Some winters can be long. As with all seasons, there is beauty to be found in winter. However, the cold, ice, snow, and gray days can get long. And the nights can feel longer. Some years, the snow covers the ground for months. So when the snow starts to melt in March, the promise of spring fills my soul. With… Read More
When bad things happen in our lives or when we hear of tragedies in the news, it can be hard to know how to talk with our children about the events. Personal trauma, natural disasters, wars, and shootings are all stressful for families. Although every child’s needs are different, here are some thoughts to help you plan your time with… Read More
When Christina was a teenager, her mother and several younger siblings died in a car accident. During the first week after her mom died, Christina and her remaining siblings would go through their mom’s closet and smell the familiar perfume on her clothes. Christina recalled, “She was a nurse and worked evenings so she had a robe that she always… Read More
Rosie walked into the house carrying her famous apple pie. Everyone was happy to see her — and the pie — but also cautious. Rosie’s husband, Simon, died two years ago, and holiday family gatherings have never been the same. No one is sure what to say. They do not want to make Rosie cry by mentioning Simon. Rosie does… Read More
During an especially difficult time in my life, I walked into a church. “How are you doing?” someone asked me, a little too enthusiastic for the day I was having. Facing some hard issues at the time, I did not pretend all was fine. I replied, “OK.” He asked, “Just OK? Not great? You should be doing great.” He said… Read More
We live in a broken world—poverty, discrimination, crime, death, and war. We also continually face natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes. In the midst of those trials we are negotiating a politically toxic culture that can sap our energy and compassion. We need to stay encouraged in knowing there is beauty and hope in this brokenness—otherwise it… Read More
We face much heartache in life. No one wants to willingly walk into painful times. But since you will at some point find yourself facing a difficult situation, look around and see what beauty you can find. You may be surprised. Sometimes you go through thistles before finding the beauty. You can find beauty in the midst of hard times,… Read More
In Closure: The Rush to End Grief and What It Costs Us, I encourage people not to push others (or themselves) through grief. Knowing what this means in practical ways is good to consider. People often struggle with not knowing what to say to someone who is grieving. In facing this struggle, there are those who simply do not talk… Read More
