We sit at the kitchen table, brushing off the chill of a winter evening. Gloria puts down her coffee mug and reaches for a picture of her children. Through tears, she tells me about her oldest son’s life, and quietly laughs when describing his antics. He died three years ago, and she obviously ... Continue Reading
We Can Carry Grief and Joy Together
Settling back in the chair, Tim talks about his wife Leah, who died 15 years ago. “There’s not a day that goes by without me thinking about her. You know, ‘What would she look like today? Would she still be working?’ You just kind of think about what our life might have been like. ‘What would she ... Continue Reading
Learn to help people relieve pressure and anxiety—Ten Tips for Effective Listening
In a world upended, hurting, and fearful, the pressure is mounting. As anxiety and tension escalate, we all need to become better listeners. The ability to listen to someone helps that person release the pressure that builds up inside. We can think about stress and anxiety as pressure that ... Continue Reading
Christmas Joy in a Bleak Midwinter
It’s Christmas. Peace on Earth. As the saying goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” But it doesn’t always feel this way. Right? Christmas can be a painful time of year for many people. It can be hard to find the joy of Christmas when we live in a broken world. For those who are ... Continue Reading
Christmas for those who are hurting
Standing in the checkout line, I overheard the young cashier tell a customer that she was soon going home, which would thrill her three-year-old son. Earlier that morning, her little boy begged her not to leave. She said, “I asked him, ‘Do you want Christmas to come or not?’ He said yes. So I told ... Continue Reading
A loved one who died can help us live.
Forcing her feet to step out of the car, Susan dried her eyes before walking into the country dance hall. No one there knew that the reason she wanted to dance was also why her tears fell so easily. Her love for dancing started with the house dances from her childhood. Susan beamed, “I was not any ... Continue Reading
When Mother’s Day is Not Happy
Author note: Many years ago I wrote this article and it seems like an important time to post again and reflect on how to support those who are hurting. Give yourself and others the grace needed during these complicated times. Mother’s Day can be a miserable day. Countless women and children mourn ... Continue Reading
Bring Your Soul Back to Life
One time when away from my office for four weeks, I failed to have anyone water the plants. When I came back, the plants were brown, shriveled up, and almost dead. I did not know if I could bring them back to their former vibrant selves, but I had to try. Having a tender heart for living things on ... Continue Reading
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