Category: Hope Blog

I was reminded recently of the depth of pain some families are enduring as they care for their medically fragile children. The world talks and thinks of the average, of the norm. It’s September and social media platforms are flooded with back-to-school photos and off-to-college snippets. The average family is packing lunches and traveling to fall sporting events; but not everyone is part of an average family. Not all our Septembers are the same. For some, calendar months have no relevance. You live by rounds, not months. Some of you live by shifts, not days. Some of you aren’t looking…

There once was a girl who was traveling to a far off city. On her journey she heard rumors that the bridge was out ten miles down the road. This news devastated the girl as she knew there was no other route to the city she was seeking. Disheartened, the girl began to think. She thought of the great obstacle that lay before her. Then, in determination not to be thwarted in her journey, she began to gather wood and a hammer and nails. There, ten miles from the river, she began to build a bridge. Quite a girl, right?…

Even in sorrow there are pathways towards light. There are foot paths that lead to rest, to quiet comfort and to the everlasting fountain of hope. These pathways are called truth. They are always there but not always in use. I don’t know what it is, but grief seems to breed passivity. Perhaps it is the weariness of sorrow. Reaching out for Rest On my more difficult days, I have no desire to fight. No drive to ward off the enemy’s lies. No ambition “to take captive and bring into subjection” every thought and emotion. I am limp. The slave…

The Anticipated Month May has come: my month of shadows, my month of ghosts. In the weeks leading up to the turning of the calendar I find myself bracing, gathering my armor, attempting to prepare myself for the onslaught of memories and pain. And yet I know nothing will quite shield me from the heartache. It has been four years, and I still tread through the month warily. To be quite honest, I tread through every month warily. Though I would call myself blessed and reveal that I am astounded by the joy and peace I’ve found, I cannot deny…

Easter is the holiday of hope. Thanksgiving teaches us to be grateful for what is in our hands. Then Christmas sings us a story of love. But Easter raises her head above the brokenness of this world and cries, “There is yet hope!” It is the holiday for the hurting: the day for those in dark places. Because, you see, Easter gives us a glimpse into the minutes that follow The End. In addition, Easter allows us to turn the page and behold, for just a brief moment, the light that comes after the bleakest of nights. Easter assures us…