Day 11 – Strength vs. Power
Step 2: Recognizing Patterns of Behavior
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🎵 40-Day Song (Day 11): Holy Spirit – Francesca Battistelli
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📻 40-Day Playlist: Apple Music | Amazon Music
Dear Friends,
There is a difference between strength and power.
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Power often seeks to control, dominate, or harm—whether in abusive relationships, global violence, or political hatred.
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Strength is rooted in the Spirit of God within us. It is steady, healing, and resilient, carrying us through brokenness into hope.
📖 Daily HOPE NIV Verse
Colossians 1:27 — “To them God has chosen to make known…the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
The Holy Spirit reminds us: we are loved, valued, and our lives matter. Even in grief, He draws near:
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Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
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Isaiah 61:3 — “…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes.”
Today, on September 11, we remember the attacks that shook our nation, leaving us fearful and unsafe. Survivors of abuse live with that same kind of fear daily. And when we witness more violence—like the assassination of Charlie Kirk because of his political and religious beliefs—it fuels cycles of fear and toxicity in homes and communities. Power without love wounds. Strength with God heals.
Yet in the middle of chaos, the Holy Spirit whispers: “I love you. I forgive you. Let it go.” His strength washes away shame, restores peace, and fills our hearts with freedom.
Devotional Thought
Healing comes in waves. Like the ocean, God’s love cleanses and renews, carrying away shame and restoring wholeness. This is not instant—it’s a step-by-step journey of faith. Power tries to crush. Strength in God raises us up.
5 Tips to Reduce Fear and Anxiety
In times of heightened violence and uncertainty, it is natural to feel unsettled. Safety is a right we hold dear—and protecting ourselves and our loved ones is a daily practice. When our sense of corporate or community safety feels cracked, here are five ways to reclaim peace:
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Breathe Slowly and Deeply – Pause for 3 slow, deep breaths whenever anxiety rises. This signals your nervous system to calm.
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Limit News Intake – Stay informed, but avoid constant scrolling. Choose trusted updates, then step back.
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Ground Yourself in the Present – Look around and name 3 things you see, 2 things you hear, and 1 thing you feel. This anchors you in safety right now.
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Create a Safety Plan – Whether for your home, work, or family, knowing your plan reduces fear and increases confidence.
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Pray or Meditate on Strength – Replace thoughts of power and control with God’s promise of strength, hope, and presence.
Hope Goals
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Goal: Reflect on a spiritual moment when God gave you strength instead of fear.
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Pathway: Choose relationships and faith practices that build spiritual strength.
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My Next Step: Practice mindfulness prayer each hour—inviting the Spirit’s strength into your heart and home.
Closing Declaration
“Holy Spirit, You are welcome here. Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere. Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for—to be overcome by Your presence, Lord.”
If you’re in danger or feel unsafe
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Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
National Resources (U.S.):
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Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988 • Chat at 988lifeline.org
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National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) • Text START to 88788 • thehotline.org
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National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) • rainn.org
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Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 • childhelp.org
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National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 • Text 233733 (BEFREE) • humantraffickinghotline.org
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Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 • poisonhelp.org
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Eldercare Locator (for elder abuse/help): 1-800-677-1116 • eldercare.acl.gov

Dr Brooke Jones
Founder Stronger Women