How Long?
Earlier today, I shared a devotion with a group of women journeying through Getting To The Root of It: A Healing Balm of Freedom. The response was incredible — messages poured in with heartfelt feedback, reflecting how deeply it resonated. Inspired by their reactions, I felt compelled to share today’s devotion here, hoping it will speak to your heart and offer encouragement on your own journey.
How Long?
Walking through Getting to the Root of It will open your eyes to the self-made prisons we often find ourselves in — or at least reveal the shackles and chains that have kept us bound.
Let’s go back to day one in the workbook and revisit Isaiah 52, which starts with, “Awake, awake, O Zion.” It goes on to say, “Free yourself from the chains on your neck, O captive Daughter of Zion.” Now, turn to John 5:4–9, where Jesus asks a powerful question: “Do you want to get well?”
Today’s devotional won’t take much of your time, but I encourage you to take the next few days and dig deep. Start by asking yourself this: “What will it take for me to get to the root, lay aside the weight, and truly be free?”
Isaiah challenges us to wake up, clothe ourselves, and remove the chains. In John, we see the struggle of getting beyond excuses — like waiting for someone else to help or blaming others for stepping ahead while we stay stuck. Could it be that we’ve become so comfortable with what’s familiar that we’re afraid to take a step of faith into the unknown?
Here are a few ways to begin identifying what might have you shackled, bound, or stuck in a place that feels too safe:
- Pay attention to the moments throughout your day when certain people, places, or situations make you feel heavy or discouraged.
- Recognize who or what tends to pull you into negative thoughts.
- Notice what drains your energy and leaves you feeling depleted.
And here are five simple ways to step into transformation:
- Wake up and move! Start your day with intention. Keep a bottle of water nearby, take a few sips, stretch, and get up. As you prepare your morning coffee, tea, or celery juice, start walking and praying. Put on some music and dance if you feel like it. Talk to Jesus and invite Him into your day.
- Let the shower be a reset. As the water falls on your face, take deep breaths. Picture the negativity, stress, or doubts washing off of you and going straight down the drain. Ask God to renew and refuel you for the day ahead.
- Get dressed with purpose. As you put on your clothes, mentally clothe yourself with the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–20). See each piece equipping you for whatever the day holds.
- Write it down. Take a few minutes to list ten things you’re grateful for. Gratitude shifts the atmosphere.
- Choose joy. Decide that no matter what happens, you will walk through the day with joy. Declare it over yourself and live it out.
Let’s agree together: It’s time to wake up, shake off the excuses, and break free!
I’d love to hear your thoughts after reading this devotion — your reflections mean so much to me. If you’re interested in diving deeper, you can download a copy of Getting To The Root of It: A Healing Balm of Freedom by clicking here. It’s a transformative 49-day journey of healing and freedom, and I’d be honored to have you join along.
This isn’t just another program — it’s a sacred invitation to break free from what’s holding you back and step boldly into the life God has called you to live. Over the next seven weeks, you’ll receive two encouraging and empowering emails per week directly from me, Gail Dudley. Together, we will focus on:
Prayer that aligns you with God’s purpose for your life.
Walking in your purpose with clarity and confidence.
Being present in the moment, fully engaged in the life God has gifted you.
Persisting through the challenges that have kept you stuck so you can uncover the freedom waiting on the other side.
This is more than a journey; it’s a deep dive into the root causes of what’s been holding you back — strongholds, self-doubt, and unresolved wounds. Together, we’ll uncover these barriers, uproot them, and replace them with the healing balm of Jesus Christ. We’ll make BOLD moves toward becoming the women and girls God created us to be.
