Faith
Read. Pray. Stretch. Breathe. Cook.
About five years ago, my therapist at the time took me outside during one of our sessions and instructed me to sit down on a step and close my eyes. “What do you hear?” she asked. “Um, cars on the road?” I said. “What else?” I listened. “Birds.” “What else?” “The wind.” This went on…
Read MoreWhen I Am Certain of Nothing Else
The first part of 2018 has looked very different from my past few years as a full-time writer. As a writer, I spend most of my days alone typing at my computer, with the occasional phone call thrown in. But this year, I’ve had several speaking engagements that have required preparation and travel. I’ve been…
Read MoreWhen You Study the Bible for a Living
A few weeks ago my community group at church discussed this question: What is your relationship with scripture right now? I thought about it for a while and said, “It’s complicated. Scripture can feel like my job sometimes.” I study the Bible for a living. A lot of my freelance work over the years has…
Read MoreJesus the Idea, Jesus in the Flesh
I feel like I can go long stretches of time where my faith is based on this idea of Jesus, but not really the person of Jesus. As if who he was was this wonderful collection of love and peace and wisdom. A formless mass of goodness. And then, someone will say something or I’ll…
Read MoreWhat Happens When We Love Others First, And God Second
by Alyssa DeLosSantos Dear Younger Me, I see you caving under the weight of all you are trying to get “right.” You are worn out and discouraged from trying to earn your worth. You may bristle at what I’m about to say because these words might feel like an ill-fitting garment, but I’m begging you…
Read MoreLook Past the Clearance Jesus
by Sarah Brooks *** If you were to Google stock photos of Good Christian Teenagers, my high school yearbook picture would show up. I was the World’s Best. Someone needs a volunteer for the mission trip? Camp? Retreat? Bible study? Prayer team? Small group? Sign me up. There’s a new ministry? It’s called Ignite? Elevate? Revolution? Engage? Impact? I’ll…
Read MoreWhen Doing Everything Right Is No Longer…Right
by Devi Duerrmeier *** It was a solid concrete mass of a highway that got you there. Straight on Highway 412, a right onto Holly Street and then a slight left on West University Avenue. On the left across from the cathedral is a graveyard. Concrete tombstones dotted the green field, there were trees and…
Read MoreThe Difference Between Worshiping God and Worshiping Comfort
by Jordan Harrell *** Dear 19-Year-Old Me, You’re probably wearing a t-shirt and baggy sweatpants, a ponytail wagging back-and-forth as you bee-bop around your Christian university in between chapel and the campus center. The whole concept of “college” as an educational experience is beyond you, but you sincerely enjoy it nonetheless. Yours is a…
Read MoreHow to Squeeze Hope into a Life Ridden by Fear
by Kaitlin Wernet *** Dear 16-Year-Old Kaitlin, We’re going to Sea World! Younger self, if we could cross paths at the same time, that’s exactly where I’d take you. We’d sit on the hot bleachers, watching seals wave hello as we welcomed memories of your first time there. You were four and it was the…
Read MoreWhen You Trust God with Some Things, But Not Everything
by Hanna Seymour *** Dear Hanna, Last night was a big night for you. It’s taken years for you to get to this point and it finally happened. You love God. You genuinely desire to seek His will for your life. You try to obey Him, you want to be more like His Son, Jesus.…
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