Ever get that dreaded phone call? The one that makes your stomach drop. The one that says something major is changing in your life and it’s not good. It’s hard to find words in a moment like this. Like the moment you hear that we are going to war, or we bombed a city, or … More Elie Wiesel: Sitting Honestly in the Mess of Life
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
Hearing from God is mystical:
If it were a sound, it would be a whisper.
If it were a feeling, it would feel like a feather.
If it were a seen, it would be a glow.
If it were a movement it would be a nudge. … More Fine tune Hearing from God
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
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
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
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
He put his hand on the Bible and said, “If you don’t believe everything that is in here from start to end, even the homosexual part, then you are not a follower.” Leane is new to the faith and she thought to herself, does this mean I have to hate my aunt? … More Is Hating Expected?
I believe God is good. Evil that happens in the world doesn’t represent God. But a tragic event can shake me up. I need a practice that gets me back on solid ground. For me it was in silence and meditation. I return to a positive outlook on life. This brings my mind back in control. … More Three Levels of Resilience
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
Belinda Perez McDanel 