I remembering telling someone once to stop saying sorry to me because they didn’t mean it. And I was tired of hearing it every day.
That simple, childhood realization was the first time I remember distinguishing between an apology and a repentant heart. I didn’t know what to call it. I just knew I was being lied to. Continue reading “When Sorry Isn’t Enough: A Christian’s Response”
A few years ago, I decided to learn to grow things. I sat in this free “back yard gardening class” and listened to scientists from the University of Washington discuss the microbiology of soil. Who Knew! It turns out soil … Continue reading A Mighty Work: The Beginning, Part 2
I took a walk to the sea-salt water with my daughter today. She is 9 months old. And a year ago, when I first learned I was having a daughter, fear overwhelmed me. Because I had deep dark scars and … Continue reading A Mighty Work: The Beginning, Part 1
The last two weeks have weighed heavy on me. A friend of mine was diagnosed with cancer. A friend of mine is struggling with depression. Another precious soul is deeply addicted to illegal drugs. Life feels broken and dim. And … Continue reading How He Takes Our Brokenness
I’m writing this for me. I’m preaching to the choir. I need this today. Because, I need to remember that motherhood was never intended to be picture perfect or even halfway presentable most of the time. ••• Motherhood is hard … Continue reading The Meaning of Motherhood: Honest Words to Myself
Do you know what it means to be healed? It means you are free. It means your shame is so far behind you you can barely see it when you look back. It means there is freedom of emotion when … Continue reading What Healing Really Means
1. Because emotional abuse targets your soul and your personhood and your value. 2. Because emotional abuse hides in plain sight: there are no bruises. 3. Because the PURPOSE of emotional abuse is to inflict SHAME. And shame is often … Continue reading 9 Reasons Why Emotional Abuse Is Designed to Crush You
It is OK to live the life you want. And it is OK to say “no” to everything else. It is OK to live a calm life, a life free from trying to live up to someone else’s idea of … Continue reading It’s OK to Live the Live You Want
Today was Sunday, and like so many other Sundays I spent my morning thinking about and preparing for church. I have been to church almost every Sunday of my life. Some of the seats I’ve sat in, I’ve loved. Some, … Continue reading Why Church Matters- Part 1
Deep breath. I see you. I see the hurt and the scars and the longing for wholeness. I see those tears and all those nights you spent with something cold and metal against your skin hoping that any sort of … Continue reading How to Treat Abusers With Love And Honor Even When They Don’t Change
