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...
Trusting God
Telling Myself The Truth
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...
Confession Meets Mercy
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...
How To Hug A Cactus: RESTORED
This is Part 2 of John and Angel Beeson’s story. If you have not had a chance to read Part 1 be sure to do so HERE. JOHN: In the weeks following Angel’s confession of adultery I was in a state of shock. I was asked to take a leave of absence from the...
How To Hug A Cactus: BROKEN
We were just kids: 14 and 16 years old. A freshman and a junior. We went to the same high school and the same church. John was the leader of our campus Christian club. ANGEL: The first time I met him I thought, “That’s the man I want to marry.” We married at 19 and...
When Going Back Launches You Forward
Everything that has happened in your past has brought you to where you are today. EVERYTHING. Whether those experiences were sad or happy, traumatic or uplifting, forgettable or memorable, they have all led you to right here and now. When I was a little girl my...
Why Unpack Your Past?
Imagine setting out for a hike on a beautiful day. You have all the necessities for nourishment and survival - snacks, water, pocket knife, a first aid kit, flashlight, cell phone, etc. But —JUST IN CASE— you also decided to pack your favorite magazines,...
The Intentional Journey Toward Spiritual Victory
I knew I shouldn’t do it. I had that icky feeling in my stomach like I was doing something wrong. Yet, I still did it. I gave in. Temptation. What about it makes us want to do what we know we shouldn't do? Temptation is like the trailer to a movie. It gives you just...
How To Intentionally Grow Healthy Relationships
I love gardening. I love helping bring something to life, nurturing it, and watching it flourish. I am not particularly great at gardening though. Any improvement I’ve had has come through the school of hard knocks: a plant I put in the wrong soil, a plant placed in...