Promise Hill, S1 Ep 4, The Bluebird | Promise Hill--A Christian Soul-Care Podcast

Description

Season 1, Episode 4 — The Blue Bird

A gentle Christian fiction chapter in an unfolding story about learning to stay present to connect (and so much more).

From Mira’s Journal:

I visited Mom today. There was such clarity in her eyes, a softness that’s been missing for a while. She smiled when she saw me, and she was so happy when I brought her favorite bread from The Daily Bread Bakery. I carried Charity’s words with me: be present, right here, not live in the what ifs.

We talked, and she started telling stories from when I was little. She laughed so hard about Bill the bluebird — the one I named when I was little. I wish I could remember that one. It felt like sunlight breaking through to see her laugh.

When I asked about what I was like as a baby, she changed. It was a little strange. But her dementia is a little strange. Maybe it was that.

Before I left, she mentioned something I can’t shake .. a secret room in our old house. Could that really be true?

I’ll find out soon.

⋆ ✦ ⋆

This chapter lingers on what it means to stay connected with intention, even while grieving what used to be. For Mira, simple moments begin to open again, and with them, quiet threads from her past start to unravel, hinting that there’s more to her story than she’s ever known.

In Promise Hill, we explore life struggles through the lens of an unfolding mystery and what it means to discover the quiet ways God meets us in ordinary moments we almost miss.

Promise Hill is a faith-based audio drama blending gentle storytelling with soul-care for those navigating life's seasons. T

🌿 About Promise Hill

Promise Hill is a serialized Christian fiction podcast blending immersive storytelling with gentle reflection and soul-care for women navigating loneliness, anxiety, burnout, breakups, and seasons of transition.

📖 Each episode includes:

• One unfolding chapter

• Reflection and faith-based encouragement

• Practical action steps

• Prayer

Perfect for listening while resting, walking, or sitting quietly.

✨ Subscribe so you don’t miss the next chapter in Promise Hill.

🤍 Important Notes:

To enhance the storytelling experience, I use AI for character voices and all images. However, my voice is real.

This podcast is for inspiration and storytelling purposes only. If you are struggling emotionally or mentally, please seek professional support. You are worth it.

🏡 Welcome to Promise Hill.

