“Lord, I want to understand this.” I’ve prayed those words more times than I can count. I’ve prayed them over confusing passages of Scripture and over the doctrines Christians sometimes disagree on. I’ve prayed them over decisions yet-to-be-made and over the parts of life that don’t make much sense to me. And many times, I’ve […]
When You Struggle with Decision-Making
I scrolled through every “beach chair” listing I could find. I compared their height, weight and special features, adding each to the running pro/con list in my mind. I read a hundred different reviews—most of them negative, of course—and nearly drove my family crazy asking “what do you think about this one?” If I’m honest, […]
Entirely Known and Enclosed by God
No one on this earth knows me better than my mother. She has been there for all my big, important moments… but even more importantly, she’s been there for my little, ordinary moments, too. We have laughed together and cried together, adventured together and passed time together. She knows me—inside and out. So, these days, […]
Waiting and Hoping in the Dark
My sleepy eyes popped open with a start and a grimace. “What in the world was that pain?” A couple hours later, I added another question my worries, “why isn’t the pain going away?” I looked at the clock. The doctor’s office wouldn’t be open for hours, yet. Just wait a little longer, I reasoned. Maybe this will […]
How Jesus Helps Us Face Rejection
During the years I studied musical theatre, I repeatedly heard this warning from my instructors: “It’s a tough business out there. Get ready for rejection.” And they weren’t kidding. For every show I was cast in, there were a half-dozen shows I didn’t even get a callback for—and I wasn’t alone in this. Far more talented […]
What is Your Redemption Story?
My grandmother came to know the Lord in her thirties and, much like a child at bedtime, I never tire of hearing the story. When she speaks of how Jesus saved her and changed her life, this already beautiful woman lights up with wonder—and I walk away wanting more of what she has. I think, “I […]