I’ve been silent on my blog for a few months because I struggle to be honest with myself. I struggle to admit that I’m feeling sick. Because I’m fine. Really I’m fine. I struggle to confess that I’m hurting because. I’m fine. Really. I’ll be fine. I struggle to enter into my grief because I’m … More Transparency is not my strength
Change the way you look at adversity. The simple challenge is to take adversity as a test of inner strength. In adversity, you stand. You rise to the occasion. What if you gained something from adversity? … More Viktor Frankl: Adversity as a Challenge
What’s hard for me is to come to a place where I am grateful for the time I had with them. My heart doesn’t understand this, and I hear a long existential cry from my heart.
NOOOOOOOOooooooooooooo! … More Hard Part of Letting Go
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
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
Guest post by Shelly Lubratich. She talks about resilience during a time of loss.
“When grief drowns my heart, I walk outside and look at the Zinnias. Papa God touches my heart with His love. They are His smile, His eyes and His touch on my life.” … More Still Blooming by Shelly Lubratich
Capacity to love and to endure pain are connected because if I can’t enter pain, I can’t love others when they are vulnerable. What do I do when others are vulnerable? … More What Not to Say When a Friend Suffers
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
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?
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
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
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
Belinda Perez McDanel 