Bow of Hope

The storm clouds gather above. Rain pours down, drenching. The waters threaten to rise and overtake. I am bowed down with sorrow. “For the waves of death encompassed me; The torrents of destruction overwhelmed me (2 Samuel 22:6, NASB).” Fear fills me as the storm persists. “Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart […]

Talking to God

Some of the deepest conversations I have had with a friend have been one to one in private—sitting together over a cup of coffee or a meal. Sometimes I think of those moments when praying—sitting in private with God and discussing life and it’s challenges. It is that one-to-one dialogue that I envision when I […]

Together for Good

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28. (NASB) “What good can come from this?” It is a phrase I have found myself saying many times in my life. Sometimes it goes along […]

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 […]

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 […]

Seeking Refuge in God’s Fortress

As a fortress, God also defends us against the forces of evil. We need not be afraid because the arrows of the evil one bounce off the fortress of God that surrounds us. We do not need to fear the evil that stalks us.

#3 Once Upon a Time There Was a Blog

It’s been eleven years since I started this blog. I think there’s a lesson in its history. When I first launched 140 Character Christian in 2010, I didn’t know anything about blogging…

The Discipline of Trauma

When I reflect back on so many traumatic events in my life, I recall the pain and hurt. In the middle of those events, sometimes I wondered what God was doing. Yet when I look at my life today, I know those events helped to shape who I am. My faith is deeper for having […]

Overtaken by Trauma

The wave of trauma rises up before me, towering higher and higher. I cannot stop it from crashing over me, engulfing me in a torrent of many waters. The current of grief whisks me away. I am helpless. I cannot stop its force. The suffering twists my body, embroiling me in a sea of grief. […]

Overcomer

What does it mean to be an overcomer? It is someone who has been trampled by life; someone knocked down by the hurtful actions of others; someone who has been crushed emotionally; someone who despite all this is able to pick themselves up, even if it’s just crawling, to press on; to keep moving forward. […]