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Transcription

Speaker #0
Welcome back to Promise Hill Season 1, Episode 4, The Bluebird. Hello, I'm Kimberlee Herman, your host. If you're tuning in for the first time, welcome We're happy to have you. Just FYI, since this is an unfolding story, you may want to start with Chapter 1. In Episode 3, Daily Bread, Mira met with Charity, who gave her some really great advice for visiting her mom. In today's episode, we watch Mira use that wisdom. Along with some mystery twists, I'll meet you on the other side of the story with reflections, live-it-out action steps, and prayer. Let's listen in.
Speaker #1
Mira pondered Charity's advice as she drove to see her mother Ruth in the neighboring town of Whispering Pine.
Speaker #2
I will really focus on the gift of this moment. rather than fearing what-ifs. I can do this.
Speaker #1
When Mira arrived, she took a deep breath as she got out of her car to prepare herself. Mira knocked gently on the door as she stepped into her mother's room, clutching the loaf of cinnamon honey bread from Daily Bread Bakery. The scent of lavender and fresh linen filled the air, mingling with the soft hum of a distant radio playing an old song.
Speaker #2
Ah, that scent brings back memories of my childhood. Saturdays filled with laundry on the line and fresh bread cooling on the counter. It's so good to see you, Mama.
Speaker #1
Ruth turned when she heard Mira, a slow smile spreading across her face. Her blue eyes danced as she welcomed her daughter.
Speaker #2
You're here, Mira. Of course, Mama. I'm glad to see you.
Speaker #1
Mira knelt beside the chair, gently squeezing her mother's hand. The familiar warmth grounding her, Ruth studied her daughter's face with quiet affection.
Speaker #3
You always find your way back to me, sweetheart.
Speaker #1
Mira smiled as Charity's words echoed in her heart. Focus on the present. Embrace the clarity.
Speaker #2
I love you, Mama. I'm so glad to spend time with you today. Was there something you wanted to talk to me about?
Speaker #3
Oh, sweet Mira.
Speaker #1
Ruth's gaze drifted out the window again.
Speaker #3
There's always so much to say.
Speaker #1
Mira stood and began straightening the room, more out of instinct than necessity. As she tidied a stack of books, she glanced back at her mother.
Speaker #2
Mama, what is one of your favorite memories of me when I was little?
Speaker #1
Ruth's eyes brightened.
Speaker #3
Oh, you and Bill.
Speaker #2
Bill? The bluebird.
Speaker #3
You saw him once in the backyard and decided he was lonely. So you called him Bill and made a trail of Cheerios from the porch straight into the living room.
Speaker #2
I did?
Speaker #3
You did. And Bill followed every single Cheerio right through the door.
Speaker #1
Mira covered her face.
Speaker #3
He made it to the coffee table. He looked around, realized he had made a terrible mistake, and started flying in circles. Your father dove behind the couch. I grabbed a dish towel. And you stood there calmly saying, Shh, he's thinking. He finally found his way back out, and we never saw Bill again. But you kept leaving Cheerios, just in case.
Speaker #2
After that performance, it sounds like Bill wisely reconsidered the neighborhood. That story bonded them in that moment.
Speaker #1
A moment of quiet intention about the past brought joy in the present. Mira could see delight dancing in her mother's eyes as she reflected on their shared history.
Speaker #2
What about when I was a baby? I don't remember you telling me if I was easy or challenging.
Speaker #1
Ruth's legs paused mid-rock.
Speaker #2
You were beautiful.
Speaker #1
She smiled, but something in her eyes flickered and she looked down. Mira caught the shift. but didn't push.
Speaker #2
Was that a hard time? Ruth's lips pressed into a faint line.
Speaker #3
Some seasons are like photographs you only get to look at.
Speaker #1
Mira nodded, unsure what that meant and how to respond. Her eyes wandered, landing on a large, black, leather-bound book on the dresser. It was worn, its edges frayed, the gold lettering barely visible, but looking just like the book she saw at Grandma Eden's.
Speaker #2
Mama, what's that?
Speaker #1
She asked, pointing. Ruth's expression softened.
Speaker #3
That's my Bible. I realized it's okay for me to let it sit for all to see, now that your dad isn't here.
Speaker #1
Mira blinked. caught off guard.
Speaker #2
Your what?
Speaker #3
My Bible, dear,
Speaker #1
Ruth repeated as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Speaker #2
What does dad have to do with your Bible?
Speaker #3
Your dad was a good man, but he didn't understand. But that is a story for another day.
Speaker #1
Mira walked over to pick it up. The leather was smooth, yet fragile in her hands, like something. deeply loved. She had never seen her mother read a Bible before, never even heard her speak about faith.
Speaker #2
You read this?
Speaker #1
She asked, flipping through pages filled with tiny handwritten notes in the margins.
Speaker #3
Yes, for most of my adult life.
Speaker #2
I didn't know you were religious.
Speaker #3
I'm not religious, honey. I have faith.
Speaker #1
Mira stared at her. Unsure how to reconcile this version of her mother with the woman she thought she knew.
Speaker #2
Why didn't you ever tell me?
Speaker #3
Some things aren't spoken. They're lived.
Speaker #2
Okay.
Speaker #1
Mira wished for more clear days, more chances to uncover new information about her parents. Mira stopped on a page that seemed to call her attention. There were words underlined, and Mira felt she should read it out loud.
Speaker #2
Do not fear. For I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. You believe all this?
Speaker #3
I do. And whether you realize it or not, Mira, I've prayed for you your whole life.
Speaker #1
Mira's throat tightened. Something inside her shifted. Ruth reached out and rested a hand on her arm.
Speaker #3
Mira, I want you to have my Bible. It's seen me through hard times, things only God could handle.
Speaker #2
Mama, are you sure? I don't want to take something so important.
Speaker #3
I insist. In fact, it's actually your Bible. I've just borrowed it all these years. Promise me you'll read it, cover to cover. Find a good church, someone to help you understand it.
Speaker #1
She paused and got that distant look again. The one that told Mira her mind was drifting.
Speaker #3
My bluebird. Have you seen him?
Speaker #1
Mira gently squeezed her mother's hand.
Speaker #2
No, Mama. Do you mean Bill the bluebird?
Speaker #3
No. My bluebird.
Speaker #1
A few moments later, Ruth shifted in her chair again and glanced toward Mira with sudden focus.
Speaker #3
There's something I need from the attic in our old house.
Speaker #2
The old house? Mama, do you remember we sold that house?
Speaker #3
Yes, honey. Before we moved, I left a box up there in the secret room.
Speaker #2
Secret room?
Speaker #1
Ruth pointed to her desk.
Speaker #3
The directions are in my diary.
Speaker #1
Mira was shocked as she reached for the journal. Inside were dates, names, scribbled stories, and, surprisingly, in the back was a sketch of the attic and a small note about a hidden button.
Speaker #2
You always did think I could do the impossible,
Speaker #1
Mira said, more to herself than anyone.
Speaker #2
Mama, why didn't I ever know about the secret room? There's so much to share with you, but first, the box.
