Hope On The Road Less Traveled
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
The walls felt like they were closing in around me. The air in the room grew heavy, and each breath I took stole every last ounce of my energy. With puffy eyes, a weary body, and an aching heart, I was desperate for an escape. Escape from a broken world, escape from a broken body,… Continue reading Learning Contentment in Unwanted Places
It had been eight weeks since I went in for my fifth ankle surgery, uncertain of whether it would restore my ability to walk. As I remained couch bound, waiting to see what walking ability I would be left with, I wrestled with doubts and fears over all the seemingly impossible circumstances that God continued… Continue reading Each Day Is More Impossible – Hope on the Long Road of Suffering
Something struck me as I read and listened to the prayers of believers suffering in Afghanistan. There is an other-worldly peace, confidence, humility, and longing for those around the world to see that the God they serve is worthy of their all - even at the cost of everything. Contrast that with much of the… Continue reading Lord, Make us Ready
“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
We were desperate. How could we go on like this - standing before a metaphorical mountain that seems impossible to scale on our own? We prayed. We pleaded. We endured. We waited. Then God did something miraculous and brought what seemed to be the answer we desperately needed. Although that answer would bring a different… Continue reading Facing the Impossible
~In the Darkness of Night, New Mercies we will Sing~ The joy that I once knew Is swallowed up by sorrow As the darkness of night Blinds my hope for tomorrow. Weariness has taken up residence Where my strength to fight once flourished Though many are at ease all around us Our comfort and peace… Continue reading In the Darkness of Night, New Mercies We will Find
Everything in me wanted to escape. I squeezed my eyes, hoping I’d awake and find this to be nothing more than a nightmare. But a knock at the door jolted me into reality. It was a nightmare, but one I was actually living. The nurse walked in and did her check to make sure I… Continue reading The Day He Redeemed My Life From the Pit
He Will Carry Me Home In moments of grief Heart being shattered He held me close My body and mind battered. * Head in my hands Heart feeling numb Reached the end of myself Where would my help come from? * The mountain looms before me Hands and feet tied An impossible feat Yet he… Continue reading He Will Carry Me Home – A Poem
After four months of a cortisone shot restoring some ability to walk, the pain in my ankle had returned and all the fears of the future came with it. As I found myself limited yet again, waiting to see if it was temporary or what I would be left with, I wrestled with doubts and… Continue reading A Hopelessness that Fuels Hope
Set Apart 