Tranquil Transitions

On By K.L. HaleIn Holiday

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

Hebrews 11:6

Tranquil-treaties, transfers, and trade. Transitions. Inauguration, instrumental intercessions, and international interest. Recently I joined approximately 600 women from around the globe. Our posture and position on prayer was powerful. Prayers of relief (for our friends in California & other disasters), prayers to move mountains, and prayers of warfare. Meditative prayers and prayers of silence. Can we tread through transitions with tranquility, transparency, and trust? God didn’t suggest I keep the faith or not worry–he commanded it. Tranquil transitions.

Have faith💚

K.L. Hale's avatar

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

©2020-2025 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.

Discover more from Flannel with Faith

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

82 thoughts on “Tranquil Transitions”

  1. This is a great MLK, Jr themed post, Karla. Another one of my favorite quotes of his is: “We may have arrived in separate ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”
    I’m glad to hear you had a great conference with 599 other women. That’s a lot of girl power, and God power too! Blessings.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, David!
      I love that quote~thank you for sharing!
      A lot of girl and God power~lol~ yes!
      I hope you’re well, my friend. I’ll go visit your place! Many blessings to you and yours.🥰

      Reply

    1. Kate!!! I’m so HAPPY to know you are well, dear friend. I love it when you’re around. It’s not the same without you. I swim around in the deep looking for you–;-). Knowing you’re taking care of your soul, mind, and body the best possible, I pray. Thank you for your lovely comment, friendship, and support. XX ❣️❣️❣️

      Reply

      1. Oh you are so lovely Karla, I think of you often but have had a self-ban on distraction until I completed my book and had it ready for pitching. I love writing poetry and connecting on WordPress but it gives me the impession I am producing when actually I’m just having a lot of chatting 😉

    1. Hi, Tippy! It’s so good to “see” you, my friend. It was more than cold up north in K.C. this past weekend so I “warmed” up by coming home to the southern region (Kansas Chiefs Fans didn’t feel the cold? lol). Thank you for reading and supporting me. I do pray for peace. And mittens are a great suggestion! Lol. I hope you are all doing the best possible, too.

      Reply

      1. Thanks. The Chiefs are a great team. I don’t know how they keep winning, with all the injuries they’ve suffered. I guess they’re smart, even when it smarts. But we’ll see how they do next weekend.

      2. You’re welcome! Yes, they’ve barely squeaked a few out. I think next week but be as tough as a Super Bowl game. It would be neat to see a threepeat!

  7. Dr. King was quite the quote-worthy guy! Great work in picking the ones you picked, Karla. Tumultuous times they were, back in the days of Dr. King.

    One of the most powerful and dramatic speeches I have ever heard was King’s last speech the night before his death. It was a powerful speech all the way through, but it is the final portion, the ‘I’ve been to the mountain top’ portion, that is stunning. I have never tired of watching that speech to the end, and I do not think I have ever watched it with dry eyes.

    Standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, on the spot where he died, was moving beyond words. Especially after watching the speech immediately prior to that moment. If one gets the chance to go there and do that, it should be done. To me, it had the feel of hallowed ground in the same way that the Gettysburg battlefield and the Little Big Horn battlefield felt.

    Strength, courage, and honor. Faith, hope, and love. O, that we could all live by these. O, that I could live by them each day. We, too, might have a dream.

    Thank you for the post, Karla.

    Tim

    Reply

    1. Tim, how beautiful, my friend. When I watch it, it moves me to tears. I can’t imagine hearing it in real-time. What an experience and memory.
      I’ve been so close to there on occasions and will make it a point to stop. “Hallowed ground like Gettysburg and Little Big Horn”–I’ve been to both of those and understand that feeling. I know I’d feel that way about that spot, too.

      I’ll not lose faith in the transitions of life. It’s the stuff of humanity. MLK’s faith and legacy are such an inspiration! May God lead our leaders and continue moving those that believe in a way that honors and glorifies HIM.
      We know and believe that “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

      God bless you and Rascal, dear friend. I pray you are both doing well! Thank you for being here!

