In what moments or circumstances is it most difficult for you to be silent? Perhaps you see an injustice that is being unaddressed. Maybe your reputation or livelihood is being incorrectly questioned. Someone might be speaking ill of something you hold dearly to be true. Or it could be in a situation where you simply know more. In a world that is more verbal than ever, we are surrounded by opinions and facts hidden behind every click and scroll. We carry the world’s information in our pocket, alongside the views that others hold staunchly to with little restrictions on how, when, or why those opinions are shared. I’m wondering if, along the way, we’re losing the art of silence. More importantly, I’m worried that we are losing the discipline of being silent before our God. The book of Exodus gives us some of the most demonstrative manifestations of God’s power for His people. Following the harrowing plagues in Egypt and the exodus of God’s people from the tyranny of Pharaoh, the Israelites faced what seems to be an impossible irony: Literally sitting between their oppressors and their longsaught freedom was the magnificent Red Sea. What a tease that would [...]

Hey Teachers, You're in the heart of another school year. Some days feel longer than others and the needs of your students, families and communities just seem to keep growing. As swHw women, we realize that you shoulder many of those needs. We see what a gift you are and we recognize the heavy load you carry as you continue to commit to shaping the lives of tomorrow's leaders. Some days end and you feel unheard and under-appreciated - so let us shout as loud as we can: WE'RE SO GRATEFUL FOR YOU!  We need you. Our kids need you. KEEP GOING! In an effort to encourage you, many of our swHw Network members have written prayers they're personally and genuinely praying on your behalf. We hope you'll keep this close by for the days you need to be reminded of your incredible purpose and continued impact on the next generation. Lord, I ask for continual refreshing for our teachers. That their jobs would be a delight and not a chore and that through them students would learn about kindness and humility. (Leah Hazelwood, special educator) God, we ask that in the schools where they aren’t allowed to say [...]