Strength
A Letter Was in the Works
By Jennifer Wallace A letter was in the works. It was there playing hide and seek in my mind for 5 years. After seeing women speak out, I wanted to be that brave. I wanted to own my nieces’ middle names, “Courage,” and “Worth” while still holding onto my daughter’s middle name, “Grace.” So, I went there: I went back 5 years and I opened the wound and I wrote the letter. Alone in the office, in front of the computer, a blank screen. I do not hear anything: not the kids downstairs watching YTV, not John breathing, asleep…
Read MoreA Prayer for You
By Jenn Gurel Several times in my Christian life, I have felt at odds with my relationship with God, like there was something missing. I have resolved over and over to “do better”, to “get my act together” and to “dig deeper and listen”, but I still repeat the same cycle of fall in love-fall away. One morning, while reading my Bible, I was reminded of Eat, Pray, Love and decided to write how I could do all three: a reminder for when I feel like I’m slipping away. My prayer is that these three thoughts will help others in…
Read MoreConsistency Is Key
Deanna Cook I skipped going to the gym for two weeks. I kept making excuses: I was too busy, I would go tomorrow, and on and on. And finally, two weeks had passed, while dust starts to collect on my running shoes. When I actually go to the gym, I enjoy it. The more I go, the stronger I become: my flexibility increases, I sleep better, and my eating is better. And when I don’t go, I can feel it in my left shoulder and in my right hip. I’m achier, tighter and, therefore, grouchier. And the first time back,…
Read MoreLines in the Sand
Sheena Koops Imagine. You have made a mistake. Maybe you’ve made this mistake over and over, but this time, you’ve been caught. You are being escorted into a public space, a circle of those who hold the most power and the most respect in your community. They are listening to an outsider, a newcomer, and you recognize this guy. He’s the one making a buzz from coffee row to the hair salon. Many people don’t know what to make of him. Some really get what he’s serving up. Others think he’s the devil himself. Well, here you are. Tossed into…
Read MoreDo not be afraid
Deanna Cook Fright, horror, panic, trepidation, dread, dismay, distress, aversion, dread, terror, anxiety, fear. Fear is what I felt 15 years ago the night our plane crashed. Fear is caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or is a threat. Sometimes fear is caused by the unknown. Sometimes fear is based on past experiences. We can all think of something that has caused us fear in the past. If being honest, we can think of a fear we have right now. I have a fear: it’s a fear of flying. I don’t sleep…
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