Hope On The Road Less Traveled
As I recently shared, this past month was one of extreme physical circumstances that left me out of commission, out of family life, desperate for relief, and weary of the battle. There were moments when I was in such discomfort, I could barely think, let alone read my Bible or pray beyond begging God for… Continue reading The Great Exchange: When a Million Little Deaths Lead to the Secret of True Life
Suffering. How can one small word hold so much complexity? It can elicit fear, dread, anxiety, bitterness, anger, and panic. It can also stir up courage, strength, growth, humility, and faith. Suffering is so painfully complex that we struggle to find answers to it, yet it demands answers nonetheless. Which is why, I believe, we… Continue reading The Rush to Redeem Suffering: Acknowledging Pain for What It Is
I glanced in the mirror this morning and something immediately caught my attention. Two prominent wrinkles were etched deeply between my eyes. I guess I’ve noticed them a little before, but today, they were more noticeable than ever. I made the face that had clearly caused them to form in the first place and it… Continue reading The Wrinkles of Pain
Mom! Dad! Something keeps biting me!” one of our children yelled. We ran into the family room to investigate what was happening. As soon as I realized the cause, I froze. Fleas! Nope, no way, this was too much. Everything in me wanted to run for the hills, escape the horror we were living in, and… Continue reading There is no Pit so Deep That He is Not Deeper Still
I don’t have to tell you that there’s a lot to fear in this world. And we don’t have the promise that our fears won’t become reality. We’ll all be faced with some degree of unwanted sorrows, hardships, and disappointments simply because we live in a fallen world that still groans under the curse of… Continue reading Fear Takes You Where Grace Has Not Yet Gone
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
It’s been so many years of waiting. I've prayed, longed, and sacrificed for the desired healing of my earthly body for over two decades. And yet, I've often felt like the women in Mark 5 who bled for 12 years, suffering "a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she… Continue reading God’s Heart for our Healing
Suffering. How can one small word hold so much complexity? It can elicit: fear, dread, anxiety, bitterness, anger, and panic. It can also stir up: courage, strength, growth, humility, and faith. Suffering is so painfully complex that we struggle to find answers to it, yet it demands answers nonetheless. Which is why, I believe, we… Continue reading Don’t Downplay the Pain of Suffering
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?
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
