Dangerous Diversions
9 Letters Warning of Diversions
Despair Darkness Breakthrough
Chapter 21
Dangerous Diversions
It’s a slow fade:
In the crosswalks of life we’re faced with many dangerous diversions.
The enemy is always seeking whom they may devour.
It’s a slow fade into a life of misery.
It wont happen overnight but the enemy will destroy your peace and devour your spirit.
There’s comfort in darkness with the absence of God.
Over the years I often ignored that still small voice inside, and like a thief in the night darkness slowly crept in.
It was a slow fade.
The fade into darkness was subtle.
The enemy was persistent and slowly broke my spirit.
Once allowed in, the darkness was all consuming and difficult to escape.
Without a daily relationship with God I didn’t have the resilience to resist temptation.
“The Light Shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
We must surrender it all.
Our spirit knows before the heart accepts.
Once I fully surrendered my will to Him, peace filled my heart.
Joy came flooding back and my enthusiasm for life was restored.
Fully surrendering our lives can be difficult. But I promise peace will replace the pain, and life is much better with him.
I still stumble which keeps me humble and I learn lessons daily. But it’s my daily relationship with God that keeps me steadfast and trusting him.
This letter is dedicated to anyone struggling to find the courage to trust God completely and walk with him daily.
God will guide you through the crosswalks of life and safely out of the darkness when you remain diligent.
“The peace you gain outweighs the pain you’ve endured and a lifetime of happiness is around the corner.”
I don’t have all the answers but I know a man who does.
His name is Jesus.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. (Isiah 9:2)
Cast all your fears on him and he will comfort you when you’re broken.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” (Psalms 34:18)
Chapter 22
Heroic Reconciliation
You’re not the hero:
One of the many mistakes I made early in life was trying to be the hero in a story I didn’t create.
I accepted a role I was never intended to carry, and it left me exhausted.
Once I laid that burden down, a reconciliation took place in my life.
One of the greatest gifts I’ve been given are the lessons
I learned in my darkest times. Pick up your cross
and follow Him all the days of your life.
Reconciliation restores hope.
His Marvelous Light
Vanquishes Darkness
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18)
Chapter 23
Ordinary Messenger
Message in an empty bottle:
With every empty bottle there’s a message:
lesson
memory
story
tragedy
triumph
we rise from the ashes of stories untold
lessons learned
memories burned
tragedies uncovered
and triumphs yet to be discovered.
Romans 10: 13-15
I’m an ordinary messenger here to share how God has transformed my life and I promise he can do the same for you.
“But as for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5)
Chapter 24
Eyeball of Currency
Your soul is what they get:
The table of deception darkens the soul softly.
Headed down the mountain with empty pockets is a level of despair I can’t describe.
The depths of despair would darken the soul for weeks. Soul crushing defeat was soon forgotten as hopeful ignorance re-emerged.
Your eyes are what they want, your soul is what they get. You’ll trade dollars for dimes and sacrifice it all chasing the root of all evil.
I may go all in, so grab a chair, and join me at a better table.
This letter is dedicated to all the young men chasing this dangerous diversion.
Walk away. Please.
“Blackjack Bankruptcy”
Hope fades when reality hits
Hours to earn, minutes to burn
I was one step away from hanging it all up.
“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.” (James 1:14)
Chapter 25
Languishing Liar
Death by ONE thousand lies:
In the Bible Jacob was a chronic liar and ran away from every difficult situation.
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. ” (Proverbs 12:22)
Chapter 26
Vista Views
Titles won’t bring peace:
Let it go. Peace will find you in the morning.
From an early age my grandparents instilled in me the spirit of hospitality and kindness.
The hotel business was a natural fit for me and I enjoyed the work I did.
I moved up relatively quickly and made strong connections with guests built on genuine hospitality and a love for people.
In 2009 I accepted my first hotel job at the Hilton Downtown Knoxville as a front desk agent.
In 2024 I accepted my first GM position at a property near Chattanooga.
In between this time I bounced around like a tennis ball at center court in search of peace.
From city to city and property to property I searched for ways to fill the void. It was disheartening at times.
My greatest asset professionally was always my greatest downfall personally.
The above photo was taken in 2022. I was helping manage a thriving hotel located in downtown Gatlinburg.
I was in charge of five departments and roughly 30 people. I loved this position, the staff, and our management team was second to none, especially our GM.
She was poised, professional, and I respected her greatly.
Two weeks later I got a call from HR
Jason it’s Tonya…
“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained Angels without realizing it.” (Hebrews 13:2)
Chapter 27
Whispers of Discernment
Advice disguised to destroy:
Avoid the mockers
the scoffers
the liars
and the cynic
Avoid a divisive tongue
deception is his tool
division is his goal
destruction brings him joy
defeated you LIE alone
This letter is dedicated to all the genuine souls who saw through the cynical, critical, arrogant tongue of a prideful man who never found peace.
“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” (Ephesians 5:6)
Chapter 28
Valley of Despair
Breakthrough awaits:
In moments of hopelessness please remember it’s ok to ask for help. Suffering is universal and life can be overwhelming at times. You’re not alone in your thoughts emotions or currents struggles. God is with you always. In dark times and good. He’s there. You don’t have to suffer this cruel world alone. Ask God to help guide your thoughts, improve your emotions, and calm the storm within. He’s there, just ask him into your heart, and I promise he’ll guide you home.
This letter is for anyone who has lost hope. Once upon a time I too had lost hope. But I never gave up and I never stopped believing. No matter the trouble you’re facing right now, all it takes is the Faith of a mustard seed. Turn to God in your hour of darkness and remember a breakthrough awaits when God is present.
Miracles await for those who endure.
“From the depths of despair, Oh Lord, I call for your help.” (Psalms 130:1)
Chapter 29
Escape the Darkness
Peace will follow:
There’s comfort in darkness with the absence of God.
When the Presence of God resides within, your life will be transformed.
Despair will be replaced with everlasting peace and joy.
Darkness replaced with light.
Frustration replaced with Joy.
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
