“We can move away from God, but God never moves away from us.” These are the words of Mikaela Ekobena, a member of Sunnycrest United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She was experiencing a difficult time and knew that she needed to lean into her faith and strengthen her relationship with God.

“I was going through a tough time at work and in life. I told my husband I need to do something. I felt like God was calling me to do something,” said Ekobena. “I love contemporary worship music. Music is a way I feel connected to God. I was listening to my playlist, and it hit me. I need to write a devotional and use this playlist.”

Ekobena looked through her playlist and began taking notes on the scriptures associated with each song. After some reflection, she dedicated time each day to write one devotional. Each day, she would listen to the song, read the connected scripture, write a reflection, a prayer, a recommendation, or a call to action.

“When something is important to you, you find the time. Some days it would take me an hour. Some days it would take me three or four hours. To write the reflection and recommendation, I made a list of the things I tried and matched them with the list of songs. Some of the things on the list fit, and others do not,” Mikaela describes. “The next day, I would read it over to see if it made sense. I would read it out loud to my husband. I would like to write through the lens of the Holy Spirit—could I feel the Holy Spirit?”

Friends and family looked over the writing for syntax, grammatical errors, and flow. When the manuscript was complete, Sarah Perez, a member of Sunnycrest UMC, assisted with graphic design and layout. A member of Ekobena’s family assisted with getting the devotional self-published on Amazon. The 30-day devotional is available in print and on Kindle.
 

Each reflection that she wrote is based on her experience and voice as a layperson. She is quick to point out that she is not a professional writer or a theologian. Ekobena shared the publication with Pastor Charlie Moore at Sunnycrest.

“He was very supportive. He said, ‘I want to make it part of our Lent.’  He sent out the link as a devotional for members at Sunnycrest, to utilize as a daily devotional during Lent,” stated Mikaela. “I was surprised and a little anxious. I knew it wasn’t perfect. I even had to make some corrections after it was published. Sometimes you have to step out in faith and lean on God.”

The feedback from the congregation has been kind, inspirational, and encouraging. One person shared, “I loved this and have given it to people who needed it.” Mikaela’s sister, who works at a hospital, thought “Praises in the Storm” would be a great addition to patients’ rooms.

“Everyone has been very kind. I have not received any negative comments,” she said. “It gives people at Sunnycrest a new view of me.”

At the advice of a friend, she has avoided focusing on the number of books that are sold.

“I have tried not to look at the data. It was something that I did for me. This is something that is meant for me, and others feel good and anchored in their faith,” said Mikaela. “It was a new focus with a different scope that benefits the soul.”

Mikaela grew up in The United Methodist Church and was confirmed at Sunnycrest UMC. She continues her faith journey by serving as a lay leader in the congregation.

“I think something that is cool about The United Methodist Church is that lay people are important. Everyone in the church has importance. It is a great platform to build your faith,” shared Mikaela. “I was nudged to make this brave move.”

What’s next? She is not sure, but she has an idea. “I honestly thought about doing another devotional,” Mikaela said. “I am always wondering, ‘What can I do for my two children?’”