Echoes of Joy Blog

The Stories We Tell Ourselves

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” (Proverbs 18:13)

I struggle with personalization—where I think someone’s actions or comments are aimed at me, specifically, even when there’s no clear indication that the person meant it that way. For instance, if a friend doesn’t respond to a text by the time I think she should, I might start to think that she doesn’t want to talk to me. That leads to a spiral where I replay everything I’ve said or done that could have been misinterpreted as offensive. Then I end up believing that, not only does she not want to talk to me, but I have also done irreparable damage to our friendship (by doing something I have no memory of). When she eventually responds and tells me about her sick child and the complications of running the household while also being sick herself, I realize the delayed response had nothing to do with me. Continue reading “The Stories We Tell Ourselves” →

The Justice System

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.  Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” (Romans 8:33-34)

Recently, I received a jury duty summons. I, along with approximately 1,200 others, showed up on the specified day and spent the day participating in our justice system. On that day, three jury trials were to begin. Ultimately, I wasn’t selected to serve, but I sat in the audience with bated breath all day, waiting to see if my name would be called. Watching the process up close gave me insight into the process—and human nature—that I’ve never had before. Continue reading “The Justice System” →

Directionally Challenged

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Many years ago, my mom and I attended a women’s conference in Oklahoma City. I drove, as is our custom. I can’t remember if I had a GPS system or if I had printed out the maps from MapQuest (it was that long ago). Either way, I wasn’t all that familiar with many areas of the city back then, and after dinner, I found myself turned around, in the dark, trying to find my way back to our hotel. I missed our exit, which meant I was now heading away from the hotel instead of toward it, and I started to panic. We were lost, and it was my fault. I didn’t know what to do. Continue reading “Directionally Challenged” →

Words of Encouragement

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today'” … (Hebrews 3:13)

This summer, my mom’s oldest brother passed away. My uncle was a big part of my life growing up and when I became an adult. In fact, I can’t remember a time when he wasn’t around. He and my aunt lived just down the street from us. I spent countless hours at their house playing with my cousins. When I visited my grandma, he would often pop in while I was there. He told the funniest stories, and he always had a joke. My grandma’s laughter would ring out, and it was so contagious that even if I didn’t understand the joke, I would laugh along too.

One of my favorite memories of my uncle comes from a very difficult season in my life. When I was going through my divorce, I reached out to him because I needed someone to talk to. Not only was he my uncle, but he was also my pastor. He listened with kindness, offered encouragement, and reminded me that I still had something to contribute. Continue reading “Words of Encouragement” →

When We Drift

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:8)

A little over a year ago, I had a stress fracture in my right foot and had to wear a boot for two months. (I wrote about that experience here.) Now, all these months later, I continue to have issues with the joint between my right hip and my thigh, the hip flexor. Most days, I don’t notice anything. But every once in a while, my hip aches or I have a catch in my hip when I stand and walk after sitting for an extended period. Earlier this year, in March, I tried running a short distance, and my hip flexor ached constantly for about two months.

When my hip gave me trouble during this time, I went to the doctor, who gently scolded me for running—it was too much too soon, she said. She instructed me to walk or do low-impact exercises only. Then I did some research on exercises that will strengthen that joint. The truth is, I’m getting older and most likely have some arthritis making that joint weaker, even without the added burden of walking off-balance in a boot for two months. Continue reading “When We Drift” →