I grew up in a world with a lot of theological certainty and rigidity. We had rules and labels for everything. We were Reformed Christians who believed in purity, patriarchy, and the proper way to dress on Sundays. People who weren’t like us were pagans or heathens or liberals or misled or, of course, feminists….
I have a peace lily that has moved with our family across the United States a few times. Lately, the leaves have turned brown, and I’ve had to water more often. The peace lily is known for its low-maintenance classification and its ability to purify the air. Even its pruning process is low-maintenance—just simple deadheading….
I spent 2020 assessing my faith. Here are some of the questions I asked myself: How many of my beliefs are actually based on what’s in the Bible? How much of my faith is rooted in my own concept of Christianity? How much is born out of my culture or my life experiences? It was…
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13 NIV) One of the best features of social media is groups. Years ago, I joined a Facebook writing group that formed out of a book launch…
Maybe it’s all the time spent at home this past year making me more reflective, but I’ve been thinking with gratitude lately about women who have mentored me, encouraged me, and helped me along in my life. I don’t know if I would have thought of them as “mentors” at the times when they were…
My two-year-old just got his first real bed. Out went the hedgehogs, and in came Mickey Mouse. Out went “He’s down for the night,” and in came “He got out of bed again.” Out went the baby, and in strolled the boy. My husband and I have five kids, ranging from the aforementioned two-year-old to…