About the Author
Cathy Boyd Byrd invites others to join her in considering topics of interest to those on the Christian spiritual journey…..discipleship, spirituality, mental health, Christian growth, and Bible study. Cathy enjoys working with others as they transition from emotional emergency and brokenness to spiritual emergence and abundant living! Many of the topics about which Cathy writes are interrelated as experienced in her own life and in the lives of those with whom she works in counseling, teaching, and case management, and in friendships. She believes that sharing our journey of Christian growth and spirituality helps us know God and ourselves better and connects us with others!
Cathy is a Christian Educator and Life Recovery Counselor, and an ordained deacon through Christian Leaders Institute. She serves as Community Outreach MInister at Lynn Haven United Methodist Church. She is a student (disciple) of the Holy Spirit and shares with her students (disciples) the things the Lord teaches her through Bible study and contemplation, incorporating experiences interpreted through the Word, cherished traditions of her faith, and reasoning that comes from seeking the mind of Christ in accountable community. She was widowed in August 2020 after 48 years of marriage to Bill Byrd, is mother of 2 and grandmother of 5. Her journey of faith has been lifelong and continues to be an adventure with the trailblazer and guide, Jesus Christ!
Cathy is the founder and program manager for a Christian women’s residential life recovery program, Titus 2 Partnership, Inc.(www.titus2.life) in Panama City, Florida.
Godly Sorrow
There was a news story a few years ago about a father who had exercised public "shaming" of his daughter who had habitually stolen from and lied to her parents and others. The teen was forced to wear a sign in a public area. Her father videoed it and posted it on Facebook. The discussion on television was about whether this was appropriate. What is the impact on the one who is shamed? Is it abuse or is it an acceptable "natural consequences" of bad behavior? I have dealt recently with a pattern of lying with some adults. Getting caught and "called out" in community can lead to repentance and...
Wisdom from Dr. Henry Cloud: Emotionally Present
From Dr Henry Cloud Being emotionally present and connected while we are confronting another person is the first essential of a good conversation. It truly requires a work of grace in us. Being present refers to being in touch and in tune with our own feelings as well as those of the other person. This is an important skill, because when we are "there"—that is, emotionally present—we are available to the other person. They are not shut off from us while we are telling them a difficult reality about themselves and the relationship. It is hard for anyone to absorb a confrontation. Presence and...
For Daddy’s 73rd Birthday
73 Reasons Why You Are Special To Me Because you set such a good example as a Father that it was easy for me to understand the concept of God as a Father. Because you woke us up in the middle of the night to give us a drink of water. Because you bought sacks full of Howell burgers. Because you lit the kitchen and bathroom heaters before waking us up. Because you went to church with us. Because you taught us to bray like a donkey. Because you got us Buddy the pony. Because you grieved with us when Floppy died. Because you put twenty dollar bills in the medicine cabinet. Because you...
Formidable Enemies
June 24, 2018 Sermon: “Formidable Enemies” Responsive reading: Psalm 9 Leader: The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. People: Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Leader: Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done. People: For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cries of the afflicted. Leader: Lord, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death, that I may declare your praises in...
Revelation 13-14: The Beasts and Ideological Totalitarianism
Written 7/2/2015: My understanding of Rev. 13:1-14:20: First beast (from the “sea)- represents moral depravity, evil, systems or philosophies of thought -The “sea” is the place of Leviathan- which is fearsome and evil -This beast is fearsome (evidenced by the animals’ appearances) -It is given the power and authority of the dragon (satan) -It enthralls the earth -It is haughty and blasphemous to God -It is allowed by God. -It is all over the earth. Second beast (from the “earth)- arises out of and reflects and encompasses the institutions of man, represents...
From Hearing To Repenting To Doing
T.M. Moore of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview writes about the "third fruit" of hearing the Word of God......good works: "John Calvin wrote that a true church exists where the Word of God is preached and heard. Just because people are listening to preaching and teaching, or even participating in a Bible study group, or just because they are celebrating Christmas each year, does not mean that they are hearing the Word of God as God intends. In many ways, the famine of hearing God’s Word, which the prophet Amos foresaw, has settled on the evangelical Church in this country. But how...
Laughing Again, Even In Grief
Inspirational humorist, Patricia Lorenz is a writer and speaker who entertains an audience and packs a wallop with her take-away messages. Readers of her thirteen original books and many contributions to the Chicken Soup series enjoy her unique perspective on life, love, and laughter. She writes in a book of quotes "I always tell my writing students, 'In order to be a good writer, you must unzip your soul and expose your foibles." I realize that the moments I have been most touched by others - whether in a sermon or a testimony or a book - have been those moments when I have been given a...
It Takes Two
Observation from seven years ago: "It seems that a number of young men who have provided the biological material to young women to procreate have decided that the American people by default have graciously agreed to raise their children. Once the young woman declines to get an abortion, the attitude from young men seems to be, "Not my problem. Raise it yourself." I have heard from more young women or someone calling on their behalf lately who are looking for public agency or private charitable support - free housing, transportation, diapers, and everything else. What are young people today...
Listening to Summer
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. It is clear to me that summer is part of God's plan to teach us how to carve out more rest time, more solitude time with him, reflecting on his goodness and the assurance of his presence in the midst of life's trials. While one can seldom see the "why's" in the midst of them, God is faithful to show his plan in his time. Thank God for the slower summer pace that gives us time to not only listen, but to understand and grow in trust.
Depression Vs. Anxiety
Truth can be found in lots of places because truth is truth. I have become convinced that depression and anxiety are flip sides of the same coin.... Depression arises from being emotionally stuck in the past where regrets, resentments, and fading hope reside; anxiety arises from emotionally anticipating a future one can't see and where fears loom large. Living in the present.....on the thin edge between the two is our challenge. That is where Christ invites us to experience the balance that his strength and provision offers.