The Holy Exhale: Choosing Clarity Over Chaos

By Glenda Shelby Reynolds

Encouraged by the Word. Empowered by the Spirit.

Sister,

I began 2026 with a single word anchored deeply in my heart: Clarity.

Like many of you, I always have a to-do list, and I am always busy. With over 25 years in Human Resources and the joy of leading our Encouraging and Empowering Sisters community, my life is often a beautiful, busy roar. Strategy sessions. Leadership conversations. Prayer calls. Vision planning. And deadlines.

It is purposeful work. It is Kingdom work, but it can be overwhelming.

As January dawned, the Holy Spirit whispered something unexpected:

Be still.

This was not on the to-do list or a planned strategy. 

In the quiet of this past month, I practiced what I now call the "Holy Exhale." I became still,  I reassessed. I surrendered my agenda to God, and I loosened my grip on outcomes and leaned into obedience.

And in that stillness, something shifted.

I was enlightened.

I began noticing patterns that needed adjusting. Conversations I had rushed through. Areas where I was leading from momentum instead of revelation. I also saw promises—old prayers, quiet dreams, gentle nudges—that had been waiting patiently for my attention. Most importantly, my relationship with God deepened.

It moved from a structured morning checklist to a shepherd-and-sheep intimacy. He nurtured me. He refined my vision and reminded me that His Word is not merely inspirational reading—it is direction.

Psalm 119:105 tells us,

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

And here is what I have learned:

The lamp lights the next step.

Not the entire staircase.

If we sprint ahead, we outrun the light.

But when we walk with Him, the path is always clear.

Clarity is not about having every answer mapped out. It is about trusting the One who sees the whole path while illuminating the step-in front of you.

I entered February renewed. Refreshed and transformed.

Not because my calendar is lighter.

Not because every question has been resolved or I have all the answers.

But because I know the One who holds the answers.

And sister, that is more than enough.

So if you feel rushed, heavy, or unclear about something — it is not too late to pause. It is not too late to exhale. It is not too late to choose stillness.

Clarity is waiting in the quiet.  

With you on the journey,

~Glenda

Glenda Reynolds has a passion for the Lord and has coupled her passion into walking in her purpose “Encouraging and Empowering” women through the word of God. She is a servant, ministry leader, mentor, life coach and speaker.  She is the founder of Encouraging and Empowering Sisters, LLC. 

And servant leader, Christian mentor and coach. Glenda is a speaker for women’s conferences, a guest on podcasts, a blogger, and writer for YouVersion. Glenda is married to a minister, and they reside in the DFW area.​​

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