Just as a runner prepares for a race with practice, so Lent gives us an opportunity to practice suffering. As a runner subjects his body to the strain of pushing himself beyond what is comfortable in order to build up his endurance, so we practice self-denial even when it is unpleasant so that we may build up our perseverance for the sufferings of this life. … More The Gift of Lent
As so many weeks are these days, it was a week that came with unsettling news – wars and rumors of wars, disturbing headlines, and all the things that can tempt us to lose our peace. … More Finding Peace in a Turbulent World
Several years ago, when we had only been married about two and half years, I was really struggling with idea of a new year – another new year with no living baby, but three little saints. With each gathering, I couldn’t help but think of the little ones who were missing. … More A New Year’s Kiss
The glory is that God used my brokenness and suffering to lead me to freedom. I was desperate for God to save my son, but instead God saved me. … More On the Twelfth Day of Christmas
As we wade through Advent, maybe it is easy to doubt. Maybe you are struggling with the external happiness of a world that is home to death and darkness. It can be easy to forget that the birth of Christ was also the beginning of His death; that Mary and Joseph would soon flee across the desert with an infant who was being hunted. … More What Child is This?
The commas in our life produce pauses, but they can also unite a juxtaposition. In my first years of grief after losing my mom, the comma left me feeling restless. When will this pain be over? When can I get back to normal? But the comma gave me hope knowing my pain was not wasted, and God would help me in my grief. … More Grief Commas
Facing the holidays after the loss of a loved one can feel challenging for so many reasons. As we prepare to head into the Christmas season, it can be helpful to know that you’re not alone if you find this time a difficult one. … More Hope for the Holidays
Sorrow is not a punishment, nor is it a state of being (as I used to believe) but sorrow allows the soul to remove or eradicate that which has kept us prisoner. When Jesus carried his cross, He fell three times, but each time he got back up. When he was nailed to the cross, He could not escape. His sorrow was great. But without being crucified He would never have had the resurrection, and the greatest story on earth could have never been told. “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son.” (John 3:16) … More Lessons I’ve Learned in Grief
How can I bear it? This is the question all of us who have suffered miscarriage ask. It courses through our veins and screams in our hearts and begs for an answer. As my friend carried her tiny son to his burial place, I asked the Lord again in my heart. … More How Do You Bear It?
It is important to acknowledge and accept the reality of the loss and allow for feelings of shock, numbness, or denial which can help in accepting the loss. Grief is natural; weeping and mourning are natural and not inconsistent with faith. … More Dear Father, does grieving imply a lack of faith?