Suffering with hope

Lay Aside the Fear of Legalism – The Wells of Grace in Godly Discipline

Christians, of all people, desire to make changes for the better: to break patterns of sin, live more faithfully, and grow in godliness. And yet, our battle with sin remains, and our enemy works tirelessly to distract, discourage, or weigh us down in that pursuit. One of his well-known tactics is legalism, reducing the Christian… Continue reading Lay Aside the Fear of Legalism – The Wells of Grace in Godly Discipline

Suffering with hope

Social Media and the Trap of Comparison

Some days, I love social media. Other days, I’d be perfectly fine if it disappeared into oblivion. On one hand, it allows us the privilege of getting to know brothers and sisters-in-Christ from all over the world, spur one another on, be able to share gospel hope with those we’d never cross paths with otherwise,… Continue reading Social Media and the Trap of Comparison

Suffering with hope

Four Lies We Believe When We’re Lonely

There is no denying that many roads of suffering are incredibly lonely ones. Yes, it is true that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9), and often there are more people who can relate to our suffering than we realize. Nevertheless, these roads are often still lonely. I remember when one of my… Continue reading Four Lies We Believe When We’re Lonely

Suffering with hope

Weakness Isn’t Our Enemy

Let’s be honest: Most of us are exhausted. We’re exhausted from trying to hold everything together. We’re exhausted from pretending we’re stronger than we are. We’re exhausted from believing that if we could simply become more disciplined, more productive, more faithful, or more resilient, life would finally feel manageable. Underneath all that striving is a… Continue reading Weakness Isn’t Our Enemy

Suffering with hope

Do I Resent the Life God Gave Me?

I sat in the restaurant booth across from my husband, but I was distracted by the couple sitting nearby. As I watched them, smiling, enjoying their massive plate of gluten- and dairy-filled food, while my body ached and stomach churned, resentment began to rise in me. I bet they can eat whatever they want and… Continue reading Do I Resent the Life God Gave Me?

Suffering with hope

If Jesus Purchased My Healing, Why Hasn’t It Come?

Illness—both chronic and acute—have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s impacted the choices I’ve made and paths I’ve taken (or been forced not to take). It has robbed me of countless things I enjoy in life, such as activities, time with others, being the mom, wife, and… Continue reading If Jesus Purchased My Healing, Why Hasn’t It Come?

Suffering with hope

A Sunflower in the Dessert

Quarterly Newsletter Something on my mind… This image has been on my mind a lot lately—including the analogy it represents. On the last day of our family road trip last year, we drove through a vast national park and pulled off at the final lookout before we were set to head home. It was hazy,… Continue reading A Sunflower in the Dessert

Suffering with hope

Each Day Is More Impossible – Hope on the Long Road of Suffering

It had been eight weeks since I went in for my sixth ankle surgery, uncertain of whether it would restore my ability to walk. As I remained couch bound, waiting to see what walking ability I would be left with, I was wrestling with doubts and fears over all the seemingly impossible circumstances that God… Continue reading Each Day Is More Impossible – Hope on the Long Road of Suffering

Suffering with hope

Pray Them Home – Three Prayers for Prodigal Children

I once was that prodigal child — lost, angry, and struggling to find my identity. Hardened on the outside, but deeply hurting within. The pain of my choices was not only destroying me, but creating heartache within our family and severing my relationships with the people who loved me most. By God’s grace, my parents… Continue reading Pray Them Home – Three Prayers for Prodigal Children

Suffering with hope

Don’t Lose Hope – Your Story Isn’t Finished

This post is a personal one for me. It’s a part of my life that has shaped me more than anything else, but it’s also the part I’ve been most limited to share about.  More recently, however, the Lord has been moving in our family’s life, leading us to share more about the journey we’ve… Continue reading Don’t Lose Hope – Your Story Isn’t Finished