Our stories are made to comfort others. And your story can change the world. Where we’ve been, what we’ve walked through … all that pain and suffering, or guilt and shame, is never, ever wasted, when we surrender it to the Giver of all things and allow Him to use it for good. Whenever I […]
We Are Better Together :: The Romans Project {Week 1}
Every Friday the emails start rolling in, and they continue arriving one by one throughout the weekend. One at a time, I download the attachment and listen to each voice recite scripture. We are in this together. A group, just over ten of us, with a unified goal. Acquaintances brought together with passion and conviction […]
How Bob Goff Showed Me Love Does
They rave about it at our church for weeks … rave about the arrival of Bob Goff. Even my husband is excited about it. And besides imagining the meaning of the words “love does”, I know nothing of what to expect. My expectations are hopeful for a message that moves me, but I have no […]
To Risk is to Be Brave
To risk is to be brave. Because there is no bravery without risk. I recently completed the Strengthsfinder assessment for the second time. It was for a leadership class I’m in, and to my amazement my results were almost exactly the same as four years ago. I’m a communicator and a relator, someone who likes harmony, […]
I Chose You {Letters from God}
I chose you. From the beginning of time I had you in mind. Yes. You. Just exactly as you are. From before you were created I knew you. And you are, even now, exactly who I intended you to be. Yes. You. With all your doubts. With all your insecurities. With all you’re wondering. You […]
Because God Knows Just What We Need :: (in)RL 2013
God always knows just what we need and He orchestrates everything to be beautiful in His time. I’m a relator and a communicator and there are few things I love more than to connect with others. I believe in community, and connection, and the powerful beauty that blooms when two hearts are seen by one […]
Mended :: To Shine Hope to the Broken {Week 10}
I’ll never forget him, broken, and in need of being mended. He was 35 years old and going blind. His diabetes was out of control, but he didn’t care. His wife had tried for years to get him frequent a doctor. He refused. Even after they had explained the risk of further complications … heart […]
To Speak is to Jump
I spoke to a group of women last night. Women who were lovely and warm and welcoming. And yet, no matter their warmth, I won’t lie, I was nervous. Not because I was afraid to share, but because of my longing for God to meet those who were there in a way they otherwise wouldn’t […]
Mended :: May We Surrender in Our Grief {Week 9}
Surrender is hardest when we don’t understand. Sarah’s with Jesus tonight. Her battle is over now. She was only five years old, just one month younger than my youngest daughter. My heart is broken for her mama and all who loved her. Leukemia stole her future and ripped apart her hope–the hope of tooth fairy […]
Won’t You Join Us for Community, In Real Life?
It all started with Angie Smith and her blog Bring the Rain. My friend Kathy had been reading her words for a long time, and one day was introduced to Ann Voskamp through Angie’s blog. Kathy and I had become friends in real life while attending a small couple’s home bible study through our church. […]
