Suffering with hope

Frozen in Grief: The Hidden 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 a decade and a half, ever since the realization that our son’s challenges… Continue reading Frozen in Grief: The Hidden Pain of Ambiguous Loss

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

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

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

Suffering with hope

Mental Illness, Parenthood, and a God of the Impossible.

This is a personal one for me. One I don’t share much of, but I know many are quietly suffering in this way, so here it goes - As I’ve shared before (including in my essay response to some unhelpful comments recently made about mental illness and parenting), most of my 17 years of motherhood… Continue reading Mental Illness, Parenthood, and a God of the Impossible.

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

The Story isn’t Finished

This is a personal one for me. One I don't share much of, but I know many are quietly suffering in this way, so here it goes - Most of my fifteen years of motherhood have been spent sitting outside or inside my precious child's room, trying to protect him by keeping him (and I)… Continue reading The Story isn’t Finished

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 die!” 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 with my kids’ struggles. But what broke… Continue reading Trapped in My Own Mind – Three Lies Depression Whispers

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. If I'm honest, a… Continue reading Is It Wrong For a Christian to Despair?

Suffering with hope

Seeing the Unseen – Hope for Families Living With Unseen Special Needs

I stirred uncomfortably in my seat, struggling to accept the reality that this chair had my name on it for a reason. I sat there quietly and listened as the group went around sharing their personal journey of special needs. One family shared about their sweet boy living with a genetic disorder, bound to a… Continue reading Seeing the Unseen – Hope for Families Living With Unseen Special Needs