Based in the desert of West Texas, Amara Bratcher is a full-time student minister who also writes, takes pictures and volunteers with at-risk children. She has written a book entitled The Bridge That Love Built for adopted kids who have gaps in the early years of their lives. She likes her coffee French Pressed and wears her hair curly 365 days a year. 

declaring freedom

Maybe it’s as simple as deciding -
that I will not carry another person’s sin,
only Jesus can do that.

Sometimes the burden that another is carrying is the by-product of their actions
- to lift that load off their shoulders would be to short-circuit the discipline that the Lord allows.


Sometimes the heaviness needs to be felt.
Sometimes silence is the only conversation.
Sometimes you should refuse to listen to an excuse where an apology should be issued.

And sometimes, the prison that you have allowed yourself to be walled inside is one that you have the power to stand up and walk out of, simply by declaring -

this is not my prison.
I can’t pay the price for your freedom.

Only Jesus can.
Turn to Him.
Talk to Him.
Lean on Him.

Because I can’t -
be your answer
be your strength
be your savior
be your consolation
be your support


And I am leaving. Because I am free.

I am learning not to quote, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest,” without making sure everyone knows I am quoting Jesus, not offering my own services.

easy prayers

gifts