Growing up, I viewed God as someone who was looking down from heaven, wanting me to love and serve him. But I also imagined he was so disappointed every time I messed up that he was keeping a Santa Claus–type list of everything I did wrong. I assumed he continually felt let down because I…
I am twenty-two years old, I just graduated from college, and I’m at a point where I dread the question, “So what’s next for you?” because I’m never sure how to answer. Honestly, I’m sure of only one thing: I will keep following Jesus. But this season is not a picture of the life I…
I love babies, and I love a good birth story. I’m also one of those women who actually loves being pregnant (I know, please don’t hate me). In my young married years, I couldn’t wait to start a family. But I also used to tell people my middle name was “epidural,” and that I’d be screaming…
For twelve years she bled. We don’t know the cause. She was broke from seeking help. No one had an answer. She must have been weak, anemic, and weary. It may be hard for us to imagine her condition. Can you envision a month of blood loss? Six months? A year? Not only does she…
I was deep inside a Tennessee cave with a group of tourists. The cave was roomy enough for us to walk upright and equipped with electric lights, but even the hint of an enclosed and dark space was freaking me out a little. Staying huddled with all the others wasn’t too comfortable, either. I am…
“Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness . . . Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today . . . Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!” (Ex. 14:12–13,…