I’ve been planning a tattoo with my daughter, who has almost reached her 18th birthday. She has sketched it over and over, perfected the slopes, and debated whether to add trees or birds within the circular border. Above it all is etched two small words I knew needed to be inscribed on my body the…
Tag: Christianity
Realizing the Boldness of Faith
Boldness is probably about one of the last words that anyone would ever use to describe me. I am the most introverted, least likely to ruffle feathers, go with the flow kind of person, and always have been. Occasionally, I will speak up boldly when something is really important to me and if the conditions…
A Simple, Bold Welcome
There’s got to be a term for it – for that constant state of feeling like the newbie at church (despite regular attendance there for a few years). The feeling that says, “I don’t know half of these people here! I wonder why they haven’t come and introduced themselves to me yet?!” The feeling that…
Be Bold In Battle
Author: Donna Marie I just want to scream Escape this dream The darkness overwhelms me I can’t see beyond the misery I can’t find the door I collapse to the floor I can’t escape the pain I can’t explain As I cry WHY WHY Do I want to die That is a LIE The attack is not…
The Protests Continue—A Call to Pray for Haiti
At the beginning of February 2019, I was in Haiti with a team of other short-term missionaries. I wasn’t surprised at the lack of first world comforts, but what was unanticipated was the ease at which one could play the lottery. When food, education, and medical care are sparse, the buying of a lottery ticket…
The Magnolia Story and Me
What do shiplap, Magnolia, and “Fixer Upper” have in common? Just one famous reality TV couple—Chip and Joanna Gaines. At this point they are legendary—an amazing marriage, adorable children, and even their own decorative line, “Hearth and Hand,” at Target. Like many women, I also got swept up into the excitement. When I can borrow…
Bold Gentleness
Under the fluorescent light, I was organizing stacks of new pots, toilet bowl brushes, can openers, laundry baskets, blankets, and a motley of household goods. Pillows periodically tumbled when I shifted a box underneath. Today, I expected quite a few people to come and gather items for their new apartments. Refugee families new to central…
Bold in Prayer
‘Bold’ is never a word I would use to describe myself. As a child and teenager, I was prone to anxiety and shied away from anything that would create conflict and make my stomach turn to knots. I remember my mom telling me several times throughout my adolescent years that I needed to learn to…
The Non-Fiction Books We Loved in 2018, and What We Will Read in 2019
We asked our contributors to tell us their favorite faith-inspired book read in 2018 and what they look forward to reading in 2019, so we could share the book love with you. We would love to hear your recommendations in the comments! The Books We Loved Kayla Anderson: The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst Britney…
Calming the Chaos with 3 Focused Routines
As I look back on 2018, it was nothing like I anticipated it to be. There were many great times full of family, friends, laughter, memories, and successes. However, there were also darker times of confusion, heartache, frustration, and disappointment. Unfortunately, the latter things are what I am tempted to focus on when I think…
Anchored Voices 