“I could never do what she did,” I thought. I lay in a hammock under the shade of a maple tree in late summer. The breeze danced along my sandaled feet and through my hair. Birds serenaded one another, their melodies singing of their magnificent Creator. The stark contrast between my setting and the author whose book I was reading didn’t go unnoticed. I was free; she was captive. I was reclined, comfortable; she was in cramped, cold barracks. The sun kissed my skin; fleas ravaged hers. The woman I speak of is Corrie ten Boom. Corrie and her family boldly risked their lives to hide Jews in their home during World War II. After betrayal by a fellow Dutch citizen, … [Read more...]
The Power of Our Criticism
One weekend, I was on a spiritual high after a church event and couldn’t wait to share my joy and excitement with a friend. Before I had the opportunity to fully express this joy, I was interrupted: “Did you have to pay for the event?” I replied, “Yes.” Her response included a heavy sigh, eye roll, and what I can only describe as a hailstorm of criticism. She expressed passionately, “See, I don’t understand why they have to charge you to go to an event. What if someone can’t afford to attend, but really wants to grow in their faith? Did they have food? I wonder how much of our giving to the church has been put toward food that I’m sure they threw away afterwards. Was there any pressure to … [Read more...]
A Prayer for the Grieving Pet Owner
Oh merciful heavenly Father, We thank you for designing and giving a purpose to animals from the beginning, giving them to us as our companions so that we would not feel alone (Gen. 2:18-20). All good things come from your hand, Father (James 1:17), including animals, which you called good (Gen. 1:25). You are the sovereign Lord of all creation, and all things were made by you and for you (Col. 1:16). Thank you for entrusting your creation to us, and thank you for richly blessing us with our pets. The joy, love, comfort, laughter, and companionship we experience with our pets is a direct reflection of and gift from you. Thank you for allowing us to learn about who you are through your … [Read more...]
A Prayer for the Woman Without a Baby This Christmas
Oh gracious Savior, Above all else at Christmastime, I thank you for willingly coming down from your heavenly throne to walk among us and experience life in a fallen world. Thank you for loving your people so deeply that you chose to suffer and die in order to show us the way to your kingdom. Thank you for opening the door to freedom and salvation through your life, death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus. Lord, you know my heart’s longing to be a mother. You know the pain and emptiness I feel, especially around the holidays. I ask that you strengthen my heart and give it rest, Lord. Open my eyes to see the gracious gifts you have lavished upon me, and increase the gratitude in … [Read more...]