Suffering with hope

Trusting Our Shepherd in the Darkness

Encouragement for Today: If today feels dark and difficult, know that Jesus walks with you through it and the light will dawn again. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4-5)… Continue reading Trusting Our Shepherd in the Darkness

Suffering with hope

He Sees Your Hidden Pain

At a moment’s notice, chaos could erupt in our home. But it never failed that our most difficult moments with our child's challenges often occurred on the mornings I was determined to make it to my bible study. And this particular morning was no different.  Although every day was difficult with his illness when he… Continue reading He Sees Your Hidden Pain

Suffering with hope

God’s Heart for our Healing

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

Suffering with hope

A Response to comments on Mental Illness From a Family it Has Misjudged

I write this article with an aching heart for countless families who have been affected by mental illness - including the dozens who have reached out to my husband and I in desperate search for help, hope, and community. Several months ago, after hearing comments made by a well-known Christian leader, discussing his view on… Continue reading A Response to comments on Mental Illness From a Family it Has Misjudged

Suffering with hope

A Tested Faith Will Stand

Have you ever wondered why trials seem to come in abundance and with a vengeance in the lives of believers? Although we’d like to think that following Christ means we’ll be protected from earthly harm, it doesn’t take long to realize the fallacy of that belief. We’re then left to face the question, “Why?” If… Continue reading A Tested Faith Will Stand

Suffering with hope

Life Lived in a Broken Frame

Typically I focus my writing on the hope we have through Christ, even in life's greatest challenges. Because no matter what we're facing in life, we always have hope in and beyond our pain, suffering, and sorrows. But sometimes, I've also found that we do ourselves a disservice when we don't acknowledge the magnitude of… Continue reading Life Lived in a Broken Frame

Suffering with hope

Answering Kids’ Hardest Questions: What Makes Me Special?

https://www.youtube.com/embed/yAGkzi1Tk7E?si=M2Ug3Xiid2i4Qxv2 This article (or video) is part of the Answering Kids’ Hardest Questions series. Your purpose now is not to figure out who you are, it’s to figure out and know who God is because he created you in his image. We Seek God, Not Gifts What makes me special? This is the very air that our kids… Continue reading Answering Kids’ Hardest Questions: What Makes Me Special?

Suffering with hope

Don’t Downplay the Pain of Suffering

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 Don’t Downplay the Pain of Suffering

Suffering with hope

Unrealistic Expectations: A Thief of Joy During the Christmas Season

Last December, emotions were at an all-time high. Our family had endured a long and painful season with one of our children and, deep down, I hoped (and expected) that Christmas would offer a much-needed dose of joy.  It turns out, God’s plans and my expectations were sailing in opposite directions.   To my great disappointment,… Continue reading Unrealistic Expectations: A Thief of Joy During the Christmas Season

Suffering with hope

Trapped in My Own Mind – Three Lies Depression Whispers

I can’t live like this anymore!” I cried through sobs. “I just want to be free from the torment of my mind!” I sat on my bed and tried to make sense of what was going on inside. I was tired of the chronic pain, the frequent bouts of illness, and the weariness of dealing… Continue reading Trapped in My Own Mind – Three Lies Depression Whispers