🎧 Song of the Day: “Before I Knew Jesus” – Leanna Crawford on Apple Music
📖 Buy the 40-Day Hope Journal on Amazon
☕ Listen to the 40-Day Playlist
Day 35 – The 8 Ingredients of Perfection: A Journey to Wholeness
Daily Hope Verse – Hosea 2:15 (NIV)
“There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.”
Dear Friends,
We’re entering the home stretch of the 40-Day Journey of Hope.
Step 5 of the Stronger than Espresso® healing process—Redefine Your Life—is where faith becomes motion and healing becomes purpose.
As I’ve written each Daily Hope entry, I’ve found myself in parts of Scripture I don’t usually read. Today’s verse from Hosea made me laugh at first as I had no idea where to go to find that book —I had to flip to the table of contents to find it! But that’s the beauty of this journey: sometimes hope is hidden in the pages we overlook.
God’s promise through Hosea is powerful: “I will make the Valley of Trouble a door of hope.”
That’s what He does—He transforms our hardest places into holy ground.
☕ The 8 Ingredients of Perfection
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Hope – The spark that begins transformation and the light that sustains it.
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God – The source of strength, grace, and redemption.
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Body – The vessel through which healing becomes visible.
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Mind – The place of renewal and clarity.
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Soul – The well of worship and identity.
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Words – The power to speak truth and rewrite your story.
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Lesson – The wisdom that turns pain into purpose.
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Relationships – The circle of love and community that keeps hope alive.
Over the next few days, we’ll walk through each ingredient one by one—discovering how every part of life can be healed, redeemed, and redefined.
💜 Today’s Focus – Ingredient #3: The Power of Your Body
Your body is holy ground. Every breath, every heartbeat, every scar tells the story of survival.
After trauma, many survivors struggle to reconnect with their physical selves. But your body is not your enemy—it’s your evidence. It carried you through the storm, and it still carries you toward hope.
Scripture teaches us to “dress” for healing:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people… clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience… and over all these virtues put on love.” — Colossians 3:12–14 (NIV)
“Stand firm… with the belt of truth… the breastplate of righteousness… and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” — Ephesians 6:14–17 (NIV)
“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” — Psalm 18:32 (NIV)
“The night is nearly over… so let us put on the armor of light.” — Romans 13:12, 14 (NIV)
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” — Proverbs 31:25 (NIV)
When you rise each morning, you’re not just putting on clothes—you’re putting on courage.
Clothe yourself with light. Dress in dignity. Walk in strength.
🌿 Reflection
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Which part of your body carries your story of strength?
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What spiritual “clothing” do you need to put on today—truth, patience, or love?
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How can you honor your body as God’s temple?
🛠️ Tactical Tip – Grounding in Your Body
Ground with Intention:
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Sit in a comfortable, safe place with your feet on the floor.
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Take three slow breaths, feeling your body supported beneath you.
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Whisper: “I am here. I am held. I am healing.”
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Stretch gently, thanking God for each movement.
- Tap feet and hands rhythmically. Brush shoulders with downward moments.
Choose clothing today that feels comforting, not constricting.
Hydrate, rest, and remember: you are not what happened to you—you are who God is healing.
Hope Goal for Today
Honor your body as the place where God’s Spirit dwells.
Feed it, rest it, and move it with gratitude.
Healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for this body You’ve given me. Help me to see it through Your eyes—strong, resilient, and beautiful. Clothe me with strength and dignity so that I may walk in Your light. Amen.
📰 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Highlights – October 2025
On behalf of our charity, Stronger Women, I want to Celebrate our Corporate Sponsors who have been more than supportive in 2025 to grow our programs. Thank you to: Classic Home Dallas, First United Bank, Insperity, and The Mike Crise Agency!
In other funding news:
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States Sue DOJ Over Grant Restrictions – A coalition of 20 states filed suit against new federal limits on using DOJ grants for undocumented survivors. (Reuters, Oct 2025)
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DOJ Furloughs Affect Survivor Funding – Staff reductions at the Office on Violence Against Women may delay grants vital to local shelters. (Politico, Oct 2025)
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Judge Blocks Grant Limits on Diversity Programs – A federal court halted proposed restrictions on DV programs promoting inclusion. (Reuters, Aug 2025)
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New National Indigenous DV Hotline – A $15 million grant launched the first culturally centered hotline for Native American survivors. (Native News Online, Sept 2025)
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$30 Million for Transitional Housing in San Francisco – New funding expands safe housing for survivors of violence and trafficking. (SF.gov, Sept 2025)
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Funding Cuts Force Hiring Freezes in Maine – Agencies pause new staff amid uncertainty in federal DV funding. (Safe Voices, Oct 2025)
These stories remind us that while progress continues, the safety net for survivors remains fragile—and why advocacy, awareness, and community support are more critical than ever.
Dr. Brooke Jones, founder of Stronger than Espresso® and Stronger Women®, continues to fight daily for survivors of abuse and violence—through education, empowerment, and the Science of Hope.
You Belong Here.
Your body is strong. Your spirit is radiant. You are clothed in hope.
If you or someone you know is in crisis:
📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
📞 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – 988
With hope and appreciation,
Dr Brooke Jones
Founder Stronger Women