I wrote this in February, but decided not to post it (until now, with minor edits). These words carried me through a dark season, in unseen places and incredibly hard times. God can turn ashes into beauty; He can bestow beauty where the enemy left ashes. But even among the ashes, beauty can be found … Continue reading Ashes
journey
To Whom It May Concern
To any reading this who are victims, to those who have faced impossible circumstances and devastating trials: I just want to say how proud I am of you. You are so brave. You did whatever you could to survive. What happened to you is not okay. That friend should not have betrayed you. That family … Continue reading To Whom It May Concern
Secrets + Shame
“The Secrets of Hillsong” + “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets”... Wow. Two documentaries that have more in common than you think. So many secrets; so much shame. Have you watched them yet? What are your thoughts? I avoided both of them at first, but afterward I was honestly glad I watched them. Hear me: … Continue reading Secrets + Shame
Always Pray, Don’t Give Up
Sometimes this season feels like swimming underwater, holding my breath, just trying not to drown. There are these beautiful moments of seeing the sun and breathing deep, but then the weight of the world pushes me back under. Sometimes it feels like a roller coaster of emotions, like a continuous a tidal wave of grief … Continue reading Always Pray, Don’t Give Up
Dear Church
Dear Church, It’s time we do better. Pastors, leaders, elders, deacons, congregants, volunteers, givers. Collectively. It’s time. Let’s. Do. Better. The church is meant to be a place of restoration, reconciliation, and redemption. It’s supposed to be a safe place. Instead, we’ve experienced retaliation and rejection. Again. I grieve for the bitter tastes of organized … Continue reading Dear Church
A Consequence of Curiosity
Curiosity killed the cat. It also eliminated the church member. I wasn’t offended or spreading gossip. I was asking questions so I could understand and try to heal. Distance, process, heal, return. That was my honest goal. Instead, my curiosity offended them. In their eyes, I was a problem that must be isolated. A liability … Continue reading A Consequence of Curiosity
Church Hurt
“Familiarity breeds contempt.” The pain is recognizable. The parallels are shocking. The red flags became clearer much quicker this time. It’s hard not to filter this experience through the previous one. There must be more to learn here. “Familiarity breeds contempt.” But maybe there’s another way forward this time. Maybe the familiarity can instead spark … Continue reading Church Hurt
My Race to Run 