As we start the new year, it’s popular to reflect on what worked well in the past and consider future trends. As I grow older, I find myself less interested in popular trends and more nostalgic for the “good old days.” If you like to follow trends, whether for professional or personal growth, both areas require change, faith, and discipline in discerning truth from fiction and good from evil. 

If we look to scripture when discerning how we should react or act when it comes to societal trends, Colossians 3:2 (NASB) says to “set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.” The things of this world that are “trending” these days have a very wide range. Little things, like paint colors and fashion trends, are the stepping stones to the larger areas of social media, hashtags, and the use of Artificial Intelligence. 

As a writer, I have suddenly become flooded with emails from AI sources claiming to have read my work and proposing a marketing partnership. Some are obvious: they are fake because they quote work from other authors, not mine. Others are less evident and require prayerful consideration to discern their legitimacy. It is a scary world when you have to consider if the person(s) you are communicating with are actually human beings. I have come to rely on God and have decided to delete such emails, realizing that if the source is in fact valid, they will find a way to reach me other than email. This has been a time saver, and I breathe a sigh of relief each time I hit delete! 

In this new year, I want to find ways to trend God, rather than fancy paint colors or fashion styles, mostly because I receive more joy and fulfillment when I surround myself with spiritual practices and consistent prayer.  Actually, I have been trending God and didn’t even know it! A year or so ago, I found a “little Jesus” and fell in love with sharing Him with others so much so that I began handing them out at my book signing events. Lo and behold, “little Jesus” has an Instagram and TikTok following. 

Similar to the yellow rubber duck trend with Jeeps, the “little Jesus” is meant to be given as a gift, left for someone to find, and as a pocket charm. Giving them out at my book signing events has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.  Watching the youth light up with joy as they take one from the bowl and place it in their pocket, I become overwhelmed with emotion.  Not to mention the stories I have heard from those who share when and where they have found a “little Jesus”. I could write another book on those stories alone.  

I find myself leaving at least one a day somewhere. On store shelves, a park bench, the person in front of or behind me at the store, with our tip at a restaurant, and the list goes on and on. I have not yet ventured on the social media accounts for “little Jesus, but I’m hopeful they are meant to promote kindness and God’s Love. I keep myself stocked with the “little Jesus” figures through bulk ordering on Amazon, though there may be other sources out there. I’d encourage you to discern and shop where it suits you best. 

Another recent trendsetter for God is the viral video of Christian artist Forrest Frank dancing to his song Your Way’s Better.  The viral dance originated with fans who shared their joy while listening to his music. The dance is a hit on all social media outlets, live concerts, youth groups, and churches of all denominations. 

Sharing the “little Jesus” is my way of trending God in 2026. I implore you to trend God in a way that fits your schedule and lifestyle and brings you joy. My favorite memory of sharing “little Jesus” was during a break at a retreat.  All the participants had stepped out of the room, and while they were gone, I placed a “little Jesus” at each seat. The joy that erupted the moment they walked back into the room was priceless. The conversations that took place immediately as they held him in their hands are a treasure. Give yourself some joy this year, and trend God! It feels wonderful. 

©️ 2026 Kimberly Novak

Edited by Janet Tamez