The Best Kind of Heartbreak
I’ve got this big magenta duffel bag. It’s sewn up along the edges, almost as crisscrossed and haphazard as the trips it’s been on. The frayed lining is only slightly attached to the outer layer... Read more
Why Did You Bring Me Here, God?
I remember the excitement when the phone call came. “We just have to finalize it, but you can schedule that moving truck,” the Midwestern man’s voice exclaimed. Expectantly, we did. We waited. But the paperwork... Read more
What Are You Willing to Sacrifice?
Biographies are some of my favorite books. I love to read the stories, to learn about the faith of those who are now among the great cloud of witnesses. No matter how many I read,... Read more
Waiting Isn’t Passive
Our days and lives are filled with waiting. For good, for bad, for new, for people, for change. (For pandemics to end!) Waiting is a God-designed practice. However, as the worn, torn magazines in waiting... Read more
Sometimes We Need Rain
On a blistering hot day last summer, I was drawn to the sun room although I knew it would be 10 degrees warmer still. The dog curled up on my lap, insistent he wanted our... Read more
A Testimony to God’s Faithfulness and Thank You to YOU
Do you know the old hymn “Up from Grave He Arose?” It’s one of my favorites, and when I am bursting with excitement and praise, I pump my arms and sing it loudly off-key. There... Read more
The Milestone That Wasn’t
Months in advance, I plan which previously published posts I’ll share on Recharge Wednesday. When I saw the date this was planned for, I thanked God again. One loved one’s graduation has been canceled. Dear... Read more
5 Encouragements When All You Can Do Is Pray
I wrote the following post before COVID-19 was an issue. How much more real this is today, when we feel helpless in the face of suffering, unable to even extend a hug… If I’m honest,... Read more
Dealing With What You Didn’t Choose
One of the greatest evidences of sin, in my experience, is this: Victims must confess the crimes committed against them. For criminals to go behind bars, victims have to share what was done to them.... Read more
Lessons on Assumption
During college, I took a course on intercultural competency. The main point of the course was when we first encounter a new culture, we should recognize our own incompetency. The most important skill to master?... Read more