Faithful Paradox

If I were to give an honest assessment of my natural temperament, I would say I tend to be a glass-half-full type of gal. My native bent would be like that of a Puddleglum or maybe a slightly more refined Eeyore. Were I to choose, I’d much prefer to have the natural countenance of say… Continue reading

It seems in today’s culture, those with names and followings are recognized for their success. Those with notoriety and sway are the ones who are seen as influencers; worth listening to. It is one of the greatest deceptions of our age: Your success and value are tied to what you’ve accomplished – to your name.… Continue reading

Raising five boys, there was never a loss of brotherly competition or rivalry in our home. There was always an effort between the boys to show who was king for the day. When my kids were young, this dynamic was especially present during times when one of the boys had the opportunity to shine. When… Continue reading

Yesterday would have been Ezra’s 22nd birthday. In many ways, 22 years seems inconsequential. It’s just another number; another date on the calendar. Yet as I watch his friends, I see them graduating college. I see them finding their first full time jobs and stepping into new seasons. I see them marrying and launching into… Continue reading

I love God’s word because it shows us the failures of God’s people. It does not give examples of those who had perfect faith (were there such a thing) or even whitewash the sins of those it highlights. Rather, it gives a very real picture of both the brokenness of man and the grace of… Continue reading

I am learning that looking for good in the midst of loss is a discipline in humility. It comes with a willingness to see the good work God is up to, even as the pain remains. He has promised that “all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose”… Continue reading

There are parts of grief I thought I understood yet now realize I did not know as much as I believed. Before losing my son, I understood cognitively that loss changes a person. How could it not? Having a masters in counseling, I even studied grief and its effect on people. I understood as much… Continue reading

My husband developed a migraine on Sunday afternoon. Despite multiple rounds of medication, sleep, and doing his best to treat it, the pain would not subside. He struggled through the night, still battling extreme pain Monday morning. When I awoke and saw the state he was in, I stopped and prayed for him, asking with… Continue reading

I felt the heaviness of sorrow and grief once again this past weekend. I think I cried more in the last three days then I have cried in the last several months combined. The overwhelming ache of missing my son came rushing back. In some ways, I found myself feeling confused about why this was… Continue reading

Easter weekend has always been one of contemplation for me; and much more so over the last three years as we continue to navigate what life is like after the death of our eldest son, Ezra. I often think about Friday and Christ’s crucifixion; the incredible sacrifice he made for sinners like me. I love… Continue reading