Photo Credit: Brandon Couch This week, I’m participating in this 7-Day Blog Challenge hosted by Jeff Goins. Today’s challenge is to guest post on another site. I’m thrilled to welcome my friend Steve Austin back here today! You may remember his powerful story from this post. After you read his story here, you can find […]
They told us be strong, be put-together. They told us stand in the place of strength. It’s in the mythology of leaders, of politicians and public figures, and sometimes even in the church. Influencers are sturdy oaks, unbending: refuge in their strength. But these unyielding oaks, these sturdy-and-strong are not the ones who will positively […]
Have you ever been angry at God? Maybe thought he wouldn’t want you just the way you are? I sure have – for much of my life, actually. But the thing about grace is it takes you as you are, shattered as that may be. I didn’t get that my brokenness was exactly what God […]
Her face is wet with tears, her trembling hands twisting and untwisting a tissue. Her words are grief and sorrow and fear. My heart cracks in me, full of my friend’s choking hurt. And I can’t fix it. I can’t fix it for any of my hurting friends. These weeks between winter and spring have been […]
Last week, I had a bad day. No reason, no cause, just the edges of sorrow pressing up and recoloring moments, like Sadness from “Inside Out.” It happens now and then, and those days used to derail me, but not anymore. I’ve learned joy is a well that can be dug and drawn from. My source […]
Note: Many of you know I work in a residential treatment center for young women, including those who have eating disorders. Since this is National Eating Disorder Awareness week, I thought I’d share a bit of what I’ve learned about this important topic. It’s a rough morning, the end of 64 hours on the clock, […]
This is the Part Where I Quit Fear tries to bully me into silence. Shame swears I’m not qualified. Insecurity sneers that I’ve got nothing worth saying. So this is the part where I quit. Unless it isn’t. My heart aches to make beauty, to change things. But these voices roll around the corners of […]
You’re headed out to change the world. Maybe it’s your first mission trip; maybe it’s your fiftieth. Either way, anything seems possible, like a window to change is wide open. But as you go, remember this: changing the world doesn’t happen the way you think. Your leaders prepared you well: immunizations, messages, packing lists, prayer. […]
Well, friends, it has been an exciting few weeks for me and this corner of the online world. 2016 is already surprising me with its twists and turns: unforeseen opportunities, new friends, old stories being told and healing I didn’t know I needed.I’m amazed to discover some of the things that will make their way […]
Note: I am so honored to host my new friend Steve Austin as he courageously shares his story of messy grace and redemption. (To read the original post about Steve’s suicide attempt, just click here.) If you’ve known dark days, are tired of a picture of Jesus that only brings condemnation, or are just plain weary, this […]
