Suffering with hope

Is It Wrong for a Christian to Despair?

Do you ever feel weary of waiting, weary of fighting for joy, and weary of hoping for better days? Do you push down feelings of despair and hopelessness because you don't think a Christian is allowed to struggle with such "faithless" feelings? Well, let me assure you - you aren't alone. Lately, a sense of… Continue reading Is It Wrong for a Christian to Despair?

Suffering with hope

When Christmas is a Fresh Reminder of What’s Been Lost

I have always loved the Christmas season and the many traditions that surround it. It’s a time of year that has always brought a familiar joy and excitement as we set up the tree, decorate the house, search for the perfect gifts, and spend time with family. This year, however, Christmas just isn’t the same.… Continue reading When Christmas is a Fresh Reminder of What’s Been Lost

Suffering with hope

The Waves of Grief Will Give Way

“Why did God make me this way? I’ve asked him to change me every day, but he never does. My life is hopeless — there’s no point to trying anymore.” My child curled up in a heap on the floor and sobbed. I sat down next to him, empty of words and fighting my own… Continue reading The Waves of Grief Will Give Way

Suffering with hope

Frozen in Grief – the 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 twelve years, ever since the realization that our son’s challenges were far beyond… Continue reading Frozen in Grief – the Pain of Ambiguous Loss

Hope When It Hurts, Marriage

Grief is Not a Sign of Unbelief – Walking Through Loss in Marriage

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. (Job 1 v 20-22) When loss comes, grief is often not far behind. Though the shock of pain or the adrenalin of the survival instinct may make us appear strong for a time, grief—“the inward desolation that… Continue reading Grief is Not a Sign of Unbelief – Walking Through Loss in Marriage

Desiring God Posts, Suffering with hope

The Waves of Grief Will Give Way

“Why did God make me this way? I’ve asked him to change me every day, but he never does. My life is hopeless — there’s no point to trying anymore.” My child curled up in a heap on the floor and sobbed. I sat down next to him, empty of words and fighting my own… Continue reading The Waves of Grief Will Give Way

Desiring God Posts, Suffering with hope

God Has a Purpose for My Lyme Disease -Three Promises for Anyone Suffering

As my seven-year-old daughter curled up on the couch with stomach pain, she looked up at me with sadness and confusion in her eyes and said, “Mommy, I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but I kind of wish you hadn’t had us when you were sick — then you wouldn’t have given us all… Continue reading God Has a Purpose for My Lyme Disease -Three Promises for Anyone Suffering

Suffering with hope

Grief is Not a Sign of Unbelief

“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return.’ The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’” Job 1:20-22 When loss comes, grief… Continue reading Grief is Not a Sign of Unbelief