Every human heart longs for connection and community–to be heard and understood, to feel wanted and valued. We crave interaction. And while on-line relationships can be great, there’s nothing like lingering in real life–taking the time to pause and sit face to face … talking, sharing, and laughing. And this year, (in)courage will be hosting its second annual […]
A Mercy-Found-Me Community {My God-Sized Dream}
This year I’m joining a group of sisters over at Holley’s place, as we pursue our God-sized dreams—dreams placed within our hearts by the One who created us, and guess what? You’re invited! “And while our dreams may not be about something big, our God-sized dreams perfectly fit who we are, what we’re called to […]
For When Your Mother Heart is Desperate
My eyes blinked heavy the entire way to Jenny’s house. The drive was just five miles away, but with only four hours of continuous sleep in the past three weeks, the fatigue was winning already, and it was only 9 am. I parked the car and managed to unbuckle my 3 year-old daughter and 1 […]
When Mercy Found Me {Day 12} Redeemed :: Part 2
{Click here to read Part 1} God uses even the most broken vessels to shine His light through their cracks, reflecting His love to the world. As I returned to my cabin, my steps felt lighter. And it’s amazing how three hours alone with God can begin to set a heart free! I met up […]
When Mercy Found Me {Day 11} Redeemed :: Part 1
Being found by mercy doesn’t always mean we’re merciful toward our own heart. In fact, we are usually hardest on ourselves. For the next couple years I grew in intimacy with God, with profound gratitude for His goodness and grace. But because of the enormity of my guilt and shame, my intimacy with Him was hindered. […]
When Mercy Found Me {Day 10} Forgiven
Over the next five years, we walked through a long restoration process. After having an affair with each other, getting divorced, and then marrying one another, the failure seemed to bury us. We had few friends. We shared custody of Matthew. Thad lost his career, and returned to college to pursue a new one. And […]
When Mercy Found Me {Day 9} A New Beginning
Just over a year after my surrender, I stood before the judge in my lavender suit. There was no church, no pastor, and no aisle to walk–no white dress, no flowers, and no organ music. And there were never invitations sent, as I could count the number attending on my two hands. In the presence […]
When Mercy Found Me {Day 8} The Surrender
The shame and guilt that followed the divorce almost buried me. I never imagined this level of brokenness, this depth of loneliness, or this amount of pain. I lost everything–my church, my community, and all my relationships, with the exception of one friend. Even my parents were unsure what to do with me. I had always […]
When Mercy Found Me {Day 7} A Hardened Heart
The moment was here. And how do you possibly speak words that will change all of life? Alter relationships? And shatter everything? I never intended to hurt anyone, but my actions screamed otherwise. And the awkward formality of my seriousness caught us both off guard, “I need to talk to you…” I had no idea what would […]
When Mercy Found Me {Day 6} The Affair
The final night had come … the last time I’d sing the role of Mary, the last time I’d portray what she thought and felt, and the last moments before an impending goodbye. I cried through the closing scene, struggling to pull myself together before singing the last song. And after the post-show mingling and the […]
