The question was asked of me by a young woman trying to make sense out of her life and the Christian faith she was returning to.
This is a common struggle experienced by many people. Influenced by many factors. Not easily answered. I encouraged her to seek professional counseling and thankfully she did. Too many don’t and their lives keep spiraling downward.
Why is it so hard to love myself in this condition?
This question was asked of me by…..
In my book, “Praying Our Way Through Stress” in writing about The Lord’s Prayer and the phrase; Save us from the time of trial I quote Luke 22:31, which reads:
“Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
I go on to write:
Perhaps this relates to Peter (aka Simon) having his faith shaken by the arrest,…..
On my wall above my desk hangs a framed print statement about faith. There is no indication who made the statement so I am unable to credit anyone for it. This is what the framed print states:
“Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.”
It’s an intriguing statement. Especially when you pair it with some of the statements about faith that are recorded in Scripture……
When I was a young girl I had to take one of my math classes three times. I was embarrassed, was called stupid and afraid I would never get into college. I cried in class one day. My teacher talked with me after class and told me they were proud of my struggle to and desire to learn. That encouragement helped me to persevere and eventually understand the concepts in algebra so that I could pass the course. The experience…..
It’s a question I asked my Sunday School teacher when I was a young girl. I think I was in either 5th or 6th grade when I asked her this question. I had friends of different denominations and maybe even different religions – I’m not sure. But I remember we were having a conversation about Jesus…..
Love is not always easy and it seems to me it’s far too often the road less traveled. In a world that is becoming more and more accustomed to seeking a ‘high’ or ‘numbing the pain’ love seems to be taking a back seat, it’s being pushed out of sight, mind and heart, lost in the shuffle as people rush off to do this and…..
I learned some new exercises today to improve the strength of my shoulders, biceps, upper back muscles and bones. The exercises are simple and yet exhausting. Isn’t it interesting how some of the simplest things can be the most exhausting? And yet, how much stronger we become by doing these simple and exhausting things that will help us carry the weight of our bodies…..
I remember my Mother every year on Mother’s Day. I don’t get to visit her anymore or pick up the phone to call or send a card or buy her flowers or make her something special. But my Mom was certainly a very special mother.
The first year without Mom on Mothers Day was pretty rough. I bought her a card without realizing what I was doing and…..
On the day of his crucifixion Jesus cried out, “My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?!”
Because of Easter Morning we have learned that God did not forsake Jesus. He healed Jesus quite rapidly and miraculously and gave him new life. The nails used in times of crucifixion are not the size of your average household nail…..