The Flame Within

In the Face of Evil, We Will Stand Stronger

The assassination of Charlie Kirk was not just an attack on one man — it was an attempt to silence truth. It was an evil act meant to strike fear into the hearts of those who dare to stand boldly for God, for righteousness, and for freedom. And yet, what the enemy meant for evil, God will use for good.

Some voices have said, “He got what he deserved” or “I’m glad he’s gone.” Make no mistake — those words are straight from the pit of hell, from Satan himself. To celebrate the death of anyone is demonic — but especially the death of someone who stood for truth, for this nation, and for the Lord. It only reveals how desperately this world needs Jesus.

But here’s what the enemy does not understand: you cannot kill truth. You cannot silence the mission of God. This evil act will not stop the message — it has only ensured that more of the world will hear Charlie’s message: the gospel and the unshakable truth of God’s Word. The enemy cannot keep the truth of the gospel down — just as crucifying Christ only made the gospel more alive and our faith more victorious.

Charlie Kirk will be remembered in history as a courageous warrior who stood for what is right, what is good, and what is of God. And just as the blood of martyrs before him has done, this tragedy will raise up more voices, more warriors, more “Charlie Kirks” for the Lord. The Word of the Lord will not be trampled, and any attempt to silence it will only make it resound louder.

A Serious Message to Every American:

The assassination of Charlie Kirk should shake us all to the core. This evil act sends a chilling message: freedom of speech and freedom of religion are no longer simply freedoms… they are now costly — even unto death.

Regardless of your beliefs, every one of us should grieve and tremble that the greatest gift we have as Americans — the freedom to speak truth — is under attack. This is a gift many other nations do not have, and it is one we have far too often taken for granted.

My prayer is that this tragedy will awaken believers and all Americans. We need to stand for our freedom. We need to stand for our beliefs. Most importantly, we need to stand for the Lord.
Let this ignite a holy fire within us to stand up for God, for truth, and for the freedom to speak it. Christians have been silenced out of fear for too long. Evil may have taken a life, but it will not take our voices. Evil will not silence Christ’s followers.

We will not be silent. We will stand. We will speak. We will rise.

In the words of J.D. Vance: “We’ll take it from here.”

Picture below of a shirt I purchased a few days ago and I feel like it is a gift to remind me during this difficult time to not be afraid and to always live courageously for the Lord.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9

RIP, Charlie Kirk.

Blessings,

Crystal

I’m heartbroken over the loss of Charlie Kirk. Evil tried to silence him, but his voice and courage will live on.

I had the honor of meeting Charlie and asking him a question that feels so meaningful now: “My son loves the Lord and wants to stand for truth in politics, but he’s scared of the hate and attacks that come with it. What advice would you give him?”

Charlie’s response moved me to tears. He said the most important thing is we can’t live in fear. We’re called to live boldly and courageously. He shared that he gets death threats every day, and yes, he feels fear—but he also said if he weren’t doing this work, he wouldn’t be fulfilling his God-given calling. He told me he found joy and contentment in doing exactly what God had asked him to do.

Charlie lived what he preached. He stood boldly for God, for truth, and for righteousness until his very last breath. His words will continue to inspire my son—and countless others—not to shrink back, but to live courageously.

Charlie, thank you for your courage.
Thank you for showing us what it looks like to be faithful, even when it costs everything. We grieve deeply, but we know you are now with the Savior you loved so much.

Blessings,

Crystal

The pictures were taken in person during a talk.

Quiet Time with God

Quiet time with God is never about the location—it’s about the connection. Whether I’m sitting with a fancy coffee in hand at my favorite café, in my living room, by the beach, or on my back porch listening to the birds, His Word speaks the same truth.

But I’ve found that changing up the setting can bring a sense of freshness and excitement. A new spot, a different view, or even just a warm mug in a different place can help my heart approach Scripture with renewed energy. The Word never changes, but the environment can sometimes stir us to listen in a new way.

