Life is full of humbling moments, but the most painful ones usually involve a gross exposure of our cracks, flaws and imperfections to the world.  Society, as a whole, tells us that the most important thing during these times is to immediately shift into damage control. The message is clear, “hide your imperfections and cover up the pain with lies.” Wear a smile.  Act like nothing is wrong.  Act like you’re winning.  Don’t let them see your vulnerability.  Don’t let them see you crack.  If they see it, it gives them power over you. We are so busy trying to control the damage and save face that we have forgotten…

I stood at this very spot when I heard God whisper, “give it to me.” Give you what? “Your shame.”  I can’t, God.  I deserve it. If people knew what I was really like, they would say the same.  “Give it to me.”  His words were so powerful that as I type them, I’m drawn to tears. But, let me go back a few beats because I believe that God has been preparing me for this moment for months.  I have lost several people over the years to suicide.  Some I knew only a little. Others I had lost touch with.  I felt saddened, and if I’m honest, sometimes angry. …

Everyone I know is hurting right now.  The world has changed so much in the last few weeks and we are all trying to navigate through this new norm together.  The future holds so many uncertainties and, in so many ways, we have no control over tomorrow.   It’s unfamiliar, stressful, exhausting, and scary. During such a difficult time, it’s especially important to be mindful of the seeds that we choose to plant and water in our heart. Don’t let the enemy use this difficult season as an opportunity.  I am reminded of one of my most painful regrets (and biggest lessons) during our infertility journey a few years back:  To give…

I was having a casual conversation with my dad the other day and somehow the topic of God’s peace came up. Not the every day peace that we feel when we follow Him, but those moments when God steps in and gives us peace that is beyond human understanding. The first time that I experienced this kind of peace was in college. I had a rough first year in college. I was a very quiet and reserved small-town girl seeking acceptance in all of the wrong places and those crowds can quickly leave you feeling empty and rejected, not to mention spiritually dirty. I was lost and I felt very…