Speaker #1
She reached out again, holding Mira's hand in hers.
Speaker #3
Thank you for doing this. One day, I hope you'll see yourself the way I do. Strong, creative, and not as lost as you think. as long as you have God.
Speaker #1
Mira looked down at the Bible and journal in her hands, the pages heavy with promises and untold pieces of her mother's story. Mira noticed that the faraway look was clouding her mother's face as Ruth wistfully looked out the window.
Speaker #3
Do you see it? My bluebird. I know he's coming home.
Speaker #1
Mira kissed her mother's forehead.
Speaker #2
I'll see you soon, Mama.
Speaker #1
Mira walked back to her car, holding the Bible and journal close to her chest.
Speaker #2
I wonder if maybe there's something in the Bible worth discovering. Hmm. Was that a Bible I saw at Grandma Eden's too? It must be.
Speaker #1
And then the flashback, feeling loved in a moment with people she couldn't name, a childhood echo she couldn't place.
Speaker #2
I wonder if there really is a secret room. with a box that Mama is remembering now. If there is, what could possibly be in there? And could it be related to these flashbacks?
Speaker #1
In her mother's Bible and journal, Mira found more than just old pages. She found prayers that had been holding her long before she ever knew they were there. As Ruth's memories begin to surface and a hidden box calls from the past, Mira steps into a journey she didn't expect, one that may just lead her back to... herself. Stay with us for the next episode as we follow Mira in searching for the secret room, which may be the beginning of discovering secrets from her past. Take it away, Kimberlee.
Speaker #0
Let's walk that story home and listen to what's beneath the surface. Sometimes what we think is the end of the story is just really the beginning of something new, even though it doesn't feel like that in the moment. In this quiet exchange between Mira and her mother Ruth, a new layer unfolds. A legacy hidden not in grand gestures, but in quiet faith, handwritten margins, and a love that's been steady all along. What do we do with a past that we only partly understand? Maybe we hold it gently. Maybe we follow the thread. Ruth's Bible becomes more than an object. It becomes a bridge. between what was and what could be, between a mother and her daughter. And the bluebird? Perhaps it's not just something to be found, but something to be remembered, longed for, searched out, and maybe, one day, understood. As Mira traces clues she didn't know she needed, Ruth's journal, the Bible, the secret room, and the unseen bluebird, something sacred begins to stir. The past isn't finished with her. just yet. Here are three reflections and three live it out action steps. Number one, the present moment as a sacred discipline. Mira used Charity's wisdom to focus on the moment with her mom, Ruth. She was able to ask about her childhood and laugh in those moments of shared history. She walked in courage, not in fear, as she spent intentional time with her mom. Mira learns that peace is found not by controlling tomorrow, but by fully inhabiting today. Hear it and hold it. Matthew 6 verse 34. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. And Psalm 118 verse 24. And this is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. There have been times in my own life where I have been so stressed over the what-ifs that I have missed that being in the moment of what's happening now. What about you? I love Cherry's advice to Mira to not worry about tomorrow, but be present in the moment. Number two, faith is lived, not just spoken. Ruth never spoke to Mira about faith. She simply lived it. Now, I don't recommend that, but those were her circumstances, and you will find out why in later chapters. Ruth reminds us that faith is not just words, but a way of life. How do our actions reflect God's love to others? In other words, how do you show others you are a Christ follower without saying you are? Hear it and hold it. Matthew 5 verse 16. In the same way, let your light shine before others. that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. I have seen too many Christians wear the badge of honor, also known as a cross, to let the world know that they are Christians. Yet they cuss out the guy who cut them off in traffic or wasn't kind to a waitress. This is a good reminder to all of us that Christians are to live out our faith, not just tell people that we're Christians. It's a huge difference, right? Number three, the Bible as a source of strength. Ruth's Bible is worn and filled with notes, a symbol of a lifetime of seeking God's wisdom. When she gives it to Mira, it's more than a book. It's an inheritance of faith. The Bible guides, strengthens, and reveals God's truth to those willing to read it. Hear it and hold it. Philippians 4 verse 1. I can do all things through him who gives me strength. In Psalm 29 11. The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. Always turn to your Bible for strength. And I know what you're going to ask. Kimberly, where do I look? How do I know what to read? That's a very good question. There's lots of books out there that you can look up whatever you're going through, and it can show you where to read that scripture in the Bible. You can also do a Google search. So Google search, you know, if you're feeling depressed, your query could be, help me find scripture when I'm depressed. or when I'm anxious, or when I'm fearful. You will find strength in the living word of God. All right, we're going to move on to our live it out action steps. Number one, live out your faith in daily actions. This is something we discussed earlier. Instead of just talking about faith, practice it in small ways. Show kindness, serve others, and extend grace. Number two, start reading the Bible with intentionality. Like Ruth's advice to Mira, read the Bible and commit to reading a small section each day. Or find one of those read the Bible in a year apps. Or find a Bible study or a mentor to help guide your understanding. Number three, lean on God in uncertain times. When facing fear or doubt, turn to scripture and prayer instead of relying on your own strength. If you're anything like me, how many times do you... turn over a situation in your head over and over and over again, trying to find different angles and perspectives and what ifs, but we need to all just pause, pray, ask the Lord for his peace and direction for your guidance. All right, friend, I would love to pray for you. Thank you, God, for the moments that catch us off guard and open our hearts. For the quiet ways you show up in a scent, a smile, and in a shared memory. I lift up every listener who is holding both the beauty and the mystery of their past. May they be brave enough to hold onto their faith when old memories show up, and tender enough to believe there's still something beautiful waiting to be found. May your presence meet them in unexpected places, just like it did for Mira. And may they come to know deep in their soul that you are with them every step of their journey. In Jesus' holy name. Amen. Thank you for hanging out with us on the hill. See you in chapter five, the secret room. Until next time, friends, may you find peace in the presence and hope on the hilltop. This is Kimberlee Herman cheering you on from Promise Hill.