Rachel Whisman

“What is that to you? You, follow me!” -John 21:22 I can hear Jesus’ correction, “Stop looking at what other people are doing, comparing yourself to them. Return to me, and keep your gaze steady on me.” When I have become lazy, more slothful, and lax in my pursuit of…

While my neighbors, who are more like family, were away, they asked me to collect the ripe figs off their tree. As I was gathering them, I taste-tested a couple just to make sure they were all good (great post-run snack if you ask me). One was a little sour,…

One year ago, I started this blogging endeavor. I would think about something that stuck out to me, put it into words, and then post it. Seems simple. Nothing too rigorous, but something that I truly have enjoyed getting to do. As I reflect on this past year, one verse…

The text or call comes in unexpectedly. Your heart, which was just seconds ago weightless, relentlessly tugs you down. There is no absorption for the shock, just the fatal blow. Suffering. It has a beginning that leaves a scar that has the capability of slowing time in its place and…

“Here you go, Ms.Whisman.” It was the last day of school, and my students were lining up to depart for their summer break. One student stopped me before I gave them their goodbye hug, and offered me a mini plastic turtle. I responded gently with, “What is this for?” Quietly,…

A soft and discreet whisper of a lie crept in, “You are missing out.” It seemed so faint, but soon it was blaring throughout my thoughts. One of my best friends recently got married. Attending a wedding as a single in the later part of your 20s hits differently than…

This week concludes another school year for me. It feels like yesterday that I started with a fresh new bunch of students. Yet, here I am as I pack up my classroom for the summer. As I think back through this school year, I would love to share one reflection…

Sarah was given a promise.  She was left waiting and probably thinking, “…Maybe it will happen this year?”  Silence responded with “no.” She was called to endure when nothing was changing before her eyes.   Her true character was being revealed and refined.  Years passed by…  Finally, Sarah saw and she…

The rain began battering against the classroom windows. Lights flickered here and there. Gusts of wind brought in a wicked storm that my students had a front row seat to watch. Tension was building in the classroom as the minutes ticked by without an end in sight to the storm.…

I pass a countdown every day in the hallway of my school that reminds me of the remaining days left until summer. When around others, the leading question I get asked is, “How many more days until summer?” Genuinely, I do look forward to this upcoming break. It is a…

My brother stood at the front of the stage looking onto his middle school students at youth group and said, “Turn in your Bible to….” If I am honest, I expected him to continue with the all too familiar way to finish this statement with, “or open your app to…,”…

During recess, one of my students ran up to me and reported that another student cut the corner while walking their laps at recess. Once I saw this student, I called her over, and when she arrived, I calmly asked her, “When you were walking laps earlier, did you cut…

I place my bags in the car and sluggishly slide into my seat after a long day at work and small group. I go to press the start button and nothing happens. Panic begins to simmer. With child-like faith, I try again and nothing happens besides a rippling cascade of…

Spring has sprung here in Texas. The winter blues have melted away and in their place, beautiful bluebonnets have emerged. Walking along my street, my gaze is captivated by the various hues of wildflowers garnishing the grass and the crisp green leaves making their spring debut on barren trees. This…

This Sunday as I walked into Church there was a hustle and bustle that I was not accustomed to. It was not my normal routine to go to the later service, but this week it was different. I walked into the foyer and time slowed down. Normally, going to the…

The little chicks began chirping their sweet and innocent tune. My students began nagging me endlessly, their curiosity and amazement shining in their precious and innocent eyes.  “But Ms.Whisman, can we please keep Pepper?”  “We can build Oreo a home and I will water them!”  One of my students even…

It hit me Thursday morning as I pulled into the parking lot for work. Exhaustion is its name and I quickly questioned, “How am I going to make it through the next 48 hours until my students are released for spring break?” I was ready to stay in my car,…