Merry Christmas, {{first_name}} !
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas eve and Christmas day! Random question:
Do you remember the last time you cried?
⚡ F5 Fast Files — Short Summary
2025 in review
Staying steady isn’t the absence of emotion, but knowing that how you respond matters. It’s ok to cry.
Look to the example of Joseph who had every opportunity to be frustrated during the Christmas season. Leaning on God will take you to the Christ Child.
When Was the Last Time You Cried?
Why did you cry?
I cry more often than people might expect.
A touching movie.
Meaningful music at church.
Thinking about someone I love—or someone in real need.
But this last week, they were tears of frustration.
🍼 A Night That Unraveled
Hayley and I have a 7-week-old infant and a 2-year-old toddler.
I had eight weeks off work to help us find our footing as a family of four, and last week was my first day back.
Once our toddler stayed in bed, Hayley came in saying she didn’t feel well. She skipped girls’ night and spent the next hour throwing up. I took over baby duty—I was an underqualified backup at best.
The baby had a blow out.
Then spit up.
Then screamed.
For an hour and a half I tried every trick I know—but I don’t have comfort this baby wants.
Somehow… thankfully… Reid stayed asleep.
😤 Frustration, Guilt, and Prayer
Eventually, I handed Ryder back to Hayley—pale, exhausted, barely sitting up between bouts.
All I could do was bring water, medicine, and a bowl.
I was so frustrated.
Frustrated at myself—for not being more patient.
Anxious about tomorrow—unfinished work, undone responsibilities.
The spiral built.
I wanted to hit something.
I didn’t.
I didn’t even slam the door.
I came back inside, did the small things I could to help, and then dropped to my knees in prayer.
This season has been turbulent for our family—between houses and nights like this.
Not a full “back-against-the-wall” moment, but the uncertainty has been weighty.
🌟 Thinking About Joseph
I can’t truly imagine Mary’s experience with a newborn any more than I can imagine my wife’s.
But I’ve been thinking a lot about Joseph.
If this feels overwhelming to me… What must it have felt like to be him?
How often did he cry tears of frustration?
How many nights did he carry responsibility without answers?
Joseph had every reason to crack.
But instead, he chose steadiness.
Not because the emotions weren’t real—
but because his response mattered and the Lord was counting on him.
🧭 An Invitation for This Season
Today, that’s my invitation too.
Maybe you’re:
overrun by the to-do list
managing strained relationships
short on money
lonely
I’m certain Joseph felt many of those things too.
Yet he drew strength from God—and in time, became a witness of the Christ Child Himself.
I believe we can also receive a precious gift this season as we lean on God to move through the frustration, the tears, and the noise to focus on the Savior of the world, born to us this day.
Whatever this season holds for you, whatever frustrations may come,
Stay steady. He is there.
Justin & Jared
The F5 Brotherhood
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