmas reminds us that God’s gifts are always meant for His mission, not simply our success.
Which leads me to a phrase that has challenged me deeply…

“God Doesn’t Call the Equipped—He Equips the Called”
You won’t find these exact words in Scripture, but you’ll certainly see them lived out.

Moses (Exodus 4), the disciples (Matthew 4), and the early church (1 Corinthians 1) remind us that God often chooses those who feel unprepared for the mission He gives them. Christmas itself is the ultimate example—God sent His Son in the most unexpected form: a baby in a manger.
So what does this phrase really mean?

Is it telling us to ignore our talents and leap into the unknown?
Not exactly.

A Gift Given Becomes a Gift Offered
Let me introduce you to Beth.

Beth is gifted in art, but she doesn’t love large groups. Teaching sounds overwhelming. Yet she senses God leading her into an art classroom. Why? Because her gentle nature and compassion match what her students desperately need. Her artistic gift becomes a doorway to mission. God uses what she already has—and then equips her further as she steps forward in faith.


Now, meet Robert.
He works in business and is great at it. His ability to connect with people led him to a sales career. But over time, he feels God tugging him somewhere quieter—toward country life, homeschooling, and building community. Though it stretches him in new ways, the calling becomes a mission field for his family. God isn’t wasting his gifts—He’s redirecting them for a new purpose.

My Story
This Christmas, I find myself resonating with both Beth and Robert. For years, I thought I was settled into a career that fit my natural abilities perfectly. Yet slowly, God began stirring my heart toward something different—a call that felt bigger than my confidence. As my family and I prayed, the phrase kept returning:
“God doesn’t call the equipped—He equips the called.” So here I am—stepping out of my comfort zone and into a new mission with Rock Solid Families, trusting that Jesus will guide me just as He guided those He has called throughout history.

Christmas: A Season of Calling
At Christmas, we celebrate the greatest gift of all—Jesus. But we also remember that His coming was a call to mission. The shepherds left their fields. The wise men left their country. Mary and Joseph followed God’s voice, even when it made no earthly sense. Their giftings weren’t the point, their obedience was.

And as they obeyed, God equipped them. The same is true for you and me.

So, What About You? This isn’t an article designed to answer where God is calling you. Instead, I hope it encourages a conversation—maybe around the dinner table this Christmas, or in quiet moments with the Lord.


Ask Him:

  • Where are You leading me?

  • How have You gifted me for Your mission?

  • What step of faith are You inviting me to take?

  • with trusted believers who know you well. Seek wise counsel.

Talk with trusted believers who know you well. Seek wise counsel. And remember—your story is unique. God rarely writes the same script twice.

The Gift of Trust
I don’t have all the answers—far from it. But here’s what I’ve learned:

  • Jesus has never led me astray.

  • When He calls, He provides.

  • His mission always calls us to trust - not just our abilities, but His power.


This Christmas, as we celebrate God’s greatest gift, may we remember that we are also gifted for His mission. Sometimes that mission aligns perfectly with our talents; other times, God grows us into new territory. Either way, He equips us for the journey. May you follow Him boldly, trust Him deeply, and enjoy the ride.


Merry Christmas, God bless, and walk in His calling!

Peace over Perfection at Christmas Time

As you’re reading this blog, it could be at a time when you are trying to relax, laying in bed, or even when you’re “doom scrolling”/zoning out on your phone to procrastinate on all of the responsibilities that are being thrown at you as you prepare for Christmas. If you relate to this you might be in a position where you are in the weeds of the details and logistics of planning for Christmas. But is this the true meaning of Christmas? If we are blatantly honest with ourselves, the meaning of Christmas isn’t about all of the fluffy extras: gifts, perfect home decor, best outfit, everyone getting along… you see where I’m going with this. It is about reflecting and meditating on the miracle of Jesus coming to us in the flesh in a manger to showcase his love for us. Jesus’ birth fulfilled God’s promise of a Messiah, bringing hope, peace, and joy to a broken world. His arrival marked the beginning of God’s plan to reconcile us to Himself through His life, death, and resurrection! I’m not saying that the fluffy extras are bad, but they should not be what is the driving factor for you in celebrating Christmas.

Let go of perfection:

I recently read a great way to describe the pressure that the world puts on us as we prepare for Christmas; to make everything perfect. However, if we pause and remember why we celebrate Christmas in the first place we are reminded that Jesus entered our imperfect world in a humble stable, not a five-star inn. If your tree is lopsided or the cookies burn, let it be a reminder that God’s grace meets us in our imperfections.

Consider the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42. While Martha was distracted by preparations, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to Him. Jesus gently reminded Martha that Mary had chosen what was better. This story teaches us that it’s more important to focus on Christ’s presence than on perfect appearances.

Healthy Boundaries this Christmas:

Christmas is also a time to be intentional about how you spend your time. It’s important to ask yourself, are you able to spend time with God if you are running around to all of the places, possibly out of guilt? Or maybe you find yourself in situations feeling obligated to be there because you do not want to hurt someone’s feelings. Holidays can be a little tricky as so many people are usually involved. However, I want to remind you that at the end of the day, YOU are responsible for your feelings, behaviors, and attitudes, NOT for others. Of course, you should still care for others, BUT you should not sacrifice your boundaries, your peace, and your own time in the midst of caring for others. 

As you navigate the Christmas season, remember that peace isn’t found in perfectly executed plans but in the presence of Christ. By keeping your eyes on Him, you can experience a Christmas filled with peace and joy that only He can provide. Let this be the year you truly embrace this! You are the only one in control of what you say yes and no to!


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