Sometimes I read the Old Testament and find it difficult to relate to the characters. It’s easy to shake my head as I look at people’s choices made out of fear. I want to believe I would choose differently than Sarah, Rebekah, or Rachel. But, of course, that perspective assumes a few things. Most importantly,…
I am a mental health therapist by training. In this role, I’ve had all kinds of difficult conversations because they come with the territory. However, in my personal life, I haven’t had many opportunities (or maybe I’ve just been too scared?) to engage in intense confrontation with a friend. I don’t mean the type of…
A few years ago, I walked through a difficult misunderstanding with a loved one. No matter what I did, I could not convince them of my innocence, nor did any sort of verbal wrangling help them understand things from my perspective. To be misunderstood is to experience some of the greatest pain in our lives….
We all want peace, from our homes and workplaces to the halls of state and national governments around the world. We want to live in harmony with others. We want the absence of conflict. We want to end fighting and destruction. What does it take to have peace? In our homes, a short-term peace might…
“If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.” (Rom. 12:18 HCSB) I grew up believing that this verse, paired with talk of dying to self, meant my opinions and preferences were of little to no consideration. By giving in, I would demonstrate the love of Jesus to others. My job as a Christian,…
A few months back, my daughter had an appointment with her orthodontist. She has follow-up appointments every eight weeks while she endures the childhood anguish of wearing braces. The office has a really cool incentive program for kids: they can earn “wooden nickels” by doing things like maintaining good dental hygiene and having no broken…