Tara Powell Ministries

07/12/2026

07/03/2026

Self care is not selfish.

One of my biggest obstacles while helping those who are grieving is helping them see the difference between self care and selfishness.

When you are in the midst of grief you can be desperate for understanding from others. This desperation often meets poor advice. Truth is most people care however lack skills for navigating grief. In the uncomfortable they feel pressured to respond to your desperate place. What comes out is unsolicited advice that feels uncaring.
Examples, you just need to move on, stay busy, and don’t cry.

Unfortunately, no one understands the grief like you do. You have to advocate for yourself. You have to find the skills that help you navigate. Relationships are important. Grief puts a strain on relationships. They will get better or break off. This can lead to more grief. See the dilemma.

Self care responds to your needs, instead of expecting others to know what you need.
Self cares allow for grace during the tender times.
Self care teaches you what is good and healthy and what hurts.
Self care gives ease in relationships because we are not desperate or dependent.
Self care teaches us to love ourselves. The Bible teaches to love our neighbor as ourselves. We have to love ourselves first so that we are healthy enough to share that love with others.

There is a difference between self care and selfishness. Self care takes care of the vessel , instead of making it another’s responsibility. Lack of self care leads to depression and self pity. Selfishness is the unhealthy view of self. Too much of a focus on yourself makes you the center of your own universe. When our needs are not meet and you are unwilling to take initiative for self care you will bottom out. This is how people get stuck in grief. This is also how people can develop chronic illness or disease. It’s due to self pity not self care.

What’s the difference? Progress is the difference. Self care is progress. Self pity is the disappointment one feels that no one is meeting my needs.

Self care is actively working through your grief. There is a temptation to avoid grief. The goal is to just move on. This delays grief. This grief lays dormant until it can no longer be avoided.

There is balance. Balance is self care. Actively, acknowledging the hurt, and taking care of your needs while you do. It is hard but it is possible. The alternative can be devastating.

05/22/2026

Today marks the 8th Anniversary of TPM. Join me in lifting praise. How have you witnessed TPM impact your life or others????

05/22/2026

An altar of praise.

05/22/2026

May 22, 1996
This date has been so many things to me. It was a mark of last things. The last day with Jacob Ray. The last time I held him in my arms. The last sloppy wet kiss I received. The last whiff of his baby sweetness.
The last day I was the first version of Tara. The last time I looked through the lens of innocence. A joyful immaturity that you can never get back. A vigor for life without scars. She was building her future and found her calling-momma.
This date then etched in stone. A finality of time gone by. There was more than my son’s body in that grave, with it, hopes, dreams, and who we once were.
A place to visit. A place for memories. A cold stone reality of death.
In the early stages of grief we went there a lot.
I choose to live there, at least in my head. I sought the grave, not because Jacob was there, he was not. In truth, I was not, and had no rest.
The weight of grief held me captive. I believed this would never change.
I knew God was the answer, but didn’t know if He’d answer me. He didn’t just answer, He showed up. He entered my pain. He touched me to let me know He was in the room.
This brief encounter changed everything. He brought peace. He opened a door of hope.
There are times in our life that are hard to explain. What it’s like to be in such darkness you seek death and tortured when it doesn’t come. You taste death. And the significance of Hope entering your despair and in an instance defeat the grip of death.
I was a Christian before this day, now I was a Christ follower. No one could do what Jesus had done for me. I would spend the rest of my days in service to Him.
This date no longer holds me captive. It’s still a reminder of the last’s. A day to remember the way we were. It also marks a miracle. A reminder of who we became. A reminder of how God redeems.
Thirty years later, I sit in awe, of the beauty He brought out of ashes. My heart filled with gratitude. God transformed the pain into purpose.
Today also marks the anniversary of Tara Powell Ministries. It was brought to public eight years ago today. The reality of restoration. He has used our loss for His glory. I want nothing less.
I will be heading out today to lead a grief support group. How appropriate.
Instead of going to the grave today I am building an altar. Each stone represents the great work of Jesus. Tara is not capable to accomplish any of this. Only Jesus.
In the Old Testament when God showed up, they built an altar. If God spoke, an altar. A miracle preformed, an altar. When promises came to pass, an altar. He deserves more. He only ask for praise. Not just a stack of rocks. A remembrance.
Thank you Jesus!

05/13/2026

For all you dainty lions.

05/03/2026

05/02/2026

Prayer 24/7
Jesus is moving!

05/01/2026

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