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Welcome to Unfinished & Found

On By Lauren RysanekLeave a comment

Hello, friend – I’m so glad you’re here.

Unfinished & Found is a space for the in-between: the searching, the becoming, the waiting, the wondering, and the healing. Here, you’ll find messy grace and stories still being written.

I’m Lauren – writer, dreamer, and faith-walker – learning to live with softness and strength, and deepening faith and grace at the same time.

If you want to know more about my heart and why this blog exists, you can read more here .

Have a seat and stay awhile. Let’s grow together.

-Lauren

Meek Doesn’t Equal Weak

On By Lauren RysanekLeave a comment

I’ve always been told I’m “too nice.” If something is wrong with my food at a restaurant, I won’t say anything – unless they served actual garbage and the server punched me in the face – and even then, I’d probably still hesitate to speak up.

I’ve always admired people who handle confrontation with confidence, people who stand up for themselves without shaking inside. “They’re so strong,” I used to think. I wished I could be that bold one day, and I assumed that as I got older, I would magically grow into that version of myself.

Fast forward to 30 – and no surprise – I’m still the girl who avoids confrontation at all costs. I’ve been told to toughen up, develop thicker skin, and stop being “too nice.” For a long time, I believed my gentleness was a flaw. I believed meekness was weakness… until I met Jesus.

What Jesus Says About Meekness

In the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, Jesus teaches the very attitudes that lead to spiritual strength and blessing.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” – Matthew 5:5

For years, I thought being meek meant being timid, passive, or easily walked over. I didn’t want to be meek – I wanted to “stand on business,” as the young kids say. I associated meekness with inferiority and a lack of confidence.

But Jesus clearly values meekness. So I had to ask: Why? What does meekness really mean?

Meekness Defined

Biblical meekness means strength under control.

It reflects gentleness, humility, patience, and surrender to God’s will – not weakness.

The fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 paints a picture of what meekness looks like lived out:

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, and self-control.

Those qualities require restraint, emotional maturity, and spiritual strength – none of which are easy.

Learning to Respond with Strength – Not React from Emotion

Have I ever lashed out in anger? Yes. Have I had moments where I wanted to and didn’t? Also yes. I’m human.

But I can tell you this: the times I reacted impulsively or let my anger lead, I didn’t feel powerful afterward – I felt awful. I’d walk away thinking, “I could’ve handled that better.”

That conviction isn’t shame – it’s the Holy Spirit gently pruning away traits that don’t reflect Christ and replacing them with patience, peace, and self-control.

It’s growth.

It’s sanctification.

So Yes – I’m “Too Nice.” And I’m Meek.

But I am not weak.

I choose to handle hard conversations with grace and peace – not because I’m afraid, but because my strength is submitted to God.

When I walk away from a difficult situation knowing I didn’t give in to anger, pride, or impulse – I know I didn’t give in to my will, but His.

Meekness isn’t shrinking back.

It’s standing firm with gentleness.

It’s choosing peace over power.

It’s being strong enough to respond with grace instead of reacting with force.

And that – in God’s Kingdom – is strength.

“You will know them by their fruit.” – Matthew 7:15-20 (ESV)

The Danger of Making Hustle Holy

On By Lauren Rysanek1 Comment

Before I was saved, I was a slave. Not in chains, but to something just as heavy: society’s expectations and hustle culture. My worth felt tied to how much I could achieve, how busy I could stay, and how successful I appeared.

When I found Jesus, I discovered a whole new way of living. A life of freedom and peace. A life where rest didn’t feel like sin and grace didn’t need to be earned.

Yet, even after salvation, I’ve felt that same pressure creep back in – but this time disguised as spiritual hustle. More prayer, more Bible study, more time serving – that sounds good, right? Shouldn’t we always do more for God? But when that desire to “do” outweighs our desire to simply be with Him, we start chasing His approval rather than resting in His love.

Let’s look at Luke 10:38-42 (ESV) – Mary and Martha. Jesus arrives, and Martha welcomes Him into her home and gets to work. The Lord is in her home, so of course she wants to serve Him! While Martha is cooking and serving Jesus, her sister Mary is seated at His feet, listening to His teaching. Martha comes to Jesus, saying, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Then tell her to help me.” Jesus replies to her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” So, while Martha decided to serve the Lord through acts, Mary decided to sit and listen – to be with Him.

We’ve all been Martha. We’ve all asked ourselves, “What more can I do for the Lord?” And that’s not a bad place to be – I want the Lord to use me as His hands and feet and do work that will glorify Him during my time on Earth. But, what if we stop being a Martha and start being a Mary? What if the holiest thing we can do this week isn’t adding more to our to-do list, but resting in the truth that His love is not earned – it’s given?