Find a spot to meet with God.

Wherever we are, His presence meets us.

He’s waiting!

Blessings, Crystal

“Big Fish, Small Fish… Same God”

Yesterday at the beach, I watched two men fishing side by side. One reeled in several large fish—each about five pounds. The other managed only two tiny fish, no bigger than minnows. I found myself feeling bad for the man who caught only two tiny fish in the sea, while watching the other man excitedly pull in nice large fish.

It reminded me of how life feels sometimes. I’ve had those same thoughts comparing myself to others who have larger homes, nicer cars, boats, or even different kinds of success than mine. Some people seem to be hauling in “big blessings”—abundance, answered prayers, open doors. Others appear to catch only “small blessings”—things that seem insignificant compared to what others are experiencing. This is a thought process I’ve had to pray through often. In therapy, we call it the “comparison trap.”

In the midst of my thinking and praying through this simple fishing scene—God whispered to my heart: both men caught fish. Both were provided for. And in the same way, every blessing—big or small—comes from the same good Father.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:26, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” And again in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Scripture also tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17). Whether it feels like a 5-pound blessing or a minnow-sized one, it is still evidence of His care. Sometimes God uses the small blessings to grow our gratitude and faithfulness. Other times He pours out abundance to remind us of His overflowing generosity.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to see every blessing in my life—big or small—as a gift from You. Teach me to be faithful with little and to give thanks in all things. Help me to seek first Your kingdom, trusting that You will provide what I truly need. Open my eyes to Your provision today, and let me rest in the truth that You are always good. Amen.

Blessings, Crystal

Anxiety and depression can feel like heavy chains, weighing down the soul and dimming the light around us. If you are struggling in a season or just a day of heaviness, please remember that God never asks us to carry the weight of this world’s trials alone. Scripture says,

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

God doesn’t simply care in a passive or distant way—He leans in towards our souls when we call on him in our trials. He is always close to us and tenderly holds our every tear and every fear.

When life feels overwhelming and heavy, remember:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

In the valley, no matter how deep, long, or wide– His presence is our steady companion and ever present help in times of trouble. In the trial–in the silence, He whispers peace and hope into our souls.

Take courage today. Your emotions may rise and fall like waves, but God’s love for you does not waver. His faithfulness is content and steady.

God has written hope into our stories, and He is still guiding you toward brighter days and a prosperous future. “

“For I know the plans I have for you…plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Today, remember that you are not alone. Hold on to hope, cling to His promises, and trust that light will break through the darkness.

