Rev. Sara Ewing-Merrill, HopeGateWay’s Lead Pastor, examines how Thecla's defiance of societal norms and miraculous survival of execution exemplify kenosis—the practice of emptying oneself of false identities to emerge as one’s truest self. Pastor Sarah draws parallels between Thecla’s transformation through fire and our current times, encouraging us to believe in unexpected miracles and to choose who we become amid challenges, while working for justice with compassion and hope.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​