I’m learning that God doesn’t love me because of what I do for Him – He loves me because I am His. My worth isn’t in how much I serve, but in how much I stay close to Him. Sometimes, the most holy thing I can do is simply sit at His feet, listen, and rest.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

Come As You Are – Not When You’re Ready

On By Lauren Rysanek1 Comment

I used to think I had to have it all together before I came to Jesus. Fix my attitude. Quit that habit. I thought I had to clean myself up.

I just didn’t feel worthy enough. I didn’t know anything about Jesus, I’m a born sinner – what would He want me for? If I was going to come to Him, I’d have to be more consistent, holier, and stronger.

But, Jesus doesn’t ask for us to come when we’re ready. He just asks us to come. However we are, no matter the trauma we come from or the sin we’re stuck in. He wants all of us.

I’ve been obsessed with The Chosen recently and the scene where He finds Mary Magdalene struck a chord for me. Of course, I’ve read this in the Bible, but seeing it just hits different. She was possessed, tormented by her demons, and stuck in a life of shame and pain. She was broken in every way imaginable. Nobody could – or would – help her. Not religious leaders. Not herself. But Jesus speaks her name. “Mary.” She was changed at that moment. Not because she earned it or because she cleaned herself up, but because He saw her, called her, and loved her anyway. He didn’t say, “Come when you clean yourself up”, or “Come to me when you’re better.” He just said, “This isn’t for you.” And that’s what grace looks like. It’s Jesus stepping into our mess and calling us out of the darkness while we’re still in it.

The world tells us to work harder – to take those calls on your day off, answer those emails when you’re at the dinner table with your family – because if you just work harder, you will have it all. But Jesus tells us, “You don’t have to work harder for my love or grace. It’s already given to you – receive it.” He’s not waiting for you to get it together, He’s waiting for you to give it over.

While the world demands hustle, Jesus asks for surrender. You don’t have to drive that fancy car or buy that designer purse to show others you’re worthy. You were born with worth. It’s okay to slow down, give yourself grace, and say, “The King of Kings knows me by name. I’ve already made it.”

Some days I feel full of faith, and some days I feel like I’m barely holding it together. But that’s okay, because I’m learning to come as I am – and trust that Jesus is enough for who I am right now. And if that’s true for me, it’s true for you, too.

You are loved before you’re ready. You are seen before you’re steady. You are chosen even when you feel unqualified. You can come tired. Come unsure. Come crying in your car. Just come.

Jesus isn’t looking for people who have everything figured out. He is looking for hearts willing to say, “Here I am.” That’s enough.

It has always been enough.

“Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

The World Wants Me to Hustle for a Throne

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Recently I was in a webinar for work. You know the kind – a motivational event jam-packed with energy, ambition, and phrases like, “If you want success, follow these 5 steps,” and “You can be a millionaire if you tell yourself you already are one.”

Throughout the workshop, I was nodding along to some ideas, like discipline and mindset, but something in my spirit whispered, “This isn’t it.”

It’s easy to understand why these motivational workshops appeal to people. They’re filled with promises of success, money, status – making us believe that we are the solution to all our problems. And I’ve fallen for this rhetoric many times. I used to tell myself, “If I work hard enough, I’ll be enough”, and “Once I achieve this, I’ll know I made it.” Funnily enough, no matter how many plans I followed or mantras I repeated, something still felt hollow within me.

While they were teaching, “Change your mindset, change your life”, my soul was saying, “No, follow Jesus. He is what changes you.” My discernment was screaming – idolatry. We want to feel like our own saviors. We want to give ourselves the credit for achieving success.

Consider the world’s formula for success versus God’s invitation:

“Strive harder” vs. “Abide in Me” (John 15:4)

In no way am I discrediting people who have worked hard for their accomplishments. My hat goes off to those who have built something out of nothing – because hard work and dedication is honorable. Discipline and a positive mindset are essential to being functional humans.

After years of trying to figure what I want to do, where I belonged, and how I could leave my mark on this world, I discovered – you don’t have to hustle for your worth. You don’t have to climb the ladder, because Jesus already stepped down. And you’re not called to build your kingdom, but instead work for His. The world wants me to hustle for a throne. I’m choosing to kneel at one instead.

If you’re burnt out over trying to earn your value in this world, you’re not alone. There is nothing wrong with goals, growth, and discipline – but you were never meant to carry the pressure of “being enough.”

In part two, I want to talk about why you don’t have to clean yourself up to come to Jesus. You can come as you are.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2 (ESV)

I’m Baptized – Now What?

