I had the distinct honor of speaking an evening with women from Sheffield Family Life Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
If you’ve read me for while, you know that was my church before I married my husband. It meant so much to present there.
It was a wonderful time of fellowship, praise, and worship.
May I always stay “amazed” by God’s awesome greatness! Many thanks to First Lady Annette Westlake, my dear friend Brenda Lax and the entire Women’s Ministry leadership team for letting me “come home” for a bit.
Also, much gratitude to all my friends, sisters, family, and babies from my home church. Your support and love humble me. You’re living proof of God’s grace, love, and care.
Ok. As promised, here’s the PowerPoint: click here to download the link for your Christian workshop or event.
Remember, being a woman of “excellence” starts, ends, and concludes with “prompt, whole-hearted action, obedience, and submission to God’s direction.
It’s all about Him, Amen?
The Value of Looking Back: A Visit to My Old Church
This past weekend, I walked through the doors of a church that shaped my early walk with the Lord.
It was my old church—humble, familiar, and full of memories.
The pews haven’t changed much. The songs were different, but the spirit felt the same. And as I sat in that sanctuary, something deep stirred inside me.
Gratitude. Reflection. Renewal.
I didn’t expect it to hit me so hard, but it did.
And it reminded me of this powerful truth: there is value in looking back.
Why We Should Look Back (Sometimes)
I’m learning that the act of remembering isn’t just sentimental—it’s spiritual.
Throughout Scripture, God constantly reminds His people to remember what He has done.
“Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.”
Psalm 105:5 (NIV)
God doesn’t tell us to look back to live in the past. He tells us to look back so we can carry strength into our future.
My Visit—and What It Taught Me
As I walked through that old church, I thought about the prayers I had prayed in that building. The tears I had shed at that altar. The moments of joy, confusion, surrender, and hope that shaped my faith there.
I remembered the people who poured into me when I didn’t even realize how much I needed it.
It wasn’t a perfect church. But it was perfect for that season of my life.
And standing there now—older, maybe wiser, definitely more grateful—I could see just how far God had brought me.
It wasn’t the building that changed me. It was God’s faithfulness that met me in that place.
Looking Back Helps Us See Growth
You know what’s hard? Realizing how much you’ve changed when you’re always focused on what’s next.
We’re constantly working toward new goals, new growth, new healing. But every now and then, it’s worth stopping to say:
“Wow, look how far I’ve come.”
That’s what looking back does—it allows us to recognize spiritual growth we may have missed.
That fear you used to carry? It’s lighter now.
That brokenness you once cried over? God used it for good.
That season that nearly took you out? It didn’t.
Looking back puts your journey into perspective.
It reminds you that God really has been with you the entire time.
Don’t Forget Where You Came From
There’s something sacred about returning to the places that built you.
Whether it’s an old church, a childhood neighborhood, a spiritual mentor’s living room, or even pages of an old prayer journal…
These spaces can ground you. They remind you of your “why.” They anchor you in your identity and help you stay humble.
Deuteronomy 8:2 (NIV) says, “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years…”
Even the “wilderness” seasons deserve reflection.
It’s Not About Glorifying the Past
Let me be clear: this isn’t about living in the past.
It’s not about putting old seasons on a pedestal or wishing for what used to be.
Instead, it’s about learning to carry lessons forward.
Sometimes we forget what we’ve survived.
Sometimes we lose sight of just how powerful God’s mercy has been in our lives.
Looking back helps us remember—and that memory gives us fuel to keep going.
What About You?
Have you ever taken time to revisit the places or people that shaped your early faith?
Maybe it’s time for a visit.
Call the person who first led you to Christ.
Read your old journal entries.
Visit the church where you were baptized.
Look through photos from a past season and remember what God brought you through.
This isn’t nostalgia—it’s gratitude in motion.
Practical Ways to Reflect Spiritually
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas to practice the value of looking back:
Start a “Remember Journal”
Keep a section in your journal to record the ways God has moved in your life. When prayers are answered or peace comes after a storm, write it down.
Create a “Spiritual Timeline”
On a piece of paper, draw a line and mark the major moments of your spiritual journey. Include the tough times too—they tell a story of God’s sustaining grace.
Write a Letter to Your Younger Self
Reflect on what you’ve learned and how God carried you. It’s healing. It’s powerful. And you’ll likely be surprised at how far you’ve come.
A Simple Prayer
Lord, thank You for where I’ve been. Thank You for what You’ve done. Help me never forget the moments You showed up, carried me, and grew me. Remind me that every season—past and present—is shaping me for Your purpose. Amen.
Journal Prompt
Take a few quiet moments to reflect and write:
What has God brought me through that I haven’t thanked Him for lately?
Final Encouragement: Look Back…Then Look Ahead
Your past doesn’t define you—but it does develop you.
Your former church, former self, former struggles… they all helped shape the woman you are today.
So yes, look back. Let it inspire you, ground you, and fill you with gratitude.
Then keep moving forward with joy and faith, knowing God’s not done yet.
Because He’s the same God back then… and He’s still good now.
it truly is all about Him – amen!