Twenty years after my only sibling and brother died, I struggled again. I wrestled with unanswered questions, trying to understand why God didn’t save him from taking his life. Through the lens of my grief and pain, I was wavering in my belief in who I thought God...
After living a promiscuous life, wrecking relationships and trying drugs in my 20s, I was as empty as ever. I remember wanting to feel clean and being ashamed of the horrible reputation I had. I was searching for my value in others. I wanted to feel safe and...
We’ve all experienced disappointment, of something not turning out the way we expected, of hope deflated. Sometimes the anticipation feels better than the thing itself. For me, Christmas is like that. I countdown the days in joyful expectation. Yet every...
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) I have had many tears and sorrows. They began when my fourteen-year old sister died of cancer when I was nine...
I’m pretty sure no one has ever called me a prayer warrior. I pray, of course, and if you ask me to pray for you, I assure you I will. But I’ll need to set a reminder in my phone or jot a note to myself so I don’t forget. I believe in the power of prayer, I really do,...
I didn’t realize how upset I was until I stepped out of the house and made my way to the car. My mind was swirling with thoughts – a mix of anger, disappointment and shame: I’m a failure. I’m never going to be a good enough mom or wife. It’s not safe to be...
One day, when I was a young mom, I had a conversation with an older woman about how she seemed so at peace with herself. She said to me, “I’ve reached the age when I’m just not willing to lie to myself anymore.” I remember thinking “That sounds amazing! I wonder what...
I had been happy and content as a stay-at-home mom for 10 years. But after turning 30, I began to struggle with my identity. I started searching for validation, empowerment and purpose from outside voices and opinions. I joined a fitness group and found exactly what I...
God met me in the crowded food court of a Galleria Mall once. I was on my lunch break from managing the nearby Hallmark store, chewing on a soft pretzel and dripping marinara sauce down the front of my work uniform. I’d brought my pen and journal along with me...