Last year, I had the amazing opportunity to be the keynote speaker on a Christian cruise for widows. It was absolutely the most refreshing time I’ve had in a long […]
The Sifting: This Trial Does Not Define You
Satan seeks to sift you;He relentlessly demandsTo pound and press and shake your faithUntil you cannot stand. The sifter watches closely;He cannot read your mind,But if you let him in […]
Dear Younger Me: Grief Isn’t What You Think
13 Things I Would Tell Younger Me About Grief, If I Could 1. There is no such thing as “grieving well.” The right way to grieve is whatever way leads […]
Fatherless Day: When Father’s Day Hurts
Glass half full or glass half empty—in the end, it doesn’t matter. You drink it up, because that’s all there is. Sweetness and bitterness in the same cup. Gratitude and […]
Putting On Your Mask: Self Care in Grief
“Secure your own mask first.” You’re enjoying a nice, smooth ride when, suddenly, you are jolted awake by violent shaking and terrified cries. (Whether the screams are yours or someone […]
Sunrise, Sunset: Time Marches On
She walked herself down the aisle. Alone. Nobody held it together, except her. Bittersweet tears mixed with drops of rain as I watched our beautiful warrior princess boldly step into […]
Grief: Gotta Go Through It
One of my earliest memories is going on a “bear hunt” with my Kindergarten teacher. We’d all march in place as we chanted: Going on a bear hunt.I’m not scared.Gonna […]
Even If He Doesn’t
In 2021, my theme for our Student Ministry was “That’s Messed Up.” We spent the year learning about the deeply flawed people in the Bible and the God who redeemed […]
When the Silence is Deafening: The Grief of Silent Saturday
Sometimes, silence screams. She harangues us with intrusive thoughts: You’re alone. You’ll always be alone. Nobody sees you. Nobody understands. Nobody cares. And for a valley-walker, the relentless shriek can […]
Last Words
My husband’s last words to me were, “Not goodbye.” We were on a very brief video call with him before he was put on a ventilator. We hadn’t seen him […]
Feeling Cheated by Death: Wedding Anniversary Thoughts
Sunday is my wedding anniversary. We should be celebrating 29 years as Mr. and Mrs. Smith. We were supposed to grow old together. We were just getting started. Soon, my […]