Sarah’s Blog

Suffering with hope

When Hard Places Become Holy Places

Suffering. How can one small word hold so much complexity? Even beyond the complexity of what the circumstances entail, whether or not you believe there’s a God, and whether you believe he’s good and sovereign, will completely change the way you interpret the word. Even in the Christian community, the way each interprets the pain,… Continue reading When Hard Places Become Holy Places

Suffering with hope

Walking in Faith in a World of Fear

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash “Mom, hurry up and get home,” Carter blurted out before the car door had fully closed. “What’s going on?” his mom asked. This was the third day in a row that Carter seemed rushed to get home after school. “I don’t ever want to use the school bathroom during… Continue reading Walking in Faith in a World of Fear

Suffering with hope

When Faith Isn’t a Formula

We, Christians, love a good miracle. We’re moved by the bold prayers of a sick brother or sister who’s powerfully touched by the healing hand of God. We’re inspired by the drug addict who met Jesus at rock bottom, and whose testimony has grown into a powerful ministry founded on the redemptive hope of Christ.… Continue reading When Faith Isn’t a Formula

Suffering with hope

What’s the Point if Pain Has No End?

I slowly worked my way to the window and opened the blinds for the first time in over a week. My world had been reduced to the next time I could take more pain meds, the next time I had to force down a little food or fluids to keep the ER at bay, and… Continue reading What’s the Point if Pain Has No End?

Suffering with hope

The Clouds of Shame and Unbelief Distort the Glory of God’s Goodness

This weekend, my husband and I cautiously drove along the winding, somewhat treacherous, Million Dollar Highway in Ouray, Colorado. Around every turn, the vivid colors of fall burst forth with a glorious array of oranges, yellows, and reds. Little by little, the low hanging clouds of an impending cold front began to cloak the mountain… Continue reading The Clouds of Shame and Unbelief Distort the Glory of God’s Goodness

Suffering with hope

Frozen in Grief: The Hidden Pain of Ambiguous Loss

As we drove away from what felt like the millionth doctor’s appointment for our son, the new prescriptions and prospective treatments felt more like a set up for disappointment than a prospect of future hope. We had lived in this space for a decade and a half, ever since the realization that our son’s challenges… Continue reading Frozen in Grief: The Hidden Pain of Ambiguous Loss

Suffering with hope

The Great Exchange: When a Million Little Deaths Lead to the Secret of True Life

As I recently shared, this past month was one of extreme physical circumstances that left me out of commission, out of family life, desperate for relief, and weary of the battle. There were moments when I was in such discomfort, I could barely think, let alone read my Bible or pray beyond begging God for… Continue reading The Great Exchange: When a Million Little Deaths Lead to the Secret of True Life

Suffering with hope

The Rush to Redeem Suffering: Acknowledging Pain for What It Is

Suffering. How can one small word hold so much complexity? It can elicit fear, dread, anxiety, bitterness, anger, and panic. It can also stir up courage, strength, growth, humility, and faith. Suffering is so painfully complex that we struggle to find answers to it, yet it demands answers nonetheless. Which is why, I believe, we… Continue reading The Rush to Redeem Suffering: Acknowledging Pain for What It Is

Suffering with hope

A Cry of Desperation

The Beauty of a Child-Like Faith The world around me was dream-like, but the pain radiating from my body was what nightmares are made of. It was strange, really. As I was wheeled out of surgery a few weeks ago, I was barely conscious of reality, yet fully conscious of the agony within. I’ve endured… Continue reading A Cry of Desperation

Suffering with hope

Taking the Leap Over to Substack – Will you Join Me?

Hi Friends, I'm so thankful for the community that has grown here. It's been an honor and privilege to share my writings with you over the years. Don't worry-this page isn't completely disappearing! But... After a year of deliberating, I'm finally taking the leap over to Substack. I plan to share a monthly newsletter, including… Continue reading Taking the Leap Over to Substack – Will you Join Me?