In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4–5 NIV. Darkness pours from the TV screen, news of chaos, hate, and death. Hope is a tiny light. It may be dim but the faith it brings gives clear sight. Darkness seeps…
Tag: Hope
Change is not the End
C.S. Lewis once said, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” The first time I read this quote, I was in the middle of a huge life transition. Just recently I came across this quote again, and yes, I am standing on the brink of another major change. Doesn’t it…
4 Things Helping Me to Wait Well
“One, two, three! Blow!” Her little lips pursed as she blew with all her might. The small hand grasped the slender green stem. The sweet air from her breath brushed my cheek. We watched in delight as the dandelion fluff caught the wind and slowly sailed away. Some pieces flew up into the blue sky, seeming to wave…
Five Once-a-Day Practices To Care For Your Soul During COVID
When normal changes suddenly, we flounder. Like a girl learning to swim who is suddenly required to jump in the deep end, our heart rates race, and all we learned before evaporates in the panic. We flail, our arms and legs somehow moving enough to get us to the side of the pool, though we…
The Wait of Christmas
Immersed in the sight of snow-packed roads and lightly dusted evergreens, my husband and I drove over the Cascades for Christmas with my family. We were deep in waiting. Waiting to find out why having children wasn’t easy for everyone. Waiting to see if the doctor would take young newlyweds seriously. Waiting for the perfect…
Get Wisdom, Get Insight, Shine Brightly
“Make your ear attentive to wisdom and incline your heart to understanding.” Proverbs 2:2 I sat back in silence and looked up from my screen. My mind was a mess of turmoil; thinking, counter-arguing, crying, and pleading for the sake of what’s good and right. Tears of anguish filled my eyes and I closed them…
Hurt That Brings Healing
Author: Laura Sumpter I pushed the off button and tossed the phone onto my bed. As I did tears began pouring down my face. “Not again,” my head screamed. “Not again! Dear God, I can’t…” my thoughts stopped short as quiet tears turned to sobs. I thought through the words I had just heard. For…
Lies, Slander, and Trying to Be Like Christ
Tears fell from my eyes as I tried to grasp the reality that my name and my family members’ names were being spoken of in a hurtful way, our reputations and character muddied with gross untruths. How could someone I know and love say that about me? How could my family be trampled on in…
Breathing in Blessing
There is little that comes more naturally in life or is taken for granted more than breathing. It is something that I don’t thank God for enough or even contemplate the nuances of. I took a walk earlier and as I was walking and asking the Lord what he had to say through me about…
When Busy Becomes an Identity
Many people, Americans in particular, tend to thrive on busyness and take a strange pride in it—while at the same time complaining about it. I am 100% guilty of this. When asked how I’m doing, I’ve definitely responded with, “Good! Busy, but good.” Then soon after, I talk about all the things I’ve intentionally involved…
Anchored Voices 