The Valley of the Shadow

                                                                      TBI (Transforming Betterment Internally)                                                                         A reflection by Joshua Michael-Sievers  My traumatic brain injury has become a training ground where the Master Physician and Healer is transforming betterment internally (TBI).  Each day, confusion, dizziness, and slowed cognition remind me that discipleship is not measured by efficiency, but by dependence. Short-term memory loss requires prayer and Scripture to be revisited agai...

                                                  A Call to Leave inspired by "It is Well" and Psalm 23                                                                                                          A Statement and Reflection in regard to leaving a career in Ministry                                                                 ...

                              Psalm 143 on Michal Tkachenko's The Valley of the Shadow 1, oil on canvas, 48”x 36”, 2025.                                                                        Move: Good Spirit lead me on level ground!                                                                             A reflective devotion and update by Joshua Michael-Sievers  This past week, has been all about move(ment), as I continue to journey through the Valley of t...

Slow Down, A reflection by Joshua Michael-Sievers  This Sunday, I experienced The Porter’s Gate for the first time when I heard two of their songs in a church service: “Slow Me Down” and “Nothing to Fear.” I didn’t arrive feeling strong and serene. My body carried the weight of recovery, with eye strain and brain fog. Through the service, I struggled to stay present and participated. While I struggled to listen and engage, I realized afterward that the Holy Spirit had brought me there to hear exactly those two songs. On Monday, the nudge felt even clearer in relation to Porter's Gate. On a lunch date, my server’s name was Porter. It was a small detail, but it landed as a holy, annointed, and appointed moment. Our heavenly Father sees me in this season, and He is still speaking—patiently, quietly, in ordinary moments. Recently, I had a small moment that made me fully embrace life as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) patient. I booked a MODO car. MODO is a B.C.-based car-sharing co-ope...

My paternal aunt wrote to me some time ago, with the above quote. It is in regard to my accident recovery.  The analogy of grain becoming bread only after it is processed, refers to when the Shepherd’s care happens in quiet places where we are strengthened. It is often in the quiet, that we hear the still voice.  A slower pace can  help the soul heal.  During my time in the Valley of Shadow, still waters  (Psalm 23:2-3)   are not just a pretty picture to me; they are a mercy. I am learning that being honest about creating margins for rest and renewal, is not a weakness or detour. Creating these margins, is about being honest about the need for shepherding love, rest, and renewal.  It is hard for me to share about the intellectual and psychological deficits    (2 Corinthians 12:9)  I am having. This has been a slow, humbling process that gives me perspectives on what patients go through. It is interesting being a patient, rather than the ...