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 …
Learning About Myself by Faith Ruotolo
I had the great pleasure of watching my 3 year old grandson the other weekend. It was such a joy to be able to see him run around, grab my hand and say, “Na-Na play with me.” I got down on all fours (which let me tell you is not so easy as it was when I was younger) and …
Unjust Peace by Nichole Ridner
“Yet even then their testimony did not agree.” Mark 14:59 It has never surprised me that Jesus was charged and convicted unjustly. After all, Isaiah 53:3-4 foretold his unfair trial by saying “He was despised and rejected…considered punished by God.” He was misunderstood and judged without just cause. Why then am I shocked when I’m treated similarly? A few years …
God’s New Mercies by Tracie Heskett
With every “new” benchmark in life, we have a chance to re-evaluate our hearts. A new year gave us that chance a few weeks ago, and now Mesu’s new release. Isaiah had some interesting things to say about God’s new work. Let’s look with more understanding at Israel’s harsh reality that built to Isaiah’s prophetic promise of NEW. ‘By …
A Bruised Reed by Raechel Kelly
“A bruised reed shall He not break” Isaiah 42:3 I chose this verse because it is one that is very near and dear to my own heart. It’s short, and perhaps easily passed over. But it’s also significant. Because it’s the healing balm my heart so often needs to receive. So many times, in my life I have felt very bruised. …
An Isaiah Kind of Christmas
I’ve never experienced a Christmas like this one, nor will I ever again. Steeped in the lives and times of Isaiah, Hezekiah, and Hephzibah, I’ve read and re-read Isaiah’s Messianic prophecies and wondered what he thought about the words tumbling out of his mouth. Did he believe Hezekiah was the One he proclaimed—as I portray in my book—or did Isaiah …