my crown-of-thorns plant "Thorns" I see the thorn-bush set in my path And I ponder the way ahead Can I make my way cleanly around Or must I offer my arms to be torn in the passing? I look for tools to cut away the brambles And I find them waiting for my use Can … Continue reading He is Always on Time
Category: Chronic Joy Ministry
Sharing: Lifting Shame in Our Praying
Anxiety and Shame in Chronic Illness The day was sunny and beautiful as we drove into the parking lot, but I did not feel much beauty in my heart. In fact, sudden tears rose unbidden to the surface as the medical center came into view. I had been to this same parking lot many times … Continue reading Sharing: Lifting Shame in Our Praying
Sharing: Prayers for Lent
Lenten Season The Season of Lent is a time of pausing and reflecting about what our Lord Jesus has won for us: New Life in God, the salvation of our souls! Every year we come around to this time again, pondering the weight of what Jesus bore for us. He gave His life so that … Continue reading Sharing: Prayers for Lent
Prayer Prompt: Refuge and Strength in God
Refuge Support, sustain, uphold, carry: what do these words all have in common? Aren’t they words that speak about something that is weak, something that is small, something that needs to be held? There are so many times in the journey with chronic illness when we are left feeling the depth of our smallness. Sometimes … Continue reading Prayer Prompt: Refuge and Strength in God
Worry and Concern — An Allegory
When I joined the Feedback Team for Finding Purpose, Book 2 in Chronic Joy’s THRIVE Study Series, I was so intrigued by the activities included with the study questions. One of the options was an invitation to write an allegory based on the differences between worry and concern. Writing this story became a way to … Continue reading Worry and Concern — An Allegory
