Discover how a Christmas miracle taught faith, healing, and the power of trusting God in the moment. Explore lessons from Holy in the Moment and find peace, hope, and wholeness in life’s hardest seasons. Listen to the full story or get the book for more.
When life feels overwhelming, where do I turn? For me, the holidays often bring joy but also heightened stress, anxiety, and unexpected challenges. My story, drawn from the first chapter of my book Holy in the Moment, reveals how faith—as both a gift and a choice—helped me navigate one of the hardest seasons of my life. In this post and podcast episode, I’m sharing a deeply personal Christmas story of faith, hope, and trusting God through some of life’s toughest challenges. Even though my book is not a Christmas book, the first chapter features a miraculous Christmas story that reveals God’s healing power and has taught me timeless lessons on choosing faith and finding peace in the moment.
Faith is a Choice, Not an Emotion
“Faith isn’t an emotion—it’s a decision. Choosing to trust God in the moment makes that moment sacred.”
My journey began during a particularly turbulent season. I had just been diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune thyroid condition that wreaked havoc on my body, mind, and emotions. On top of that, my family and I were preparing to move cross-country as part of my husband’s military career. In the chaos, I discovered that faith wasn’t about waiting for emotions to catch up. It was about making a conscious decision to trust God, even when I didn’t feel like it.
Have you ever faced a time when trusting God didn’t come naturally? What would it look like to choose faith in your current situation?
Now Faith: Trusting God in the Present Moment
Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” For me, this idea of “now faith” became pivotal. As I grappled with my diagnosis and the demands of moving with young children, I learned to focus on trusting God moment by moment. I began to think of this practice as choosing to “activate faith,” much like opening an umbrella to shield myself from the rain. “Faith left unused will not shield us from unbelief,” I realized.
When anxiety took over and my emotions spiraled, I clung to small acts of faith, grounding myself in God’s promises. “Hope is not wishing,” I wrote. “It’s a steady, grounded trust in the God who is always faithful.”
In the podcast conversation, I realized that this portion of the book is one of the seeds of the Habits of Hope Podcast, which is a follow up to the book. Interestingly, I had not recognized the connection, or progression, until recording the podcast.
Are you waiting for circumstances to improve before trusting God? What small act of faith could you take right now?
Choosing Holiness in the Hard
“Never discount the small, brave acts of faith that spur you to go on rather than give in.”
My struggle with anxiety was compounded by sleep deprivation and the stress of adjusting to a new home. At my lowest point, I remember pacing the house at night, praying desperately for relief. But in those moments, I discovered a profound truth: holiness isn’t about perfection—it’s about trusting God one choice at a time.
“Holiness inhabits the small things,” I wrote. “Faith for our moments, simple and short, added together.” For me, choosing holiness meant praying when I didn’t feel like it, meditating on Scripture, and taking shaky steps forward even when fear gripped my heart. Each small choice to trust God created a sacred space for His peace to work.
God’s Promises of Hope
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” —Isaiah 43:1-2
During my darkest nights, I clung to the promises of Isaiah 43. This passage became a lifeline, reminding me that God’s presence was constant, even in the midst of my physical and emotional turmoil. Repeating these words brought stability when my emotions were anything but steady.
This scripture took on new meaning during a pivotal moment at Christmas. My mother suffered a stroke shortly after arriving to celebrate the holidays. While the situation could have easily pushed me into deeper anxiety, something miraculous happened. As I called on God for strength, I experienced an overwhelming sense of peace. For the first time in months, my hands stopped trembling. “I believe Jesus spoke to the storm in my mind and body with the divine command, ‘Peace, be still’.
The Christmas Miracle: Healing and Hope
“Not every moment is good, but God is good in every moment.”
Christmas Eve brought a moment of healing that I will never forget. My mother, recovering from the stroke, insisted on attending the candlelight service. As I sat in the sanctuary, surrounded by flickering candles and the soft strains of Silent Night, I felt the presence of God in a profound way.
