I had routine blood tests run yesterday. This morning I received a phone call from my physician’s office informing me that I needed to schedule a follow-up appointment with the doctor to review the results. What? Immediately, I felt broken. I asked the receptionist if she could tell me which numbers were off. She did…and I felt even more broken. One of… Read More
When It’s Difficult to Engage with God
I set my coffee mug down on the table in front of me and reached for my Bible. Finding the frayed brown ribbon that “marks the spot,” I located the place in Psalms where I had last finished reading. I fastened my eyes on Psalm 27 and forced the ancient words into focus. But halfway through the chapter I realized I… Read More
Do You Need to Lay That Down?
Red, fragrant spaghetti sauce splattered on the street in front of my house. Would I try to wipe it up or just let the monsoon rain lick it clean? I looked at the bright blue sky and decided the Arizona monsoon was not my faithful friend that day. I had dropped the jar of sauce from my grocery bag and I would have… Read More
Overthinking Things? You Can Stop
They were swarming around me like pesky mosquitoes, refusing to leave until they had drained and exhausted me. The problem itself was no longer the problem; my thoughts about the problem–the thoughts I couldn’t seem to turn off or get away from–were now the bigger issue. I just wanted to quit overthinking the situation…but I couldn’t seem to stop. I’m not a… Read More
Because the End Leads to So Much More
Today will undoubtedly include a little drama. And that’s okay. It’s the good kind of drama. But it will take a toll all the same. Today marks the end. Sometimes we look forward to the end. Other times we dread it. But whether the end is joyfully anticipated or feared, it often (maybe even usually) brings a little sadness. Yes,… Read More
Have You Considered Suicide?
Have you ever considered suicide? I can’t say I’ve been there. Honestly, I’m too chicken to take my own life. But I have wrestled with similar thoughts: “I wish I were dead. I don’t want to go on.” “It would be better for everyone if I were gone.” “I’m too tired to go on. I have no desire to live… Read More