She was only five years old when it started. Two teenage brothers came to her babysitter’s house and offered to take her for a while. Mary went with them, an innocent lamb. They took her to forests, to ravines, to their own bedroom. They took her again and again. They took her innocence and scarred her soul. But the story does not end there. Mary survived those episodes, along with the pain of rejection, poverty, and dealing with her parents’ addictions. She bravely tells of the redemption she found, and is finding, in Jesus. She tells her story not to be dramatic or sensational, but Continue Reading
Five Things Jesus Does For a Hot Mess
Ever feel discouraged about your life, wishing you could get it together and see some progress instead of just chaos? I get it. That’s me, too. Those of us who serve Jesus are works in progress. Your story is far from over, and the end result will be stunning – but the process is not pretty. Kind of like the water damage we had two months ago. One harmless gurgle in the bathroom wall, and the next thing you know, we have to rip out tile, sheet rock, vinyl, sub floor and fixtures. For eight weeks we made multiple trips to Home Depot and tripped over stuff. For eight weeks we had Continue Reading
Why I don’t care to be a Nice Lady
Christians are supposed to be the nicest of all people, always smiling and never creating any conflict. Or so we’ve been told. How on earth did we get this idea, when the Savior we are following got himself in so much trouble he ultimately got killed for it? When my sons were half-grown, I read Wild at Heart by John Eldredge, and then Jesus, Mean and Wild by Mark Batterson. These books, among others, not only helped me understand my men-folk, but life itself. I realized that the parental injunction I had given my sons never to call anyone names was not entirely balanced. Jesus Continue Reading
Why I Avoid Self-Improvement
One memorable day back in my teens, I remember being pleased about my self-image – a rare feeling indeed for a socially awkward, fashion-challenged introvert like me. But I was getting my braces off, and my hair was finally growing out from an abysmal pixie cut. Things were on the upswing. I remember thinking, I’m finally getting it together! That illusion still follows me around in adulthood like a stray puppy that won’t leave. Nowadays the issues might be a little deeper – I think I’m getting more disciplined, more gracious, less self-centered—but sooner or later, reality hits. I’m Continue Reading