“I’ve learned that we need to examine closely the seeds planted in childhood; those early dreams might be the best indicator of where we can find life and fulfillment now.” When I was in the fourth grade, my dream was to become a writer. That year, I won a story writing contest. My piece…
I NEVER thought I would be a worship leader. I taught myself to play guitar in high school, drawn to the acoustic sound and romantic images of songs strummed by the campfire. As I mastered more chords, I would occasionally play for a small bible study group — but that was just a couple of songs…
“Freedom is recognizing that healing is a journey — not a destination.” I’ve spent much of the last four years navigating through significant and unexpected trauma with several important, foundational relationships in my life. The losses piled up high and at a dizzying pace. When I finally came out of the haze and took emotional inventory…
For years, I had one rule when I went to amusement parks: NEVER go on the thrill-seeking, height-defying rides. Personally, I don’t like to feel terrified for the “fun” of it. Also, I have a propensity for motion sickness and an inherited curvature of my spine, held firm by a large metal rod. My body can’t take…
Up until the start of 2015, I never could have imagined that the three members of my little family would each be living in a different city for nearly two years. My daughter had just turned 16, my husband had a good job, and I had a nice daily routine. Then she was introduced (not…
For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. – Habakkuk 1:5 That scripture stood out as I read my Bible on a Sunday morning in June 2004 while sitting in my Chevy Astro van with the odometer reading a bit over 177,000 miles.…
“I love that journey for you” – Alexis Rose If you know the show, you know the song in a single note: The Schitt’s Creek theme. Most people smile hearing those minimalist, melancholy tuba notes, but for me it evokes both joy and pain. This emotional duality exists because Schitt’s Creek was my medicine…
I keep seeing the phrase, “Be brave enough to suck at something new,” popping up all over my social media feeds. I love the sentiment — but I struggle with the application. My not-so-deep dark secret: I’m rarely brave. In fact, I barely know brave. For me, brave is a deadbeat emotion: entirely unreliable and utterly…