      Reply

  10. wonderful post Karla. Not to mention all the Transitions of your last year. Prayer is God’s way of saying “come sit, be a part of what I’m doing….and yes, I can and will do that….in my time”

    Reply

    1. Beautiful words, Gary. Thank you, dear friend. “In my time”. Amen. You understand this well.
      I’ve learned things in the first 20 days of the year that I haven’t thought before to this level, Gary. It’s through two specific studies that I’m participating in~ perhaps it’s not the information as much as how my heart, mind, and soul were prepared to digest this …now. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 prayers for you and the girls in this frigid winter.

      Reply

  11. Great MLK Jr quotes! Love these!
    Thanks for your comment on my blog. My heart goes out to the victims and survivors of the LA fires. I will feel forever indebted to any/all first responders. Simply amazing human beings. Amazing.
    Strangely, it doesn’t trigger my loss. The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays trigger my loss. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I am finally feeling more myself this week after doing the “week of less” and resetting my mental game. ☺️
    Peace and blessings to you Karla! Sending prayers that you have an amazing week!

    Reply

    1. Thank you, dear friend, for your thoughtful and heartfelt response. I can’t help but think of you and your family through this devastating loss~ going back to when I met you when you were all in the RV. There you were, continuing educating your kids through it ALL. You inspire me!! Always have! I know your level of empathy is unlike no other~you’ve been there.
      The bravery and strength is matched by those responders walking into the fires to do what’s necessary to save lives. I’m in awe. 🥹
      I’m so happy to feel you’re doing better after the Sabbath week. I have to reset my mental game frequently (every few hours? Daily?). These inconsistent life cycles are only temporary even though they FEEL long. We can keep our eye on eternity together, my friend. Peace, love, and blessings to all of you~ keep living the abundant life in him! ♥️🙏🏻♥️❤️

      Reply

  14. Karla, thank you for a beautiful post! Wow 600 hundred women praying and you were one of them! There is power in prayer and to God be the glory!

    Love you my friend. I have prayed for you this morning🙏🏻❤️

    Reply

    1. Thank you, sweet Pam ♥️🙏🏻
      It continues to be an ongoing meeting~ each Tuesday ~ across the globe. ZOOM CAN be powerful. It’s how I’ve connected with my amazing cancer group. Where two or more gather!
      It’s so encouraging and uplifting. I continue to learn and grow, Pam.
      I love you and hold you all in my heart and prayers. You’re precious.♥️🙏🏻❤️🎶💚 thank you for your love and prayers.

      Reply

  17. What a wonderful tribute to an incredible human being that truly gave his heart and soul, Karla!! I love this post and the optimism you share! It’s so needed right now!! Hugs my kid sis with the biggest heart of gold ever. Love you ❤️

    Reply

      2. Aww, thank you, sweet C. Sometimes I don’t even recognize myself in the mirror. It’s been almost 3 years since I had a “color” on my hair. Compared to my golden blonde days, this do is my natural. All my family’s natural red, mixed with a bit of blonde, brown, and now, a few grays. I’ve had a few bald spots appear and the texture has changed. I told my twin once that I don’t always recognize myself when looking in the mirror. But I SEE myself the way God sees me now. Lighting definitely makes a difference–and HIS light is one I hope to never lose! I love you! THANK YOU.❣️❣️

      3. You know I feel the same way. It’s scary sometimes actually. brown, blonde, red or gray, always beautiful and love your all naturale.. looks good. I love this ” But I SEE myself the way God sees me now.” YOU SHINE WITH THAT LIGHT ALWYS AND you are the best disciple. I have a great song that was just released that Rhonda did.. hoping to share it on Fri-Yayyyyy. Awwww I love you to the moon and back! 💓

      4. I’m looking forward to hearing that song, Cindy. Way to go, big sis! Thank you for being you. I love you to the moon and back! ❤️🤍🎶

  20. Thank you for this inspiring post, Karla! Indeed, we CAN tread confidently through transitions with tranquility, transparency, and trust. God gives us this assurance. The amount of fear emanating across the airwaves and “medias’ distort the true quality of our character. Thank you for these powerful words reminding us who we are and can be.

