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
truth
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
Finding My Voice
It’s an odd thing: to be in a space that feels all too familiar, but you’re not the same person you were back then. You’ve grown, you’ve picked up some tools along the way, but here you are again. Same pain, similar story, different location. But this ending will be different than the last … Continue reading Finding My Voice
Anchor
It’s been a long 6 months… and I have missed sharing in this space. Originally I took a break from blogging to focus on motherhood; the work-home balance had pushed me to my limits. Instead, parenting a child with special needs took some unexpectedly hard twists and turns. Add in some stress and overwhelm (and … Continue reading Anchor
Goodbye (for now)
Seasons change. It’s a truth that I can grasp at varying levels. Weather, yes. Life, not so much. I’m co-leading an amazing Life Group based on the book Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons. It’s timely and eye-opening. And it’s bringing to light some things I need to adjust. I recently discovered that I’m in … Continue reading Goodbye (for now)
Dear Children
Your resilience knows no bounds. In new places, surrounded by new faces, you keep showing up. You shine and you sparkle. You reflect God’s love and you give Him glory. You persevere; you don’t give up. You make a decision, and you move forward boldly toward your goals. You overcome negativity and naysayers. You triumph, … Continue reading Dear Children
My Race to Run 