It happened again. I was standing in church wrangling four kids when a well-meaning lady commented, “God bless your family for what you’re doing for those kids.” I looked up at her briefly and then back at my kids (two of which were transracially adopted). I knew immediately that she was praising our involvement in […]
I stopped myself from singing along in praise. I was in the car, listening to worship music, and decided to turn it off. After finishing up a phone call that I had psyched myself up for over many days, I just wanted to stew in my own thoughts. I had tried to keep my expectations […]
[Editor’s Note: The following article addresses the topic of grief. This article is not meant to replace seeking help and wisdom from your local church along with professional medical care. Our encouragement is for you to seek counsel from your local pastor, a wise mentor in your church, a licensed counselor, and/or a medical professional. […]
The Word of God is for All Seasons When my husband and I got married three and a half years ago, I rejoiced with my friends and family. We thanked the Lord for the beautiful gift of marriage. It was a joyous season of dancing and laughing and lighthearted celebration. Then, just two years later, […]
The job you’ve been praying about for months sent an email that starts with the words “We’re sorry.” The man you used to dream about marrying just announced his engagement on Facebook. The pregnancy test in your hand has only one line on that little screen. The medical results come back and leave you with […]
What’s your first reaction when the unexpected comes your way? Some of us grip tight to an illusion of control, only to lose patience and sleep as we anxiously deal with the challenges. Others escape to what’s comfortable, avoiding reality at all costs. Many of us cower in fear and shame, silently blaming ourselves for […]
I sighed as I grabbed another chair and added it to the stack, glancing as I did so at the group of teens my age that sat laughing together at the other end of the room. They had taken off their shoes and were lounging on the floor while I bagged trash, folded tables, and […]
This article is part of our series on broken wells. In Gretchen’s new book, The Well-Watered Woman, chapter 5 is about “Forsaking Broken Wells.” We long for the living water that Jesus offers (John 4:10) but too often settle for empty wells and broken cisterns (Jer. 2:11-13). Gretchen explains, “We spend a lot of our […]
Ever since I was a baby in the womb, I have been in church. I’ve heard thousands of sermons, attended a private Christian school, and have a lineage of pastors in my family. Needless to say, I’ve heard the Word preached many times. And I’ve been like that foolish person who simply listened and walked […]
Sand snuggled up to my feet, covering them like a wet blanket. The frothy water rushed quickly over them, my feet sinking deeper into the soft ground as the wave receded. The sky burst with brilliant colors. It looked as if someone splattered pink and purple watercolors onto the clouds. Being outside of the everyday […]
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