My high school English teacher showed Dead Poets Society at the end of every fall semester. As trees grew bare, Robin Williams inspired our impressionable young minds as John Keating by getting on top of his desk, reciting poetry, and encouraging his students to write their verse. My worldview shifted, though not for the better, when Keating…
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
It was Christmas eve, impregnated with an importance that thankfully, didn’t visit annually. We all knew next Christmas one of us would not be there, so we held tight to the time gifted to us as we celebrated the birth of my Grandma’s Savior, who she would be meeting…soon. We gathered around the hospice bed…
How Long?
“My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long?” Psalm 6:3 “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” Psalm 13:1 These verses vividly express the pain that sometimes grips my heart. I might hesitate before praying this way if these words weren’t…
When Big Things Call for a Big-Brave
In my family, when New Year’s Eve rolls around, in place of resolutions, some of us select a personal “Word of the Year” (WOTY). In the upcoming year, that WOTY is a word to focus on, claim or be a reminder and encouragement as we move forward. After much thought and prayer, my WOTY for…
Remembering Thorns
Ouch! I glared at my pointer finger for getting in the way of the thorn attached to the rose bush. In North Carolina, even though I’m not a fan of summer’s hot humidity and daily mosquito bites, I still enjoy going into the yard to cut flowers to make a bouquet for the kitchen table. …
Growing Pains
I was in my late teens, working at a summer camp. Enjoying a rare and brief moment away from the kids at the end of a long day. Walking through the trees with another counselor, one of the few fellow Christians at the camp. I don’t remember exactly what led up to it, but after…
Imagined by God, Created with Joy, Gifted with Value
“Worthy are you, our LORD and God to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.” Revelations 4:11 ESV “Mom!” My oldest child appeared in the room. “You’re gonna be mad.” I had an idea of what I was about to encounter. I…
The Light of the World
The world feels dark right now. I don’t know if it’s darker than it “used” to be—I don’t know how you would even measure that. Man has always been sinful and has relentlessly propagated evil on earth. But currently, the darkness in the world feels especially palpable. I think this is partly because basic, foundational…
My Favorite Name
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (NIV) Immanuel is Your holy name.I marvel at the way You came.God with us in helpless infant form,Only a mother’s love to keep You warm. Expectations of Your coming were high:A King to conquer,…
Knit Together: A Story of Adoption
Days ago my eyes rested on my 8 and 11-year-old sons wedged into a chair built for one, a book in each set of hands, and a fleece blanket over their collective lap. I smiled and thought to myself, “I cannot imagine those two without each other.” They share a room, are best friends, and…
Anchored Voices 