Cultivating a Flourishing Faith

Faith, like a garden, requires intentional care in order to thrive. During her seminar “Keep it Alive – Yes, You Can!” Deeann Bragaw used practical gardening principles to illustrate what it means to cultivate a flourishing spiritual life rooted in Christ.

Bragaw explained that bare soil naturally invites weeds, and in the same way, spiritually barren lives leave room for harmful influences to grow. Just as gardeners work to prevent weeds through removing, mulching, and intentional planting, believers are called to guard and nurture their hearts. She emphasized the importance of being mindful about what we allow into our lives, reminding attendees that even the “mulch” surrounding our spiritual gardens should not contain anything that could hinder growth.

Drawing from the parable of the sower, Bragaw described the seed as the Word of God and highlighted the dangers of shallow, rocky soil that lacks depth. Genuine growth, she explained, requires intentional effort and a willingness to go deeper with Jesus. She also warned that the cares and desires of the world can gradually choke out a person’s spiritual life if left unchecked.

At the same time, Bragaw offered hope by comparing difficult life experiences to compost that enriches soil. God, she said, can use even painful circumstances to strengthen faith and transform hearts so that they become fertile ground for lasting growth.

Throughout the seminar, Bragaw encouraged participants to immerse themselves in Scripture using the SOAP Bible study method: observing what the passage says about God, reflecting on what God is speaking personally, and responding to His leading. Using Psalm 46 as an example, she guided attendees through practical study exercises while also introducing tools such as Bible Gateway and Blue Letter Bible to deepen personal study.

Ultimately, Bragaw reminded participants that a flourishing faith does not happen by accident—it is cultivated daily through intentional attention, deep roots in God’s Word, and a willingness to let Him continually shape the soil of the heart.

—Natalie Sissac