Hey everyone, I'm Dr. Allison.

Today's scripture offers us a wiser way of being human as we step into the day.

Today's passage is for the part of you that's afraid your doubt disqualifies you.

Spoiler alert, it doesn't.

In fact, in this story, doubt becomes a doorway, not away from Jesus,

but toward a deeper, sturdier form of trust. Today's reading comes from John 20, 24 through 29.

Now, Thomas, also known as Didamus, one of the 12, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.

So the other disciples told him,

We have seen the Lord.

But Thomas said to them,

unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my fingers where the nails were

and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.

A week later, his disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them.

Though the doors were locked,

Jesus came and stood among them and said, peace, be with you. Then he said to Thomas, put your finger here,

see my hands, reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe. Thomas said to him, my Lord and my God. Then Jesus told him,

Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have

believed. Historically speaking, this story has given Thomas a bad reputation. He's known as doubting Thomas as if that's his defining feature. But if we read carefully, Thomas isn't mocking. He isn't cynical. He isn't actually trying to stir up controversy. He's honest. And that honesty is so important to note because many people carry a quiet fear that faith means

you're not allowed to ask for what you need, that you're not allowed to state what confuses you

or what doesn't yet feel clear. But Jesus doesn't demand that Thomas pretend. Jesus meets him

right where he is. This is one of the most psychologically wise moments in the

gospel. Jesus recognizes that trust isn't built by pressure. Trust is built by connection, by real

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