Water Prairie Weekly Newsletter - 3/13/26


When the world says "panic," faith says "anchor" ⚓

Hi Friend,

Last week, John Fela and I talked about the "trenches"—the medical crises and the marital strain that can make you feel like you’re drowning. But today, we’re talking about what happens when you finally find your footing.

When your child receives a diagnosis or life takes a sudden, terrifying turn, the world tells you to panic. But as John shared with me in the conclusion of our interview, there is a spiritual posture that says something different. It says, "Don't panic. Find your anchor."

John told me about his "Amen" moment with his son, Chris—a moment that redefined his faith and his understanding of what it means to truly belong. We explored a question that I know many of you wrestle with: Is your church a community that offers a home, or is it just a building you visit?

I even shared a sneak peek with John about something I’ve been working on behind the scenes—my new Inclusion Lab workshops and card deck. We discussed how true inclusion in a faith community doesn’t require a massive budget; it just requires a heart of welcome.

Listen to Episode #148 about Faith, Disability, and Inclusion

If you are looking for a way to move from panic to peace, I highly recommend listening to the rest of John’s story. And if his journey resonates with you, you can find his book at johnfela.com.

Coming Soon: I’ll be sharing more details soon on how you can bring an Inclusion Lab Workshop to your church or community group and how to get your hands on the Inclusion Lab Card Deck. Keep an eye on your inbox!

With gratitude,

Tonya

PO Box 545, Cary, NC 27512


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