God often places treasures in our path throughout our journey, and for me, meeting Kerry Hasenbalg was like finding an entire treasure chest overflowing with God’s glorious riches. From the moment we connected through our mutual friend, artist Julie Ann Scott, it was clear that God had orchestrated our paths to cross for His purposes. Through prayer and partnership, this booklet, Stand, comes to you – a powerful resource born of faith, resilience, and a commitment to stand firm in the storms of life.

When Kerry offered me the privilege of writing the foreword for Stand, one of the 12 practices she teaches in her new book, The Way of Becoming, I wanted to run and grab my laptop and start typing. I assumed I would pull from what God had already imparted to me regarding our call to stand…but I was wrong. God would call me to stand and wait. Like a scribe, I waited, ready with my pen, watching and listening for specific words from the Spirit, a whisper, that still, small voice. (1 Kings 19:12).

But instead of a still, small voice, I received a storm…two storms, actually: one named Helene and another named Milton. Having a home in Florida and many friends and family there, we watched and prayed as each storm formed, strengthened, approached, and made landfall. While meteorologists attempt to describe the power of the wind, waves, and rain, nothing exhibits a storm’s force more clearly than when they go out and stand in it. Like meteorologists braving hurricanes to provide crucial insights, God calls us to stand firm in prayer during the storms we encounter. 

Stand is more than a booklet; it is a guide to spiritual resilience, offering encouragement and practical wisdom to equip us for life’s trials. It is an invitation to step into God’s calling with courage and conviction. Paired with the National Day of Prayer’s theme song, “I Will Stand” (co-written by Kerry), this work serves as a rallying cry for all of us to stand in the truth of God’s love and embrace our role as intercessors, standing in the gap for those in need. 

In these pages, Kerry not only shares her deeply personal testimony of one of the most significant storms of her life, but she also provides a survivor’s guide on how we can stand in suffering and the battle plan for standing in victory. As you read Kerry’s tender account and reflect on the truth she shares, may you be inspired to stand firm amid your own trials and on behalf of others, proclaiming God’s eternal goodness. Together, let us glorify Him through every storm, trusting in His promise to strengthen and sustain us. Prepare to armor up, pray up, and stand!

Serving Him with Gladness,

Kathy Branzell, President, National Day of Prayer Task Force