Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit whisper a truth you weren’t quite ready to hear?
I have—many times. Sometimes it’s gentle; other times, it’s a wake-up call.
In this post, I’m opening up about a few of those conversations—some surprising, some convicting, all filled with God’s faithfulness.
I pray these stories will stir your heart and remind you that He is still speaking. Things happen if we take the time to listen.
Are you just beginning to listen for the Holy Spirit, or have you walked with Him for years?
Either way, I hope this post will encourage you.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
Here, I share a few of my conversations through the years. I’m not very good at keeping a daily journal, so these aren’t dated. These conversations have taught me valuable lessons and offered precious insights.
A conviction about priorities
First, as a new Spirit-filled person, there is this: I apologize to the Lord.
Can you imagine it? Well, it went something like this: “Lord, I am sorry to rush through my time with you. But after a day of work, caring for family, and relaxing in front of the TV. I don’t have enough time for prayer and reading my Bible.”
I wasn’t expecting a response, but He said to me,
“I didn’t put you here to be entertained!”
Wake up, Glenda, get your priorities straight. God First!
You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3 (NIV)
A Lesson on Relationships
In this conversation, I once asked God, “Why, Lord, did you send me this man who drinks?”
And God said, laughingly, “What makes you think I sent him to you?”
I answered, but Lord, I prayed for a husband, and there he was.
To which God replied with this, “Where did you pick him up?” We met at the Moose Lodge. I must admit that it’s not the best place to meet a man who doesn’t drink. But he charmed me with his sweetness and quick wit. After my first husband, He is still a breath of fresh air.
Nevertheless, God has been with us, and by His grace, we will celebrate 39 years of marriage this month.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Marriage, Blended Families, and Faith
I can’t say it has been all roses.
There were his two ex-wives.
My controlling and abusive first husband.
And four teenagers under one roof, all moving back and forth between their parents’ houses.
At one point, we joked that one of the bedrooms needed a revolving door.
Still, in the midst of the chaos, I was praising God for giving me the daughter I longed for.
She turned three shortly after we married; she’s from his second marriage. He had total custody of her.
Then there were the two teenage stepdaughters from his first marriage.
And my two teenage sons.
Through it all, we never stopped praying and hoping to one day find my oldest son.
Whom I had given up for adoption in 1968.
So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, — Joel 2:25a (NKJV)
Sometime over the years, My Search Became a Stronghold
This conversation hurt. In November 2008, I felt the Lord tug at my heart.
He told me the search had become a stronghold because I wasn’t trusting Him.
So, I offer up a prayer and give the search up to God. Instantly, I felt lighter.
The very next day, I had a phone call, my son was looking for me!
I asked God why He was allowing me to have this reunion.
He said it all with one word, “Faithful!” Yes, He is.
That is when God gave me unspeakable joy and the peace that passes all understanding.
Gifts I could never hope to earn.
He has many gifts for each of us.
If only we would ask for the Holy Spirit to empower us and receive them.
I get stirred up when I write about them. And it makes me want to get my book out into the world.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights… — James 1:17a (NIV)
The Scarlett O’Hara Syndrome: A Call to Repentance
One of my cousins diagnosed me with Scarlett O’Hara syndrome years ago.
It means I feel the need to keep my pantry and freezer full.
Because I have declared, “I will never go hungry again.”
That mindset came from deep childhood wounds–when my siblings and I were uprooted from our stable middle-class home.
We lived for three years in extreme poverty with no security.
Recently, I have discovered that the syndrome doesn’t just involve hoarding or fear of lack. Scarlett O’Hara Syndrome can also lead some people to retreat into an unrealistic fantasy.
And even deny the reality of their circumstances. I readily accepted the first part of that syndrome because I would never have to worry about being hungry again. But I didn’t know about the second part until I looked it up. Now, this was a tough conversation, but one I’m glad I had to have to set me straight. These are important conversations that can illuminate truths we need to confront.
The Danger of Imagination
Another hard conversation
This sin the Lord called me out on is not a major one, but then again, sin is sin.
So, here it is: I have let Satan lie and trick me.
It’s a form of mental escapism.
As I lie in bed, I am not thinking of another man; I am not having romantic fantasy dreams.
No, I imagine a different life. I am a wealthy businesswoman, as if I had chosen a different path for myself and my children.
I am not selfish with my wealth; no, I give to many worthy causes.
Still, it’s not the truth. I lay there for those few minutes thinking about an altered reality.
The danger? Over time, even harmless fantasies can steal your joy and lead to discontentment with the life God has given you.
It’s like reading romance novels and looking to your spouse to live up to those male characters.
Eventually, you become dissatisfied. When that happens, what happens to your marriage, your purpose, your peace?
Am I headed for a cliff at my age, becoming unsatisfied with my life?
Satan would love nothing more than to see me and my book come to nothing!
Not today, Satan!
I am getting on my knees before my Lord and Savior.
That is where I will ask for forgiveness and deliverance from all influences of Scarlett O’Hara syndrome. Then, anything else that tries to pull me from God’s truth.
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” — Psalm 139:23–24 (NIV)
Why Repentance Still Matters
This post isn’t just about hearing from the Holy Spirit- it’s about what we do after we hear.
How do we obey? Do we correct our path, do we let Him purge our hearts and write new truths there?
Remember, repentance is more than saying I’m sorry. It’s about changing our minds and returning to the ONE who always welcomes us home: our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” — Acts 3:19 (NIV)
When have you sensed the Holy Spirit speaking into your life?
Was it a gentle nudge, a firm correction, or maybe a quiet reassurance that you’re not alone?
I’d love to hear from you.
Leave a comment below—your story is just what someone else needs to hear today.
Let’s encourage one another in faith and share our conversations.
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