Resilient Narrative

[Excerpt from my memoir coming in November 2020] When I was 15 years old, my sister Pearl was 16 years old. We were doing an errand for my parents. We lived in the capital of El Salvador. We were walking behind the American Embassy on a sidewalk. The Embassy took the entire block. Two large black … More Resilient Narrative

Four Things I’ve Learned as a New Blogger

All my fears and insecurities surface when I write. I question myself: Who am I to write? Why would anyone listen to me? Who do you think you are? I come face to face with my struggle to embrace my self-worth. This is an opportunity to journal, think and grow. I challenge these thoughts that surface. Yes, I talk back to the voices in my head. … More Four Things I’ve Learned as a New Blogger

Living in Tension

I believe in a powerful God. He is good. But we have been watching one bad situation after another unfold on our TV screens. It seems like change is not coming, no matter how much we pray and believe. I don’t know about you, but I feel tension between what is and what should be. … More Living in Tension

Christianity is not a Test; it’s a Relationship

Think about another use of questions, not as a test but exploration. Relationship is not like the typical school environment where the teacher is searching for a specific right answer. In a relationship, there are several directions that one can take. The key is to stay connected. So, go ahead and ask the hard questions. … More Christianity is not a Test; it’s a Relationship

Silence that Kills

I don’t want a fake-it-until-you-make-it kind of relationship with God. I want a real relationship that goes deep. I want to be real with God. I think he wants it too. If I have questions, I ask them. If I am wrestling with something, I say it. If I am hurting, I bring it to God. And If I’m angry, I’m honest about it. … More Silence that Kills

Confessions of an Outlaw Christian

In intimate relationships, we practice honesty. I think of my kids. I know when they are struggling with something, but it means so much to me when they come and talk to me about it. I want to hear from them. And if they are mad at me, I especially want to talk so that we can clear the air. I want them to know I love them. No matter what. Why would I think it would be any different with my Heavenly Father? … More Confessions of an Outlaw Christian

Everyone uses platitudes: here’s why I don’t

A platitude given without the wrestling part feels empty, shallow, and clueless in the complexity of the struggle and the mixture of emotions.
When you give platitudes before the wrestling, It’s the result without the process. It’s the glory without the price. it’s like wanting a mountain top view with paying the price of hiking. … More Everyone uses platitudes: here’s why I don’t

The #1 Question I’m asked: How are you so resilient?

In a crisis, some things are out of your control. A disaster is like a wave. You must be humble enough to know when it is time to step aside and ride the wave that you can’t control. Ride it until it’s over. Then take control when it’s over. In a way, a crisis teaches you how small you are and yet how powerful you can be. The resilience comes at the end. You take back control over your life. You don’t have to be a victim; instead be a survivor. … More The #1 Question I’m asked: How are you so resilient?

4 Phases that Explain Spiritual Growth Perfectly

Growth happens in seasons. For a time, you are searching for and discovering truth, then that season fades and it seems like you are nurturing and growing spiritually. The human spirit is radiant and can be nurtured and developed or ignored and neglected. Perhaps your growth started with relationships and connecting to people is easy for you but growth in truth still alludes you. Or you struggle the most with love, especially self-love. It doesn’t happen all at the same time but each phase transforms you. … More 4 Phases that Explain Spiritual Growth Perfectly

3 Necessary Shifts – Change Old Mindsets – Part 2

In the narrative of hope, the outcome is in my favor. If I am passing through a dark valley right now, I don’t allow myself to be swallowed by the darkness. I am not of the darkness. I am light. It’s going to take toughness on my part in this moment. I will get through this to the other side. I keep my eyes on the light, not the darkness.

More 3 Necessary Shifts – Change Old Mindsets – Part 2