There used to be something magical about Christmas. Lights twinkling on the tree and a growing assortment of mysterious presents tucked underneath. The excitement of unpacking our favorite ornaments to hang, each with its own special story. The scent of pine needles in the air and our whole family bunched up on the couch…
Category: Rachel Olson
A Home for the Uprooted
Home is sewn into the seams of my suitcase – Caught up in the fragments of childhood memories Where I can’t place the country or state, let alone the date; But I remember who was there Home is in the beauty of silver-tipped mountains And sweeping red canyons; Where snow sneaks in for…
Fruit in the Desert
Lately, I’ve been learning about foster care and the brain development of children who grow up in a sea of instability and trauma. One of the most common themes is the discussion of resiliency – questions like, what allows a child to make it through rocky circumstances and come out the other side whole and…
When Conviction Leads to the Less Traveled Path
Do you ever find your convictions leading you upstream, taking you outside the norm, even in the context of Christian community? I often find myself wanting validation from others around me about my convictions. While encouragement and community with like-minded people are invaluable, it is not what is of most importance. Being around so many…
Anticipating Celebration
When I think of celebration, I can’t help thinking of the wait that’s so often attached. I think of the unfulfilled callings held quietly inside for years – either left on a back burner or pursued unsuccessfully over and over again; until suddenly God brings all the right pieces together in a whirlwind of motion….
Fear Doesn’t Get the Last Word
The first time I met Robert*, he sat quietly with shoulders hunched, looking like he wanted to melt into the white plastic chair we’d offered him. His gaze fell to the floor, eyes telling a story devoid of hope or joy. Most men his age would have traveled alone, but Robert came with his father,…
God is My Provider
One of the most powerful ways I have seen God’s love and presence is through his provision. Whether it’s a physical need or something deeper, God knows it every time. He discerns what things I think are needs that really aren’t, and He also attends to the deep needs I don’t even recognize are there….
5 Ways Bitterness is Made Powerless
Over the last few years, some frustrating situations have jarred my expectations and pushed all the wrong buttons. Over time, as these things stacked weight heavier and heavier in my heart, I realized part of the reason they were so hurtful was because they were dredging up unrelated pain from years ago. As I thought…
Thriving in Change and Uncertainty
I’ve been struggling to thrive lately, pulled in every direction by life’s constant changes. I’m thankful and content one minute, then discontent or afraid the next as I remember all the unknowns and ‘what ifs’ of the new year ahead. Meanwhile, I keep thinking of the apostle Paul – a man who’d been through shipwrecks,…
Anchored Voices 