Empathy Out of Trial

There are moments following a trial or traumatic situation that a sliver of revelation emerges, a small signal of some good that might come out of it. It’s hard to see any good in a trial, particularly when you’re in the middle of it year after year with no hope. Yet that moment appears that […]

The Calming Spirit of Agape Love

Agape love is not just a selfless love, but a love that no longer keeps score. It removes the transactional relationship of doing something and expecting something in return. It gets rid of the mentaility of doing something to secure someone’s favor. It removes expectations placed on other people. Agape love has the potential to […]

The Raging Calm Around You

Life storms. They are those unexpected events in your life that engulf you with trauma and seize your calm life. As the waves of hurt, worry, and pain pound away, you struggle to stop your life from capsizing and going under. You forget that Jesus is right there with you. “Teacher, do You not care […]

Abiding in God Under Pressure

So many words I wanted to say, hurtful words, as he lashed out at me. Yet something inside constrained me. It was just another encounter with him screaming at me, trying to get me to lash out at him. But for some reason I remained calm; for some reason I could see that this man […]

#2 Humbled by Pain

Thorns under our skin can come in all sorts of things that cause us constant pain. It could be people who berate you; the tragic loss of a loved one; or chronic illness.

Prayer Journey — Forgiveness

The word forgiveness forms on my lips. It seems plausible, but the pain, the hurt remain. Then you tell me you can help heal the emotional pain, the unseen, lingering wounds.

Prayer Journey — Need

Lord, I need you. When this world abandons me; lets me down; disappoints me, you are there. When hurt ravages my soul, you are there for me. When deep pain rises up to attack me, you are there. In the depths of my soul, as darkness seeps in, your light emerges with hope. I feel […]

Prayer Journey — Unmet Expectations

People will disappoint. Expectations will not be met. I will be hurt by others. Grief will come. I can count on them happening to me in this world. Yet you dear God are faithful. Your grace and love continue to abound. Your promises are truth. Forgive me for having unreasonable expectations of you. Forgive me […]

Prayer Journey — Broken Hearts Beyond Repair?

This morning broken hearts are on my mind dear God. Hearts shattered by those close to us. Hurt that seems like it will never go away. Pain that continually penetrates like a thorn in our side. Piercing pain that drains the life from us. Heal us Lord as only you can do. Fill us with […]

Prayer Journey: Healing Balm

May you this day dear Lord, call out to those who are faithful to you. May they hear your voice to respond to the hurting. May they have eyes to see the pain in others. May they have ears to hear the cries of pain. Give them discernment to bring compassion to those ready for […]