Suffering with hope

The Long Road Home

Ever since I was young, I've found John Bunyan's "The Pilgrims Progress" to be insightful in the way that it speaks to the human experience, regardless of age or season of life. That's the beauty of allegory - it taps into our God-given creativity in a way that connects to the human and spiritual realities… Continue reading The Long Road Home

Suffering with hope

If “By His Stripes We are Healed,” Why Has My Healing Not 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… Continue reading If “By His Stripes We are Healed,” Why Has My Healing Not Come?

Suffering with hope

When Our Foundation Falters

To say it’s been a fight for faith is an understatement. Not because this has been the most painful season of my life, but because of the longevity, depth, and layers of hardship that have worn me to a pulp. I’ve had seasons when my agony has driven me to worship as Job did: “The… Continue reading When Our Foundation Falters

Suffering with hope

His Faithfulness Outweighs Our Faithlessness

I cried out in desperation - "Lord, where are you? Why do you seem silent to our pleas when we are so desperate for your help?" The enemy taunted in response, "Your faith must not be strong enough. You must not be learning the lesson he wants you to learn. He won't answer your pleas… Continue reading His Faithfulness Outweighs Our Faithlessness

Suffering with hope

Beauty is Found in the Most Unexpected Places

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

Suffering with hope

Fighting for Faith When Doubts Abound

"May your compassion come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need" (Psalm 79:8). It's a prayer that I've been praying with every frail ounce of my being lately. As the waves of tribulation seem to relentlessly beat upon me and my family, it's a prayer that, I admit, has been increasingly bombarded… Continue reading Fighting for Faith When Doubts Abound

Suffering with hope

A Response to John MacArthur’s 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. And since hearing the comments made by John MacArthur on a recent panel, discussing his view… Continue reading A Response to John MacArthur’s comments on Mental Illness From a Family it Has Misjudged

Suffering with hope

Breathe – A Poem for the Weary

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

Suffering with hope

Peace Begins With Acceptance

Peace and joy begin with acceptance.  It’s a phrase that God has often brought to mind during the past decade of near constant trials in our family. Between a daily battle with chronic illness, a debilitating injury, suffering children, financial woes, and the strain of caring for a loved one with mental illness, God’s provided… Continue reading Peace Begins With Acceptance

Suffering with hope

Comfort in The Cross

"Where are you, LordWhen the darkness swallowsWhen your silence deafensIn a multitude of sorrows? Where is your comfortWhen pain aboundsWhen companions fleeAnd loneliness resounds? Where is your justiceWhen the innocent are huntedWhen the wicked prosperAnd their evil is flaunted? Where is your compassionWhen a heart can bear no moreWhen weariness overwhelmsAnd it's too much to… Continue reading Comfort in The Cross