Deconstructing Christianity. It seems to be all the rage these days, outspoken individuals raised in the church who are sharing their stories. Telling of how they have left the faith. Discussing the disappointments of unanswered prayers. Sharing how they have been disillusioned by their upbringing. I listen intently, inquisitively. Many of these individuals have faced…
It’s a thankless job. When is the last time you read Proverbs 31? Let’s take a few minutes to read it: A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all…
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3 I woke up Sunday morning with these words running through my mind. As I began to pray for my children that morning, I couldn’t shake the scripture. I’m laying my requests at your feet…
April 19, 1995, stands as a day of infamy in the United States and in Oklahoma. On that fateful day, a truck was parked in front of the Murrah Federal Building. It was filled with explosives, and the detonation rocked the entire city of Oklahoma City. As the smoke cleared, the Murrah building was destroyed….
Seven years ago. I have relived that day over and over, but for some reason this year it is really taking an emotional toll on me. Last night as I drove home from dinner with my daughter, I began to reflect on that day. I found myself in tears–both good and bad. Seven years ago…
This last week, I have been broken-hearted to see a number of videos of individuals who grew up in the church that are now turning away. They boldly proclaim why they have left the toxic church culture, explaining how they are now enlightened. The church is toxic. The church is abusive. The church keeps people…
Over the weekend, Roy and I took a much needed break together to celebrate his birthday. We are in a season of unpredictable schedules, often working opposite hours so we don’t have much time together. We had seen the trailers for the movie A Man Called Otto with Tom Hanks, and it was on our list of…
Christmas. It’s a time for family. A time for fun. A time to celebrate all of the blessings in this life. And, of course, it’s the time we focus our hearts and minds on the Savior who came to this earth as a precious baby, giving up the riches of heaven to take the form…
I was confronted again this week: Why do you continue to write about divorce? Why do you allow your past divorce to color your world today? Why do you allow what your ex-husband did to you to continue to affect your relationships today? I’ve heard it many, many times. I need to leave the adultery,…
In the midst of my darkest days, I heard the sweet whisper of my Savior’s voice: “Get your security from me.” You see, in those days I was walking through an ugly divorce, and I was running toward a man–a man who made me feel special and loved and alive. It was a balm to…
Tomorrow is Good Friday, and Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection are on my mind–as they should be. For some reason, my mind has been asking if Jesus died for the narcissist. Let me start by saying the term narcissist has become a choice description for anyone who is self-centered. I think we have to be…
We are on the cusp of a new year, filled with 365 brand new days. A new beginning. A fresh start. New opportunities. Full of promise. New mercies every single day. These last two years have been difficult for so many. We’ve seen so much pain, so much loss, so much division. Many of us…