Fluent in the story of tomorrow, my heart envisioned scene upon scene of a future where my little one grew and laughed and lived. Yet, dreams that once danced deep in the hollows of my heart now rest inside a slip of bygone time. One moment I was pregnant with life—the next, a heartbeat lost to eternity. Whether miscarriage or…
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Broken Yet Whole
Our signatures were barely dry on a million mortgage papers when we stood beneath the Carolina sky planting the sweetest little Magnolia tree in our new front yard. One sapphire summer day, as my sons played around her, my favored magnolia somehow lost a limb, leaving a scar etched upon her. Yet to my relief, she remained resilient, keeping quiet…
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What Are You Doing Here?
Like toddlers in a toy store, new years come bounding in, bursting with possibility for all that lies ahead. Some years, I’ve shown up at January’s door eager to plan the year ahead. Yet when prayerfully assessing my path, I’ve realized that somewhere along life’s way, I stepped off God’s path for me and began running in my own direction….
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Trading Constant Concern for Quiet Relief
I wonder how these same palms I lift in praise can grip so tightly to a thousand concerns. Tears laced with fear mark my face as I concede once again to overthinking and angst—habits I’ve grown all too casual with. Soon I’m believing the misguided notion that the clutching of my cares somehow secures the well-being of my world. Long…
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Help for the Weary Woman
Rise before dawn for an hour of Bible study and a five-mile run: Check! Fold laundry and order groceries while attending an online meeting : No worries! Cook supper and load the dishwasher while helping with homework : Easy-peasy! Said no woman ever. Many are the seasons of a woman’s life, but I’ve yet to hear anyone say life is…
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The Confidence to Believe You Belong
It was my first day at a new school—midyear, where everyone knew each other and no one knew me. Nine years old and naive, I had yet to understand the insecurity that clothed my spirit. From my first timid step off the school bus that day, till the final bell rang after class, I wore a long red coat; total…
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