Blessings, Crystal Ridlon Lpc

Last week, Hurricane Erin passed through the Atlantic, causing massive waves and dangerous sea conditions, taking a toll on parts of the North Carolina coast. Living on the coast allowed me and my family to observe the storm’s impact on the water. It was the most powerful force of nature I’ve ever seen in person. The waves were massive, the sea was furious, and the wind coming off the water was intense. They were intimidating—full of strength and energy.
We watched several brave souls attempt to surf those dangerous conditions. Many tried with all their might, with skill, and with every creative idea they had to ride the mighty waters. Most, however, couldn’t even get past the first set of waves, let alone make it to the bigger ones further out. Watching from the safety of the shore was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. It reminded me of the time I watched the movie The Perfect Storm in the theater. My eyes could barely believe what I was seeing!
As an empath, and as a soul who finds connection with God’s creation, I stood there in amazement, and I couldn’t help but think about life’s storms. I thought about some of my own storms—times that felt like they would last forever, times when I felt like I couldn’t endure another hit, and times when I wondered if God even heard my cries. At times, life’s circumstances can feel just like those crashing waves—too overwhelming, too powerful, too relentless to face. Maybe you’ve been there, or maybe you’re caught in a storm right now.
Life’s storms come in many forms—loss, betrayal, illness, financial strain, broken relationships, unfulfilled dreams, or even unanswered prayers.
Standing there on the shore, watching the waves pound and crash again and again, watching debris from other places wash up where I stood—it was awesome and humbling. Maybe your storm feels that way too—like you can’t catch your breath before the next wave comes crashing down, like you just can’t get a break. I know the storm is painful! But I also know this: every storm has a beginning and an end. No storm or trial lasts forever.
In those moments, it’s easy to wonder if it will ever end. It may feel like your life has become nothing but crashing waves, leaving you questioning if you can hold on.
But as I sit now at my favorite coffee shop overlooking the Atlantic, I’m reminded of something beautiful. Less than a week later, the same ocean that had been raging with enormous waves, rip tides, and danger, is now calm again. Gentle waves roll in. Families play in the surf. A yellow flag waves and lifeguards welcome swimmers back. The waters have returned to their normal baseline. It is hard to believe this is the same shoreline I saw last week—wild, furious, and overwhelming. Now it is peaceful and joyful.
God is amazing.
This is the truth we need to hold onto in the middle of our storms: Storms don’t last forever. They begin, and they end. Life will return to normal. You will get a chance to breathe again.
Psalm 107:29 reminds us: “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.”
The same God who created the sea has authority over the storm. He has authority over every storm we face.
If you are caught in a storm right now—if the winds are raging, debris is crashing in, and waves keep knocking you down—remember this one profound truth: His voice has the power to calm your heart in the midst of it all. The storm will not last forever. It will return to its baseline. Until then, hang on to Jesus.
Jesus showed His power when He calmed the storm in Mark 4:39. The disciples feared for their lives, but with three simple words, the waves obeyed Him. The storm they thought would destroy them suddenly became still.
“Peace! Be still!”
Friend, the storm you are in today will not last forever. You may feel like you can’t get past the first crashing wave, but hold on—God is with you. He promises never to leave or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). He is your anchor when everything else feels unstable (Hebrews 6:19). And one day, you will look back and see that what once felt impossible has given way to calm seas. You will see His love and grace over the storm, and you’ll realize how much you learned through it.
For today, it’s okay to cry in the storm. It’s okay to not be okay.
So if you’re walking through one of life’s storms right now, take heart. Hang in there.
Remember:
The waves may be big, but your God is bigger.
The storm may feel endless, but God’s love for you is endless too.
The waters will settle, and when they do, you’ll clearly see the faithfulness of the One who carried you through.
Hang on. Hang in there.
Peace is on the horizon.

Blessings, Crystal

“Listening to God… Obeying His Still Small Voice… Defining Success According to His Perfect Plan…”

In Jeremiah 11:4, God says: “Obey me and do everything I command you, and you will be my people, and I will be your God.”

This verse reminds us that a Godly life is rooted in listening and depending on God. Obedience is not about control or crossing something off a “to do” list. Obedience is about a real life “relationship” with God. It is about having such a closeness to God, that we trust Him completely, to the point of total surrender to His plans. Desiring God above all— Above anything this world has to offer.

Joshua’s life was a model of obedience to God. He continually sought God’s guidance and obeyed, even when God’s instructions didn’t make sense to human reasoning. Marching around Jericho for seven days wouldn’t make sense in military strategy—but Joshua trusted God, and obedience led to victory. That is the purpose of life, “To have God’s victory in our lives!” Joshua’s victories were not the result of his own wisdom but of God’s faithfulness.

God is faithful!

Success—Do we ever ponder or pray about this concept in our lives? It is important to remember that the world defines success in one way—God has a completey different meaning for “success” in the lives of His children.

Let’s pause and reflect:

1. What does success look like to you?

2. What does success look like when viewed through the lens of the Holy Spirit? Does this change your answer to what success looks like?

3. What is the difference between earthly and worldly success?

4. Since success looks different on each individual person: Is it fair to compare yourself to the success of others?

5. Are you successful? Why or why not? — Be honest with yourself.

6. Perhaps the issue is more about a new or deeper calling—and not a lack of success?

Godly success in our lives isn’t measured by wealth, power, or recognition—it’s found in faithfulness to God’s call on your life. Success is not about what you build but about who you become along the faith journey, as we listen, obey, and walk closely with Him.

