Hope On The Road Less Traveled
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
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
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. 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
I glanced in the mirror this morning and something immediately caught my attention. Two prominent wrinkles were etched deeply between my eyes. I guess I’ve noticed them a little before, but today, they were more noticeable than ever. I made the face that had clearly caused them to form in the first place and it… Continue reading The Wrinkles of Pain
Mom! Dad! Something keeps biting me!” one of our children yelled. We ran into the family room to investigate what was happening. As soon as I realized the cause, I froze. Fleas! Nope, no way, this was too much. Everything in me wanted to run for the hills, escape the horror we were living in, and… Continue reading There is no Pit so Deep That He is Not Deeper Still
It’s been so many years of waiting. I've prayed, longed, and sacrificed for the desired healing of my earthly body for over two decades. And yet, I've often felt like the women in Mark 5 who bled for 12 years, suffering "a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she… Continue reading God’s Heart for our Healing
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… Continue reading If “By His Stripes We are Healed,” Why Has My Healing Not Come?
The stars shine brightest against the blackened sky. Oak trees gain their stability and strength by enduring fierce storms. Pearls are found hidden within the depths of the sea. Diamonds are formed under intense pressure and heat under the earth’s crust. In God’s world, beauty is often found in the most unexpected places. And our… Continue reading Beauty is Found in the Most Unexpected Places
Breathe Body and soul Waging within Between Doubt and trust Fear and faith Broken but held. Breathe. His grace abounds. Pain and weakness Relentless tension Between Anger and acceptance Detachment or reliance Despair or endurance. Breathe. His strength abounds. Flesh and spirit Waging a war Between My way or his This world or the next… Continue reading Breathe – A Poem for the Weary
Set Apart 