When I was a teen, a magnificent holly tree took up residence behind our South Carolina home. She was actually quite beautiful, but she was too close to the house. […]
God’s Tattoo: The Splendor of our Scars
I had three surgeries the year following my husband’s death. Those three surgeries eradicated an enemy from my body, but also left me quite different than I was before. Ironically, […]
No Regrets
Time is a funny resource. We know we have a limited supply, yet we never know when our supply is going to run out. Five years ago, I threw Jeremy […]
Deep Roots and Divine Resilience
You probably overlooked her at first glance. She’s not not much to look at. Surrounded by her thriving, productive counterparts, she seems to be a lost cause. You see, the […]
Making Space for the Fatherless and Childless on Father’s Day
I don’t remember his first Father’s Day without her. I suppose I was too consumed by my own grief to notice. I’m certain he got up and went to church, […]
Joy and Sorrow: A Beautiful Song
Joy and sorrow were meant to make music together. I know that sounds antithetical, but I have learned the two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the song they sing […]
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 […]
Just After the Rest: Finding Value in the Silent Measures of Life
A lifetime ago, I was a musician. In music, we call a pause a “rest.” We like that word, don’t we? Rest sounds like such a lovely thing—until you’re forced […]
God’s Heartbeat
Our daughter was born with three heart defects. I would often lay with my ear pressed against her, so I could listen to her heart beat. It brought peace to […]
Graves and Gardens
When Karissa died, Jeremy and I were newlyweds, living on a single Christian School teacher’s salary. Meaning, we didn’t have two nickels to rub together. Thankfully, my parents were gracious […]
Birth, Death and Adoption
Exactly 8 days before our little girl went to Heaven, on February 28th, our little boy was born. We just didn’t know it yet.  God knew. He knew I’d […]