Trust can be hard. For someone like myself, with both social anxiety and depression, it is an active choice to take someone at their word rather than read into what our imagination thinks they might actually be saying. It is at times a conscious decision to trust that a friend—or even a family member—truly cares for us, when we feel …
Our Story by Della Young
After hearing Lysa Terkeurst speak at a recent Catalyst Event, I was impressed with all that she had to say. I began to ponder some of her comments. The one that kept playing over and over in my head was “We’ve got to let God’s words be THE WORDS of our story.” How often is “Our Story” based on the main …
Trusting Silence by Nichole Ridner
I sat on the stool while she once again picked me apart. I had been working at my new job for only a month, and she took every opportunity to point out everything she felt I did wrong. This woman had made my first day horrible, and each time I worked with her was like scratching at a raw wound. …
Hardened Hearts by Diana Guz
One morning, my mother entered my room and asked, “Can we pray together?” And so we did. We still don’t speak of the heaviest need on our hearts, the one propelling us to prayer constantly, but in our whispers to God, it is there. The tears flow and after, we hold each other tight. We are bound by this …
Hope and Perseverance by Linda McFarland
I have never really given much thought about the word of the year concept. However, in the last two years I have become aware of two words that have become relevant to the events that have transpired in my life. Those two words are hope and perseverance. Rejoice in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer. Romans 12:12 (NASB) I …
Precious Forgiveness by Nichole Ridner
As my 11-year-old son walked out of the house at the end of January in shorts, I commented that he could wear what he wanted but my suggestion that he wear pants would help him avoid his feelings getting hurt by comments from others. His response left me speechless, ashamed and heartbroken. “Mom, the only person who ever says anything …