Susan Delaney was mad at herself. After a misunderstanding with her coworker, she willed her voice and face to stay intact. But she lost the battle. As she stood in his office, her eyes misted and her lips quivered. With no turning back, she wondered, will he understand? In light of his knowledge about her current stress, she guessed yes. When she first got the job, Dan reminded her of a father-like figure. A whole lot better than her father, actually. “Are you trying to manipulate me?” The question jolted her, cutting deeper. She last heard it from the lips …
Who’s At The Wheel?
Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46:10 Be still in this restless world? Is it even possible? Perhaps not. Unless we let God do the stilling in us. Be still, and know that I am God! Maybe if he does the stilling while we do the knowing, we’ll get somewhere. Somewhere serene on this sacred journey to stillness. Be still, and know that I am God! Why in the world is this taking forever? Are we there yet? Daddy, Sally’s wiggling in her car seat, and Bobby took my doll! Daddy, I’ve got to go pee! Chill. …
Dear God, Why Can’t I Have a Baby?
One in six couples suffer with infertility, feeling ostracized and alone. “Too make matters worse,” says Janet Thompson, “few churches offer support groups to counsel this large overlooked group.” After surgery for a ruptured ovarian cyst at age twenty-one and newly engaged, the doctor told Janet that her ovaries were cystic and looked like those of a 90-year-old woman. “Sorry, you’ll never be able to have children.” Three years into marriage, Janet was miraculously pregnant with her daughter Kim! Still, Janet couldn’t shake the worry that maybe Kim would have trouble getting pregnant too. Years later, her fears proved …
The Empty Fix
Lord, I marvel because… You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar… Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:2,7 Jesus whispers: I am your greatest fan, but I do more than cheer you on, more than weep with your tears and shout with your victories. I celebrate you. When the world tries to empty you dry, I bathe you in living water, reminding you that in Me, you posess everything. I was stripped of My glory so you could wear My righteousness. In my …
Pain’s Window
Writing this poem, I pictured a hurting woman staring out her hospital window while Christ stood protectively over her. She couldn’t see him, but He was crying too, His hand resting on her shoulder. I could tell Jesus ached for her to see Him, to feel Him. I remembered His words as he stared over the ancient city, expressing his brokenness: “Jerusalem Jerusalem… how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.” Mathew 23:37 The woman at the window felt hopeless, forgotten and alone. Her …
Letter to the Old Me
I grew up in a home riddled with tension. That’s why I thrive on God’s invitation to peace: “My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 If I could start over, I’d assure that little girl it’s ok to trust God, even when things don’t make sense. I’d remind her that since she belongs to the Prince of Peace, both Christ and His peace dwell in her, and no one can steal them away. I’d tell her to try to …
God Daydreams
Think your mind’s coursing with highways of thoughts? Imagine God’s. Only they’re not heavy thoughts. He’s bursting bright with light, beautiful thoughts of YOU! The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 Ever watch a mother sing over her newborn? Cradling him in her arms, she gazes at his tiny form, and washes him with the sweetness of her lullabies. Mostly he’s asleep so he doesn’t know it. In a rare moment of …
Will I Make It?
Whether we battle cancer, depression or grief, who hasn’t wondered if they’ll make it? I guess the answer depends on what we mean by “make it.” A few years ago I learned that my husband was depressed. Because I can’t control his moods (although I try to), if I’m not careful, I, too, can get depressed. When that happens, it’s usually when he’s coming out of an episode, so it leaves him wondering, hmm, what’s wrong with her? Why is she so down? Aren’t you glad God understands we’re dust? The good thing about weakness is it teaches us to …
Naked Shame Reversed
One day when I was a kid, I saw a mother at the mall accidentally drop her baby. Strange, how these precise moments of horror permanently press themselves in our brains. I’ve never seen anyone actually step on a baby, but I’ve seen the next closest thing: someone step on grace. Like an innocent, valuable, vulnerable baby, the gift of God’s grace was both painful and costly; but we step on it whenever we sin. Why do such a thing? For the same reason many deny Christ: selfishness. The pull of sin is great. To accept Truth means to submit …
Cloud-Lifter
Depression clouds our vision and blurs our perspective. Life doesn’t feel worth living. Lies sound true. Doctors and friends want to help us. Jesus is the only perfect friend, the Great Physician. “There’s a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 Saying His name sings hope to our souls. Jesus…. When we take His hand He holds us tight. His truth brings clarity. Eyes on Him, our problems dim. Father, I ask that You bless my friends who stopped by today. Breeze Your peace and lift their clouds. Thank You that You began a good work in them …
Divine Presence
In whirlwinds of confusion when cold questions press you tight, ask Me close and I will hold you by a love surpassing sight. You’re my treasure, bright with promise, and I live to see you reign. As we cross this bridge together, I will lead you through your pain.
Honest Rest
“When filled with holy truth the mind rest.” Charles Spurgeon I don’t know about you, but my mind doesn’t automatically fill with holy truth.
When Life Falls Apart
Struck by dread and endless questions, in the thick of instant night, tears and fears consume me empty, shred my grit to stick the fight.