“All is calm, all is bright,” I later reflected. “For the first time in months, I slept through the night, and I knew that God had done something miraculous—not just for my mom but also for me.” This moment wasn’t just about physical healing; it was about experiencing the wholeness and peace that come from trusting God completely.
Where have you seen God’s goodness in moments that didn’t feel good at the time? How might He be working in your current situation?
Healing as Wholeness
“Healing isn’t just physical—it’s about letting God make you whole, spirit, soul, and body.”
As I reflect on this journey, I see that true healing goes beyond physical recovery. It’s about allowing God to bring wholeness to every part of your life—your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and faith. The root of the word “holiness” is tied to wholeness, and my story reminds me that God is in the business of restoring what is broken.
Each small act of faith and every moment of surrender becomes part of this process. Whether it’s through prayer, Scripture, or simply trusting God for the next five minutes, these holy moments add up to lasting transformation.
What areas of your life feel broken or incomplete? How might God be inviting you into His process of healing and wholeness?
A Call to Faith and Hope
My Christmas story offers more than a seasonal reflection—it’s a reminder that God’s peace and healing are available year-round. Through small acts of faith and trust, we can experience His presence, even in life’s hardest moments.
Are you ready to choose now faith and invite God into your moment?
Discover the full story and dive deeper into the lessons from Holy in the Moment. Listen to the full episode here or get your copy of the book to uncover more stories, reflections, and practical ways to grow in faith and holiness.
Watch the Video of the Podcast
Enjoy the video version on our Youtube Channel if you prefer to watch for a more personal experience.
Podcast Show Notes
Episode Overview:
In this heartfelt episode of Habits of Hope, we dive into the story of a miraculous Christmas and timeless lessons on faith and healing from the book Holy in the Moment by award-winning author Ginger Harrington. Through personal backstory, thoughtful comments, and inspiring readings from Chapter One, Ginger shares how a difficult season—marked by anxiety, a health diagnosis, and unexpected challenges—culminated in a transformative Christmas experience. Discover how choosing faith in the hardest moments can lead to profound peace, healing, and hope, no matter what life throws your way.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith is a Choice, Not an Emotion: Trusting God in the moment is an active decision, even when emotions are overwhelming.
- Now Faith for the Present Moment: Inspired by Hebrews 11:1, “now faith” invites us to lean on God for peace and strength here and now.
- God’s Promises Bring Stability: Scripture, like Isaiah 43, reminds us that God is present in our storms and will carry us through.
- Small Acts of Faith Are Significant: Tiny, sacred choices to trust God can have a life-changing impact.
- Hope is Found in Every Season: The Christmas story shows that miracles and healing often happen when we least expect them.
Memorable Quotes:
- “Faith isn’t an emotion—it’s a decision. Choosing to trust God in the moment makes that moment sacred.”
- “Not every moment is good, but God is good in every moment.”
- “Now faith is for this moment. It’s about trusting God here and now, even when circumstances don’t make sense.”
- “Never discount the small, brave acts of faith that spur you to go on rather than give in.”
- “Healing isn’t just physical—it’s about letting God make you whole, spirit, soul, and body.”
This episode isn’t just a Christmas story—it’s a reminder that faith, healing, and hope are available in every season. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, seeking peace, or longing for God’s presence, Ginger’s story offers practical insights and spiritual encouragement to carry you through life’s toughest moments. And the miracle? It doesn’t stop with Christmas—it transforms lives far beyond the holiday season.
As Ginger recounts the night her mother had a stroke during Christmas and shares how God calmed her storm, she describes the exact moment her hands stopped trembling for the first time in months. Was it a coincidence, or something far greater? Don’t miss the miraculous ending to this unforgettable story of faith, healing, and God’s peace—tune in to the full episode now. This podcast features behind-the-scenes content that is not in the book.
So glad you're here. I help busy women—gals like you— build healthy habits for living well with biblical wisdom and practical steps to deepen your faith, increase your hope, and thrive in your purpose.