God rewards our faithfulness! He desires us to move forward in the success he’s planned for each of his children. He desires us to succeed! The success is according to His plans and purposes and not our own thoughts, plans, and comparisons.

Friends, spend some time pondering “success”. Praying and asking God to guide you to His plans and purposes!

Personally, When I am firmly planted in God’s will—That is when I feel most successful.

Blessings, Crystal

As I watch the waves crash against the shore, I’m reminded that life never stands still. It’s a rhythm— Which consists of highs and lows, joy and sorrow, loss and new beginnings.

There are wonderful seasons that take our breath away with beauty. And… Seasons that knock the wind out of us with grief. People will come and go— Loved ones taken too soon, new relationships arrive like unexpected gifts. In the midst of it all, life keeps moving—just like the ocean.

Life maintains a holy mystery—A divine rhythm that is continual and perplexing.

In the midst of life’s uncertainty God reminds us that we’re called to trust Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

Ecclesiastes 3 “ There is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”

Friends, if you’re standing in a season of life with crashing waves, take heart: God is sovereign over each and every tide.

He is with you when the waves crash down on you, when the waters bring you abundant joy, and when your heart is breaking.

Like the waves, The Lord will carry us forward—sometimes gently, sometimes forcefully—but always with purpose.

Regardless of the season you’re facing, hold tight to the Rock that holds fast and never shifts with the tide.

Blessings, Crystal Ridlon, LPC

Everyday we momma’s get lost in the busyness of taking care of nearly everything (At least that’s how my life feels on many days) In this busyness and the continual hustle of life, it’s easy to get stuck on autopilot-pilot and forget to live intentionally.

This is not a post to infuse shame into you sprit, it is just the opposite, a post to help us busy mom’s recognize the torture we unknowingly place on ourselves. After all, moms wear many hats and often forget about our own needs, in the constant endeavor to meet the needs of everyone around us. Moms, take a deep breath, just for a moment think about the daily tasks that you manage and take care of, to the point that many spouses, children, and others would get lost in the task of doing everything on daily task list. Mom’s, you serve, you give, you move from one thing to the next— All day, everyday, and it is so easy to forget about joy.

Let’s be honest, for most of us “joy” is usually some far away thought, that we have heard about and know we should regularly have in our life, but we rarely truly tap into “joy”. This is not because life is somehow against us, it is most-likely because we fail to ponder, tap into, or even think about inviting “joy” into our everyday lives.

When living in the well-known auto-pilot mode, it does not come with a “joy” option – Auto-pilot is survival, endurance, and making it through the day. Auto-pilot is allowing the familiar neuropathways in our brain to run the show. Auto-pilot is necessary from time to time, but most of us momma’s camp out there because it seems easy, except it’s actually so much harder in the long run .

Joy is the best part of being alive, it is purpose, meaning, and hope. The only way we can fully access joy is to begin making joy a regular intentional thought and to refocus our brains toward intentional living. Intentional living will look like a life that consists of joy, peace, and contentment. God has given us a purpose, meaning, and aspects of life that enliven us, we’ve often just lost touch of the things we love. God has placed desires in your heart and has given you things you love and desire. It is important to slow down long enough to intentionally seek the things in life that we desire and that bring us “joy”.

Here are some questions to help you recall what you love about life?

1. What makes you smile?
2. What makes life worth living?
3. What brings you joy?
4. What causes you to forget about time?
5. What makes you feel most alive?
6. When do you feel most like yourself?

I am going to be honest; These questions at first glance were overwhelming to me. For some reason, they brought up unexpected and conflicting emotions. It was “as if” my souls needed such a refreshing thought process, but my flesh desperately wanted to skip over the questions due to feeling vulnerable and even somehow exposed. As I sit here and write, I feel a hint of sadness and a tear slipping down my cheek – Where is my joy? Why does it feel so far removed from my presence? Maybe, even a little fear about the thought of tapping into this “joy” concept.