    Reply

    1. It’s my blessing, dear sister. Thank YOU for your heartfelt and wise words! “God gives us this assurance.” Erika, I have a feeling you’re this way—do you fear…anything? If I stop to even think about things what I fear the most is what might happen to a loved one–BUT EVEN–I have SO MUCH faith in God, that the fear is completely fractured before it can take a hold. God needs us using the power and authority he had granted us. Many will “worry” and say, ‘It’s just a personality trait.” As if we are powerless. That God is powerless. And that prayer doesn’t work. Or meditating on HIS word. I wonder what this world would be like if everyone put down their phones and stopped listening to the media. If we went to places in person…talked face to face rather than text….started in our own families rather than sharing opinions on everything on every type of platform available. We can be what God designed us to be. And how will they know us if we don’t love? I’m speaking to the choir—you understand what I mean. I love you, Erika. I pray you are healing and hiking, dear friend.

      Reply

      1. Oh I have been afraid many times in my life – but those times proved in the end that I have truly have nothing to fear – life will bring what it will my way and by the grace of God I meet it as best I can. Like you, my greatest fears are losing those I love. And yet I trust that even death cannot surpass God’s peace and surety. Its a bit COLD for hikes right now – but I did get a great 7 mile woods wander in on Sunday – the temp was 13 degrees -so it was definitey invigorating – and yes brought tranquiity to my soul. Love you too, my sister – everything about you!!

  21. Beautiful words Karla, and a delight to hear the power of prayer in your group. It took me a long time to discover that in prayer, ever thinking there were no real results. But the more I saw and understood in God’s love, the more I felt, the more everything moved, the more I realized it was for me, others and the universe.

    And the more I let go of this world in that belief. An odd thing that. Usually to achieve something you do more and more towards that, and I suppose we are. But it isn’t in the physical sense so much, but in a spiritual way. Building that more open heart and giving from that place.

    You do it so well kind lady, and your classes are a delight to be in. Thank you. Big hugs to you and Finn, and I hope you and your dad are ok. A prayer across the big blue water coming your way 🤗❤️🙏

    Reply

      1. LOL! I know they do, Mark! I can’t imagine playing in that cold. Pure adrenaline and I’m sure they even get hot! Crazy! I’ve always been of the opinion, “It’s not the weather, it’s how you dress for it!” (My hiking mantra). BUT…sub zero windchill…ummmm. LOL. 🤪💙❄️

    2. How kind, Mark. Thank you, dear friend. You hit on something I see too. I’m learning that many feel prayer is “work”. Prayer is becoming 2nd nature to me. Sometimes I might just utter, “Jesus, help.” Many times I say, “I need you, God.” “I love you, Jesus” and I bet I say, “Thank you” a hundred times a day! Lol. It requires discipline. And boundaries–which are tough. Our world is filled with distractions. It takes great intention. Silence. Time. Presence. Peace. That spiritual opening of our heart has to be coupled with the power of the mind, Mark. Once you can “shut off” your mind, your heart and soul have less distractions.
      Your kind to say I do it well. I’m a work in progress, my friend. I’m learning, growing, making mistakes, and accepting grace. Balancing it all with my health situation MAKES me fully reliant on God’s presence. As soon as I take my eyes off of him, I can trip. Another prayer! Lol

      My Dad seems to be doing well. Everyone is doing the best possible. Decisions need to be made. I’ve thought often about the number of decisions that we make in a day, a week, month, year….and life. Most things aren’t as complicated as we make them. The ironic thing? Rather than go in prayer FIRST, one might go to “google” rather than God. God is WAY bigger than Google and I’ve bet my life on it!

      Big hugs to you from Finn and me. Your prayers are heard, my friend. We know that they may not be answered in the way we hope or the timeline we imagine; but I trust God in all things.