On By Lauren RysanekLeave a comment

One year ago today, I stepped into the water and made the most important decision of my life. I publicly declared that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. I’ll never forget the feeling – the nerves, the excitement, the overwhelming sense of God’s presence as I emerged from the water. It was holy, beautiful, and life-changing.

But here’s something I didn’t expect: the next morning, I woke up and realized… I’m still me. I still had the same struggles, the same temptations, the same messy emotions. I didn’t expect to be speaking in tongues, but I just thought I would feel different. I had this thought of, “I’m baptized, now what?”

I assumed that baptism was the finish line. You accept Jesus, you get baptized, and then you’re saved for all eternity, right? What I’ve learned in a year of salvation is that baptism isn’t the finish line – it’s only the beginning.

I’ve learned that following Jesus is less about the big moments, and more about the small, daily choices. It’s opening my Bible even when I don’t “feel like it”. It’s praying for the small things as much as I pray for the big things. It’s dying to my old self, picking up my cross, and trusting that God’s grace is bigger than my shame.

If you had asked me a year ago what I thought baptism would change, I might have said “everything.” And yes in a way, it has. But the surprises I didn’t see coming are so much greater than stepping into the baptism pool. It’s the beauty of obedience to God – and how He shows up in the quiet moments of faithfulness. It’s fully surrendering myself to Him – and seeing the work He does in me. And it’s understanding that following Jesus didn’t magically make my life easier – it’s knowing that because of my faith in Him, I have an unshakable foundation that gives me hope through the hard times.

If you’re newly baptized or considering it, here’s the best advice I can give you – baptism is not a graduation, it’s an invitation. It’s the beginning of a lifetime of walking with Jesus. Being baptized doesn’t mean you’re immune from heartache or grief or hardship, but it does mean that you’ll never have to go through those things alone ever again, because Jesus carries you in those moments. Baptism is the outward sign of an inward reality: that you are made new. Now, the rest of your life is God’s story of continuing to shape you into who He created you to be.

As I celebrate one year since my baptism, I’m still amazed by God’s faithfulness. He has carried me, challenged me, stretched me, and reminded me over and over that His grace is enough. I can proudly say that I am not the same girl that went under the water a year ago.

And the best part? He’s still working on me.

If you’ve ever wondered, “I’m baptized – now what?” – the answer is simple: keep choosing Jesus. Every. Single. Day.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away: behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before My Walk With Jesus

On By Lauren RysanekLeave a comment
  1. You will face adversity – maybe even more than before
    • I used to think that being a Christian would make things easier. And in some ways, it did. There is a sense of peace, comfort, hope, and purpose I feel now that I didn’t before. But, I didn’t know that choosing Him would feel like learning to walk on water. In today’s world, people are too comfortable mocking Jesus and His followers. I used to be uncomfortable about my faith when I first got saved, but now I am a proud believer in Christ, and nobody can shake my faith in Him.
  2. The conviction will hit you hard – and that’s a good thing
    • I’ll admit, after I got saved, I still held onto things my old self enjoyed – secular music, TV shows, and media. And the conviction felt like guilt – but I realized it was God’s love. His correction is not condemnation – it is His kindness pulling me closer, saying, “I have more for you than this.” I learned to trust that He wants my heart and my healing, not my perfection.
  3. You will fall short – again and again
    • I used to think that I would somehow arrive at godliness. That the old sins or habits would magically disappear after salvation. But sanctification is a journey, not a destination. God doesn’t run out of grace for me, even when I run out of it for myself. He knows every mistake I’ve ever made – and will make – and He still chose me.
  4. You won’t always feel Him – but that doesn’t mean He left
    • There were some days where the silence from God was deafening. I felt like I did something wrong or wasn’t doing enough, and maybe He gave up on me. But faith isn’t a feeling, it’s the truth. And the truth is – God is steady, and even when I’m unsure, He is there with me, even in the silence. I love the poem “Footprints” as a gentle reminder that He carries us through the hardest times. (P.S. – if your Bible is closed, God will feel distant)
  5. It’s okay to grow slowly
    • I thought I had to become the perfect Christian overnight. I would get upset that I couldn’t quote scripture off the top of my head, and I didn’t (and still don’t) know all of the Bible. The reality is, I’m not a Bible scholar, and I don’t have to be. The simple fact that I love and accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior is enough. Everyday I am learning how to walk more like Jesus, and when I inevitably fall short – He is waiting for me, saying, “It’s okay. We can walk together slowly.”

Walking with Jesus is a brave thing to do, especially in today’s world. And never once have I regretted my choice to surrender my life to Him. I have faced opposition, been challenged about why I believe in Him, felt judged for having my faith, but I would choose all of it – again and again – because Jesus truly is the way, the truth, and the life.

Amen? Amen.