Hand in Hand with Jesus: Dreams, Faith, and Forgiveness

Sometimes God reaches us in unexpected ways—through dreams, memories, or even the example of another’s conviction. My walk with Jesus hasn’t always looked traditional, but it has always been real. These are the moments that shaped me, and the truths I’m learning to lean into.

Dreams That Shaped Me

I can vividly recall two powerful dreams of Jesus, each arriving at pivotal points in my life.

The first was in my twenties, when I was a young, married mother of two. In the dream, I was on a flight to Hawaii when the plane crashed into the ocean. As I prayed, Jesus reached down into the waters and saved me. That dream was the first time I truly faced my mortality, and it stayed with me.

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.”

—Psalm 18:16

The second dream came in my late thirties, when I was a single mother raising teenagers. In it, I was sitting on the living room floor with Jesus, our backs against the sofa. We were talking deeply—He reassured me I was doing well in life, encouraged me to keep thinking deeply, and even told me one day I would meet the right man and know great love.

The curious part was that in the dream we were smoking marijuana together. It’s not something I was doing then or now (I’ve maybe tried it a handful of times in my life, and it’s never been my thing). But dreams don’t always follow the rules of reality. What mattered most was the closeness, the peace, and the reassurance I felt.

“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”

—Acts 2:17

Wrestling with Faith and Religion

My relationship with organized religion has been complicated. When I was young, a church elder did something unthinkable to me. My parents pulled us out of church, convinced that bad people often hid behind religion. That experience left me wavering—sometimes deeply drawn to church, other times more comfortable with a spiritual path outside of formal religion.

Today, my heart is exploring faith again. My granddaughter is Jewish, which has sparked curiosity about Judaism. And the recent passing of Charlie Kirk has stirred something even deeper. His conviction and respect for others remind me that faith isn’t about perfection—it’s about living with purpose.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

—Matthew 6:33

What I Believe

I believe in God. I believe Jesus is the Son of God. And I believe we are all sons and daughters of God, made in His image.

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.”

—Galatians 3:26

I believe all people sin. What matters is whether we feel remorse, seek forgiveness, and offer sincere apologies. I’ve come to see apologizing not as weakness but as growth. It’s humbling, and yes—it brings peace even if the other person doesn’t accept it.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

—1 John 1:9

I believe in forgiveness. In fact, I think it may be one of my greatest strengths. When I forgive, it opens the door for closer relationships, healing, and sometimes even new beginnings.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

—Ephesians 4:32

Reflections on Charlie Kirk

I sometimes wonder if the way the world responds to certain leaders—men who inspire conviction, forgiveness, and unity—might be echoes of that promise, nudging us to pay attention and learn.

The recent passing of Charlie Kirk feels like one of those moments. His death was a tragic loss, yet the world’s reaction has been extraordinary. People from all walks of life are not only mourning him but also reflecting on how he lived—with conviction, integrity, and a Christ-like ability to stand firmly in his values while showing respect to others.

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

—1 Corinthians 11:1

It almost feels as though his life and death have reignited a hunger for truth, forgiveness, and goodness in a way that echoes the values of the Bible, bringing them back into the mainstream of conversation and conviction. His absence has left a void, but also sparked a movement of good—reminding us that one person’s life can truly change the world forever for the better.

“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

—John 12:24

I admire people who live with forgiveness, like Donald Trump, who has turned past enemies into allies. For me, forgiveness is not just a belief, but a way of life—a way to reflect Christ’s love.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

—Romans 12:10

Most of all, I want my life to reflect doing good, loving well, forgiving freely, and walking in faith.

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

—Micah 6:8

✨ Honey Note: Dreams, questions, doubts, and convictions—they’re all part of faith’s journey. It’s not about perfect religion but about a living, breathing relationship with God and others.

With love and grace,

MaryNell 🐝 —Honey

P.S. Maybe the second coming isn’t just about waiting for a moment—it’s about becoming it. Every act of love, forgiveness, and conviction brings Christ-like courage and kindness into the world again, right here, right now.