Ree Boado - Author

Surrender.

I had nothing to bring to the Lord this morning but my worn out soul, anxious about the future and tired from striving in my own strength to make life work.

I wondered, do I even know what it’s like to live by the Spirit? Do any of us really? How often do we catch ourselves going through the motions of Christianity, or following our feelings and calling that the voice of God, while His Word sits right next to us, dusty and unopened.

And then I remember this human condition we’ve all suffered from since the beginning of time.

Sin.

The word that causes many to bristle for various reasons. The word that many churches don’t like to mention these days. And yet it’s the only word that truly makes sense of why we do the very things we don’t want to do. The war within. The battle we lose, again and again, in small and big ways. From inner, hateful thoughts to hidden addictions, we all carry something that keeps us trapped inside—unaware of the presence of God who is nearer than we know. Always waiting to step in with His Spirit and become the guiding force of our lives.

But this doesn’t come without surrender.

And the truest place of surrender is laying down our stubborn belief that surely we can figure things out on our own—without God. The original sin we commit all day long in silent, subtle ways.

Oh God, I turn away from my obstinance and self-determination, from trying to overcome my weaknesses and fears in my own strength. I acknowledge I cannot fight this inner battle on my own. I return to you again. Out of hiding, out of self-reliance, and into your loving arms. Teach me your ways, Lord, and lead me through this life on your terms, with your wisdom.

Amen.

God, the original artist. Wow. 😍

Christmas is a reminder that God chose nearness. Jesus did not come to observe our brokenness from afar—He entered it, carrying our wounds, our vices, and the damage left by the vices of others.

I’ve spent years trying to understand my own fractures, believing clarity would bring healing. And while self-examination has its place, it can quietly pull our attention away from the One who heals us in the first place.

Jesus remains our true center—Emmanuel, God with us. The restorer of all things. The One who invites us into communion, not perfection.

As we undergo this slow and sacred transformation of the heart, may we receive His grace, surrender even the darkest corners, and trust Him with every part of our story.

Merry Christmas, friends—from my family to yours. 🎄🩷

Hey ya’ll! A new chapter from my upcoming book is live—it's called Dismantling My Distorted Faith. It digs into the dichotomy of faith and suffering. You can read it, sign up for my email list, or pre-order the book at the link in the comments.

I’d love to hear how this chapter lands in your heart!

# NewChapter

The SpeakUp Conference was exactly what I needed.

Three days surrounded by dynamic, faith-filled leaders who spoke life, truth, and courage over us—God used every moment to affirm my identity and calling. In a surprising twist, I ended up with a hotel room all to myself, and I was actually grateful for the extra space to be alone with him.

From the powerful keynote messages and breakout sessions to the speaking critique groups and worship times, I was filled to the brim. The energy, creativity, and passion in that space reminded me that I’m not alone in this journey—and that the call is still alive.

I’m in a unique season: midlife, raising young girls, and navigating the sometimes monotonous rhythms of daily motherhood. But God keeps whispering that adventure isn’t over. That purpose stretches far beyond the walls of my home. That my story—of loss, redemption, beauty from ashes—isn’t just for me. It’s for the hurting. The wondering. The waiting.

✨ I just finished recording the full album portion of my book 🙌🏻, and now we’re moving into mixing. At the same time, I’m wrapping up final edits, organizing the artwork, layout, and cover—and learning everything I can about Kickstarter, self-publishing through Amazon, and grassroots marketing.

Whew. It’s a lot.
But God is with me, and he will give me the strength to finish this well. 💪🏻

If you’re sensing a call or nudge toward something—write the book, paint the picture, start the business, record the podcast—go at it with all your heart. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to be offered up and completed. God’s the one who opens the next door.

The first 2 pics are of my dear friend Virginia, my roomie at SpeakUp in 2019 (got to soeand a bonus day at her house in MI! 😃) and Kathe Wunnenberg, my mentor/ author/ writer of my book forward. Virgiinia is a big part of why I first got published! Kathe was the one who first invited me to this conference & helped me write a support letter! Love them!

3rd & 4th pics are of Darlene Larson (Life Coach/ Author/ Speaker/ friend) and Bruce Martin (Life Coach/ Author Speaker extraordinaire/ friend/ endorser of my book) - I took some coaching from both a couple years ago. Finally got to meet Darlene in person! I’ve made such beautiful friends at SpeakUp! 🩷

Back in the studio in Nashville today!

In just a few days, I’ll be heading back to the Speak Up Conference for writers and speakers in Grand Rapids, MI.

Six years ago, I showed up there with empty arms and a broken heart—having just lost my daughter, Wynter. I had the beginnings of a grief memoir and a quiet conviction that I was supposed to write it. I had no aspirations of becoming an author. I was just trying to breathe. To honor my daughter’s existence. To follow the breadcrumbs I believed God was laying before me.

What I found was community—encouragement, kindness, and clarity.
I met incredible people, including a dear friend who later helped me get published in a compilation book. The author who first encouraged me to attend Speak Up has now graciously written the foreword for my upcoming book, It Is Not Well With My Soul: Surviving, Healing, and Forgiving God After Tragedy. Another author I met at that very conference has written a glowing endorsement. These people—and their words—have meant the world to me.

Now, I’m returning with a completed manuscript (aside from a few final edits), and it feels really, really good.

I don’t know exactly what God has for me this time,
but I’m going with hope and open hands to receive it.

Would you please keep me in prayer?

Kids and husband are napping while I’m reflecting on Mother’s Day. I am so thankful to have two children to hold in my arms, to care for and to learn from. But I also remember past Mother’s Days where grief was heavy and I wondered if I’d ever get the experience of being a mother. We often don’t get to choose how life plays out. I could have never guessed I would finally get pregnant at 40, then lose my daughter Wynter shortly after birth. Such joy and such sorrow. Now I have Annika & Daisy that God has blessed me with and yet mothering is still a mixed bag, as is adoption. I didn’t know how much old childhood trauma would revisit me and how much age related hormonal changes could present such a challenge for me showing up as the mother I’d always hoped to be.

Mothering is a tough job. Rewarding and heart warming, absolutely, but also one of the hardest relationships I’ve ever embarked upon. I am growing, stretching , surrendering, crying out for help and learning more self compassion (and compassion for all mothers). A relationship this close is one of the most beautiful experiences. And like most beautiful experiences, there are steep hills and low valleys to tread through in order to get to the mountaintop moments.

I am exhausted many days, yet I am here for it. I don’t take it for granted. I am imperfect and short tempered more than I’d like to be, but I am a master at repairing and openly speaking of our need for God’s grace. Hopefully that makes up for my flaws!

I will always honor and miss my first daughter Wynter who made me a mommy, but I am so very thankful for God’s blessing in my life through my living daughters.

And for all of you out there feeling sorrow on this holiday, I pray you get a sense of being God’s precious daughter. He loves you like you’re his only child in the whole wide world and he is the perfect parent we can look to. 🩷