e5 Sacred Rest Series: The Advent of Surrender

Sister Soul Care

Overview

In this episode, we explore the story of Mary and her radical surrender to God’s plan as revealed in Luke 1:26-38. Mary’s “yes” to the angel Gabriel was not a sign of weakness but of profound trust and strength. Together, we’ll reflect on what it means to surrender our own fears, expectations, and limitations to God. For Black women, who are often burdened with societal pressures to always be strong, this episode invites us into a sacred rest—one that comes from trusting God’s way, even when it seems impossible.

I’ll share a personal story about my call to ministry and how surrendering to God’s strength transformed my path. We’ll close with a prayer, reflection prompts, and resources to help you embrace God’s call in your own life.

Prayer Practice

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

For our prayer journey, we’ll use Guided Meditation to explore the surrender inspired by Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel. This practice invites you to:

1. Quiet yourself and imagine standing before God.
2. Acknowledge the fears or doubts that hold you back.
3. Offer those fears to God, saying, “Let it be to me according to your word.”
4. Rest in God’s presence, trusting that surrender leads to peace.

This prayer practice mirrors Mary’s faith and reminds us that true strength is found in letting go and trusting God to lead the way.

Reflection Prompts

1. Picture it. You are Mary. Gabriel comes to you with some news that seems impossible and a bit scary. What are the first words that come out of your mouth? Be honest.
2. When it comes to surrendering, what is your greatest challenge?
3. As Black women, we’ve been socialized to be strong, to carry burdens, and to never show weakness. What does it look like to surrender when the world tells us always to push forward?
4. What if, like Mary, true strength is in surrendering our control to a God who sees and knows us? How can you embrace the sacred rest that comes from fully trusting God, even when it feels counter to the messages we receive about strength?
5. Mary is not asked to be perfect. She’s not expected to carry the burden alone. Instead, she’s invited into a divine rest that comes from fully trusting in God's plan, even when it doesn’t make sense and even when fear and doubt rise up in her. How can you embrace Mary’s mindset for your own life?
6. How can we, like Mary, offer our "yes" in uncertainty?
7. How can we find peace in letting go? What does divine strength look like for us, as Black women, when we allow ourselves to rest in God’s care?
8. How can surrender nurture hope, peace, joy, and love in your life during this Advent season?
9. Reflect on a time when God asked you to surrender and you did. What did it feel like? How can you hold onto that memory as a source of hope this Advent season?
10. How can we find peace in surrender? What does it look like to truly rest in God's plan for our lives?

Closing Prayer

God, we admit it—we are afraid of the word *surrender*, especially when it comes to our own strength. Too often, we hold on tightly, believing that letting go means losing control. When we fail to surrender, remind us that it’s not our strength we’re forfeiting but our trust in you. Lord, help us in our unbelief.

Teach us that, as Black women, we don’t have to cling to strength so tightly that it harms us or those we love. Regardless of what culture demands, help us know that true strength lies in your care. Take our mustard seed faith and grow it into a trust that moves mountains, as we entrust you to be our ultimate strength.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Resources and Next Steps

Free Resource: Download my free guide, “Unmasking the Super Shero: Five Questions That Can Heal Your Life,” to help you discern God’s will through prayer and journaling. DOWNLOAD HERE

Book Mentioned: From Stressed to Sabbath Rest: Healing Super Sheroes Who Do Too Much—a 6-week journey to healing and rest. Available on Amazon.

Next Steps: Join the Sister Soul Care Collective, a sacred space where we journey together toward wholeness as beloved daughters of God. JOIN HERE.

Connect with Me:

Website: https://patriceonline.com

Instagram: @patriceonline.com

Podcast: Sister Soul Care: Sanctuary for Black Women’s Journey to Wholeness