      Take care, Mark! I hope you are doing well in this beautiful season in the Down Under! ❣️🙏🏼💞🤗💙🐾

      Reply

      1. Haha, I think God has google beaten very well Karla. My ‘spiritual line’ works way better, and with the most important things up first…love, love and love. Oh, did I mention love? 🤣

        I’m doing well thank you, and suffering the sound of swans calling across the lake on a warm summer night 🤗

        And I will admit that my ‘prayers’ were only half hearted attempts at best in the beginning. But as I got sicker my depth, my heart, and the realization of what was truly there got a return signal. Definitely wasn’t what I was expecting…but I did say to God…’show me love’, so He did. I can imagine it is truly part of the package 🤗

        And yes, we do have many distractions and another reason I got a reply was because I found that quiet bit, that dare to really speak to Him truly instead of no focus. I should know that anything we do isn’t going to reach where I want it if it is only half hearted, so to speak. And here I am trying to show people love. I’m learning to, its in everything 😂

        Glad you are all well, not freezing too much, and assisting the Chiefs on their way. Sub zero, snowing, windchill…it must entice more from them I’m sure. And yes you must dress for it but even then I’m amazed at how their breath freezes on their beards etc…now that’s cold 🤣🐾🦓❤️🙏

  22. God bless you for your wisdom and grace, Karla. Transitions are supposed to be tranquil and orderly, right? Unless, of course, someone decides to resist the transition and violently keep it from happening. During my pastoral career I have been at the bedside of both kinds of people as they have faced the transition from this life to the next. Choosing the path of peacefulness is always best for everyone. Keep up the good work and the Good Word!

    Reply

    1. Russell, it always warms my heart to “see” you. I’m glad you’re here and I pray you and Joan are doing well, dear friend.
      You’ve seen and heard it all. I imagine all the ways you’ve seen both sides of the spectrum.
      I choose peace, Russell. And I’m finding, that peace requires much silence. When I try and talk the “small” talk, I sound like a complete goofball (for lack of better terms). My experiences, perspectives, and current cancer walk have me looking NOT down the road, but at ETERNITY. I’m living in the “now” with that perspective. And Peace is the only way to achieve it. If something costs me my peace, it’s too expensive.
      God bless you, dear friend. Thank you for your support and friendship!

      Reply

  24. Love the quotes. It seemed in my younger years the good men were not allowed to continue. I loved JFK and RFK, and it hurt so bad when they were killed. And then Martin Luther King. It seemed there would never be another good man in the spotlight. They would not play games with the bad guys. Makes you wonder.
    Great Post Sweet Karla. I hope all is well. I missed your beautiful voice. Maybe next time! 🎤🎙️ 🩷🎶😚
    Love You! 🕊️💘🙏🏻🥰🤗

    Reply

  25. Well done Karla! These thoughtful and encouraging words of Dr. King remind each of us to embrace his journey of peace and love. With the world experiencing nearly endless transition, King’s message offers light found in Jesus Christ.

    Reply

  28. You words are so wise Karla, just when the world is struggling most with difficult and complicated transitions. May our faith in what is remain strong even when the present moment is challenging. I read somewhere that our anger (in all situations) is simply our inability to accept our current reality. When things are really difficult I feel my faith waver and slip but here you are to remind us, all is well, we are in good hands. Thank you my sweet little sister-in-love, hugs, C

    Reply

    1. You are so precious and kind, big sis. THANK YOU! Please know mine tries to slip, too, C. I had some tough days this month. Well, we all do. I see and hear these tragedies. Kids moving. Life changing. This dreaded disease. Constant stuff. YET,…I have my cry, get it out, and the joy is left. I think the layers of miracles and experiences have created this foundation that will no longer crumble. I thank God for it!! I love you!!! HUGS!

      Reply
  29. Willie Torres Jr.'s avatar Willie Torres Jr.

    Prayer has the power to lead us through every transition, bringing peace and trust in God’s plan. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply

Feel free to contribute! Your faithful feedback is appreciated!