The Hope of Healing

One of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed was during the time I was working at a rescue mission. An event was planned at our city's convention center, which brought in some top-tier international speakers from the Christian community. As I was sitting in our customary Monday morning leadership team meeting, one of the speakers dropped by our mission and made a donation. This person ran a ministry in the poorest country in the world where they fed 50,000…

Last year was a terrible summer for roses in our area. It started in early spring with an aphid infestation the likes of which I had never seen before. After I eradicated that problem which took weeks, fungus set in. This was an even more difficult foe that I fought for the rest of the summer. My roses would set buds but never bloom fully as they were encased in disease. This year, I started early so I did not repeat the previous year's drama. Everything looked great…

Last year was a terrible summer for roses in our area. It started in early spring with an aphid infestation the likes of which I had never seen before. After I eradicated that problem which took weeks, fungus set in. This was an even more difficult foe that I fought for the rest of the summer. My roses would set buds but never bloom fully as they were encased in disease. This year, I started early so I did not repeat the previous year's drama. Everything looked great…

Jesus tenderly took her hand and spoke these words over her. Immediately, breath filled her lungs, and her dead body was raised back to life. There it is again - the theme of the ultimate love story. The power of Jesus, time and time again, allowing us to rise in His victory. Simply because He loves us so deeply. Sister, is there something in your life that holds you back from claiming that victory? Is the feeling of defeat a louder and more familiar guest in your heart?,…

"Comparison is the thief of joy." - Theodore Roosevelt Some days this quote runs laps in my mind, as I struggle to push back against the very loud voice of not measuring up. The voice that tells me others have found the secret recipe to perfection in their parenting, marriage, career. The voice that sows seeds of discontent, self-doubt, and envy. On these days, I swear I can feel the battle for my soul raging in the spiritual realm. "...envy rots the bones.;…

I hate to move. I know, hate is a strong word. But I’ve moved my total household at least 6 times that I can remember. I have no fond memories to draw from. It was total chaos in the house for weeks before and after. Stuff was strewn everywhere while trying to purge. By purge I mean, sell, toss, giveaway, or keep all the paraphernalia that had accumulated over the years. I have a headache just thinking about it, even now. Colleen and I decided we’re not moving…

After being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Christina Costa noticed how much of the talk around facing cancer is dominated by the language of fighting. She found that this metaphor quickly started to feel exhausting. She “didn’t want to spend over a year at war with [her] own body.” Instead, what she found most helpful were daily practices of gratitude—for the team of professionals caring for her and for the ways her brain and body were showing.…

God gives Adam some instructions on the care of creation and his role in the unfolding story. It's pretty basic, and very generous (see Gen. 2:16-17). But notice what God doesn't tell Adam. There is no warning or instruction over what is about to occur: the Temptation of Eve. This is just staggering. Notably missing from the dialogue between Adam and God is something like this: "Adam, one more thing. A week from Tuesday, about four in the afternoon, you and…

I love the story of a certain man whom Jesus interfered with, much to his initial chagrin. Remember when Jesus met the man possessed with many demons in Luke 8? So they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes, across the lake from Galilee. As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in the tombs outside the town. As soon as he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down in…