HAUNTED BY PAST TRAUMA I grew up with a mother who was plagued with constant illnesses—and in a faith tradition that put a heavy emphasis on divine healing. Miraculously, my mother was healed from several illnesses, but new ones would invariably take their place. I remember asking the adults who attended the healing services, “What about … Continue reading Sharing: A Lifetime of Trauma
Tag: #ChronicJoy
Sharing: A Hymn Becomes a Lifelong Prayer
HE LEADETH ME My seven-year-old self practiced the song with the hymn book my mother had given me. I knew my older brother would be home from college soon. Wouldn’t he be proud to see me singing along with the words at church the following Sunday? I could not have known how firmly those words … Continue reading Sharing: A Hymn Becomes a Lifelong Prayer
The Heart of a Servant Leader
THE HEART OF A SERVANT LEADER Once upon a time, a servant leader stepped into my life. Even though I was only five years old and the leader was my first public school teacher, she impacted me so deeply that the years melt away when I think of those days. At a time when teachers were being … Continue reading The Heart of a Servant Leader
Sharing: “Abiding in Him”
I am so thankful and blessed to share with you my dear friend Cheryl's website Homespun Devotions and the beautiful review of our book she offered this week. Homespun Devotions She is also hosting a giveaway there, so if you are interested in being entered for a chance to win a free copy of our … Continue reading Sharing: “Abiding in Him”
A Surprise: “Abiding in Him”
The swelling had begun in earnest as the tears rolled down my puffy cheeks. Another medication reaction from a medicine that was not supposed to cause reactions. Surely, God, You saw ahead of time that this would happen? ... It was the launch week of our new book, after all! Just days before the reaction, … Continue reading A Surprise: “Abiding in Him”
Sharing: I Take You, A Beautiful Gift of Marriage Hope
Love is patient, love is kind. 1 Corinthians 13:4a I TAKE YOU: A DREADED PHONE CALL As I held the phone in my hands, I knew that it was time to make another hard call. It had been over a year since I had spoken with my family friend and counselor. She had helped me through … Continue reading Sharing: I Take You, A Beautiful Gift of Marriage Hope
Sharing: Worry and Concern, Revisited
Have you ever felt worry bubbling over inside your mind? A few years ago, we visited the story of two women, Worry and Concern, and followed a portion of their days. We wondered what might have happened to them over the time that has transpired between then and now. Will you join me as I venture … Continue reading Sharing: Worry and Concern, Revisited
Sharing: Allegory for Worry And Concern
Matthew 6:28-29 NIV This summer has proven to be a time when worry was close on my heals, more times than I wanted to admit. I began this spring hoping to be in such a place of surrender, laying down my fears and asking God to carry me through the many treatments meted out for … Continue reading Sharing: Allegory for Worry And Concern
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
BettieGsRAseasons 