Friends, when you engage in the things you love, you reconnect with God, with the people you love, others who come across your path, and with the truest version of yourself. This life sure has a way of causing us to lose sight of joy and to fail to bring out our truest self – This life has a way of pushing these parts of us down. What about you? How often do you feel true joy? How often do you feel like the truest version of yourself?

In a world that often feels overwhelming, joy must be pursued intentionally. Unfortunately, joy doesn’t just happen to us one day. Joy is pursued and even something we have to fight for to achieve. It is essential we learn to live with joy in our lives, because life is short and I choose to live a life with intention, not a life I merely survived through.

How often do you live on autopilot—letting your flesh, busyness, and stress dictate the pace. This is a virtually important concept, because joy doesn’t come from chaos. It NEVER will! Joy only comes from intentional living with Christ at the center. We can only find true “joy” when we slow down and actively search for and look for it in our everyday lives. We must “pursue” joy it rarely comes to us out of the blue, it is a continual pursuit of God, purpose, healing, meaning, and intentionally seeing the beauty all around us.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” — Colossians 3:2

“In Your presence is fullness of joy.” — Psalm 16:11

Joy is found in God’s presence, in seeing beauty in the everyday, and in remembering what lights your soul on fire.

Take care of you. Not just so you can keep going—but because God delights in you when you’re fully alive.

Blessings,
Crystal

Sitting at the coffee shop this morning, I had a revelation regarding how I label my quiet time with God. I always write “Devotional” at the top of a blank sheet of paper. This is a way to engage more with the scripture, by writing verses that stand out, and thoughts that His word brings to my mind. There is nothing wrong with writing “devotional time” at the top of my paper, However I realized this morning, that it felt more like a phrase that feels dutiful and structured, like checking off a spiritual task. Making this one small shift in wording changed everything, at least for today.

I crossed out “Devotional” and above wrote “Time With God.” This felt inviting and refreshing. I mean who wouldn’t want to spend time with God?

As I sat down for my morning quiet time, there was an amazing and obvious shift happening within my spirit. I felt closer, wanted, invited, and a deeper desire to spend time with the Almighty Counselor, Comforter, and my Best Friend. Something powerful happened when I wrote the words “TIME WITH God”… Saying the words out loud feels like a breath of fresh air. Instead of crossing off a “spiritual task” or completing a chore, I was invited to sit with my Creator. I was reminded once again that spending time with God is a blessing and an honor. It is not an obligation; It’s an invitation.

“Time With God” is a time to sit with my Creator, my Shepherd, and my closest Friend. Time with God always draws my heart in, softens my spirit, and awakens a longing inside to be with Him.

Words matter. There is power of life and death spoken through words. This is why The Bible is life-changing and renewing – It is truly God’s words spoken to humanity.

Scripture reminds us of this truth over and over:

“The tongue has the power of life and death…”
— Proverbs 18:21

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord…”
— Psalm 19:14

“In the beginning was the Word…”
— John 1:1

Words shape our mindset, our faith, and even our desire. This is the power of the most popular therapy tool, CBT, recognizing and altering the thought process to manage anxiety, depression, and fear. CBT being integrated with God’s word and the Holy Spirit is powerful and life changing.

Somehow this morning, renaming my devotional time to “Time With God,” made it all the more precious and special. Time with God should never be a task— God desires true relationship with me and you. That is amazing! We are loved by God! He longs to spend time with us! Time with god is not about checking a box—it’s about meeting with the One who holds my heart.

Perhaps today, you just need a small shift too…

Instead of saying “I have to do my devotional,” try, “I “get” to spend time with God.” WOW!

I pray this message breathes fresh life into your day, in the same way it did mine!

It’s going to be a good day! I started it with “Time With God”!

Blessings, Crystal