Comfort From Affliction

When we are in the middle of struggles in life, it is hard to see any purpose in it. From my own experience a few years ago, when I felt trapped in a very traumatic situation with no evident end in sight, it all felt pointless. Day after day, as the trauma continued, it was […]

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When Darkness Stalks Our Joy

I feel the light begin to wane Darkness knocks at my door An old acquaintance Wanting to pay me a visit . The last time you were here You crushed all my joy Took away any laughter Pulled the shades on the light . Tears well up inside of me Hopelessness seeps in My body […]

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Empathy for the Struggling

There have been times in my life, when I have struggled with trials, trauma and grief. In the depths of those struggles, I have often felt misunderstood and alone. At those times I needed someone to listen and empathize with me. Someone to walk with me through the trial and not judge me. Job faces […]

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An Encounter Driven by Suffering

It just didn’t seem right to have to put up with it. Her medical condition affected so much of her life. She spent all she had on doctors, seeking a cure — even just some relief, but none was found. Now after twelve years it seemed hopeless. Except…there was that man she heard about. Some […]

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Sorrow Knows No Bounds

I had just watched my mom’s casket lowered into the ground when I noticed a young couple about one hundred yards away. They were standing with their children next to a small headstone. I recognized the couple, so as family and friends dispersed from my mom’s graveside, I walked over and stood with them. It […]

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Seeing Good in Trials

It is hard to see the good when bad things happen. I have often turned to God in the middle of something tragic and asked Him, “Why?” I know God is always at work, but often I don’t understand the purpose of trials. Paul reminds us in Phillipians 1:12-14 that our struggles and trials can […]

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