Out of Adullam: How Do We Step Into a Life After Loss?
Of all human experiences, the loss of a loved one is the most painful. Our dark days of grieving can push us into hiding. Like, King David, we long to…
Joy in Suffering: Is the Promise Actually Worth the Pain?
During the most painful seasons of life, finding joy in our suffering can seem next to impossible. Holding onto hope that our trials will produce perseverance, maturity, and completeness feels…
Death of a Dogwood: Lessons in Faithfulness from the Frontlines of Grief
My beloved dogwood tree died. I never should have planted it in the first place. Dogwoods don’t grow well at my elevation in northern California. I knew that when I…
Thankful Baskets: Finding Strength in Gratitude
The basket wobbled in my eldest son’s lap as we wheeled around the curvy sidewalk up to the front door. We had five stops to make—one for every birthday my…
Tether Us to Hope
I sat down next to them. Not on purpose, but not by accident either, I suppose. Looking out onto the street, the trees loomed overhead, and the passersby bustled about—it…
Finding Joy Through the Darkness
One child screamed while the other two fought. Or maybe two screamed while one complained. I don’t quite remember—I just remember telling my husband I needed a break. I couldn’t…
Searching for God’s Presence in Dark Places
I have been awash in a sea of change, feeling lost as I strive to navigate the vast waters surrounding me. My season of life has shifted on so many…
Holding on to Hope in the Midst of Disappointed Dreams
One of my favorite New Year rituals is unwrapping a brand new planner. I’m an old-school paper gal, and I relish running my hands over the smooth, creamy, blank pages—pages…
Forgiving When it Feels Impossible
The last time I spoke to my father I was pregnant with my first baby. It was a few weeks after Christmas and my stomach was stretched taut, all the…
Surrendering to Grace: Freedom Amid the Pain
I don’t like to suffer. I never have. I never will. I am, however, intimately acquainted with pain. God, in His sovereignty, introduced the two of us long ago. I…
Faith in the Midst of Tragedy
My morning began as any typical workday. I walked into the main office of the school where I teach to make some last minute copies for that week’s science unit.…
Accepting Help During Seasons of Grief
The more ill that my dad became, the less I posted about it on social media. I didn’t feel comfortable asking for prayer again, because things were not turning out…