Explore how to come out stronger on the other side of adversity
July 15, 2018
How would you like to navigate adversity and come out stronger on the other side? … More Explore how to come out stronger on the other side of adversity
Category: Reformation
Change Old Mindsets – Part 1 (Re-blog)
May 23, 2018
Christians, you come across as mean-spirited. Here are two things to do to make sure that doesn’t happen with you. … More Change Old Mindsets – Part 1 (Re-blog)
Harriet Beecher Stowe: Courage to go Against the Grain
May 16, 2018
Harriet Beecher Stowe started by connecting to the broken heart of mothers who were separated from their children due to slavery. … More Harriet Beecher Stowe: Courage to go Against the Grain
Strength of Heart
April 11, 2018
Both Viktor Frankl and Elie Wiesel were Holocaust survivors. They recount their suffering in books. I’m moved by their honesty and courage about suffering. They were surrounded by evil but not overcome by it. We need people like that today. … More Strength of Heart
The Hitchhiking Family
January 25, 2018
My parents were young and adventurous. In 1976 we lived in Guatemala and hitchhiked to the villages. The earthquake on Feb. 4, 1976, destroyed major roads and bridges. The only way to get to the villages was to first take a small plane over the destruction to a landing strip. Then take a bus to … More The Hitchhiking Family
Christians Behaving Badly and How to Change That
January 17, 2018
I wish Christians were known for being kind, compassionate, generous, and welcoming. I wish Christians were known for their support and sense of community. I wish instead Christians were a group who listens more and argues less. I wish instead we were known for our love. … More Christians Behaving Badly and How to Change That
Two Characteristics of Christian Identity
January 11, 2018
What I don’t like about war is that somebody dies. My identity is not to fight in a war, destroy and kill. That sounds like the agenda of Satan. I am a life-giver; not a life-taker. … More Two Characteristics of Christian Identity
Christianity is not a Test; it’s a Relationship
October 19, 2017
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
Are Faith Laws Killing You Softly?
October 12, 2017
In the American culture we value people who are certain in their faith. While this can be inspiring, it hinders the spiritual growth process. Could it be, that the unwritten Christian rule, never question, is more a reflection of American values rather than Christian values? … More Are Faith Laws Killing You Softly?
How Doubt Helps Me Be Teachable
October 5, 2017
Three thoughts about doubt.
1. It’s honest.
2. It makes room for mystery and paradox.
3. It’s part of the process of thinking deeply … More How Doubt Helps Me Be Teachable
Silence that Kills
September 28, 2017
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
September 21, 2017
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
4 Phases that Explain Spiritual Growth Perfectly
August 2, 2017
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
July 19, 2017
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.
i believe
June 29, 2017
Christianity is not for the faint of heart. In the Christian faith, you will grow and be stretched beyond what you think is possible. You will be humbled progressively and loved lavishly. In the process, you will develop a magnificent strength of heart. … More i believe
Magnificent Strength of Heart
June 20, 2017
I admire people who are willing to think fresh thoughts and do the hard work in search of truth. No easy answers; no simple pithy sayings. As a person of faith, I’m frustrated with easy answers that gloss over pain and refuse to wrestle. I’m not interested in the same answers that the church has been giving for the last 100 years. … More Magnificent Strength of Heart
Dream of Alignment
June 19, 2017
Alignment is like a birth canal that is unobstructed. Childbirth is natural and normal. God designed us to give birth but you can’t give birth if people are on top of you. … More Dream of Alignment
Belinda Perez McDanel 