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

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

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

Sustained in the Fire

“I’m thankful God that has sustained me, but sometimes I don’t want to just be sustained, I want to be delivered," I confessed to my husband. It’s difficult to admit such thoughts because as a Christian, I know that God is working in my trials and I do believe he has a purpose. But there… Continue reading Sustained in the Fire

Suffering with hope

Standing on God’s Promises When Circumstances Worsen

I stared out at the vast ocean and breathed in deep the warm salty air. I felt my mind slowly reconnecting with my body and realized, I hadn't been truly present in a long while. It took feeling my feet in the sand, the warm sun against my face, and the sound of nothing but… Continue reading Standing on God’s Promises When Circumstances Worsen

Suffering with hope

Lord We Don’t Know What to Do, But Our Eyes Are on You.

Some days, your body is weary of pain. Some days, your mind is weary of the inner battle no one sees. Some days, your heart is weary of this sinful, sorrowful world. Some days, it’s all three at once. And when it is, it can be hard to lift your eyes in hope. Peace feels… Continue reading Lord We Don’t Know What to Do, But Our Eyes Are on You.

Suffering with hope

Six Encouragements in the Storms of Life

It had been over an hour. I stood there, holding the door shut to my son's room while he raged on the other side from a yet to be diagnosed disorder, which had dominated our lives for years. That day, my sometimes sweet, funny, determined little 7 year old was experiencing a battle waging inside of… Continue reading Six Encouragements in the Storms of Life

Suffering with hope

Truth to Cling to When Nothing Makes Sense

“At the beginning of our life with Jesus Christ, we were sure we knew all there was to know about following Him. It was a delight to forsake everything else and to throw ourselves before him in a fearless statement of love. But now we are not quite so sure. Jesus is far ahead of… Continue reading Truth to Cling to When Nothing Makes Sense

Suffering with hope

Sustained in the Fire – A Miracle of Grace

“I’m thankful God that has sustained me, but sometimes I don’t want to just be sustained, I want to be delivered," I confessed to my husband. It’s difficult to admit such thoughts because as a Christian, I know that God is working in my trials and I do believe he has a purpose. But there… Continue reading Sustained in the Fire – A Miracle of Grace

Suffering with hope

Enduring Pain

A poem for the one enduring pain… In pain’s unwanted presence The strong are brought to their knees The luster of life grows dull Peace and comfort flees. As pain bears down The world’s colors grow gray The old self becomes a stranger As plans and dreams fade. In pain’s crushing weight The sufferer endures… Continue reading Enduring Pain