When was the last time someone asked you a question that made you think? For me, it was not long ago when I had the opportunity to talk with an older believer about some topics on my mind. After peppering him with questions about spiritual life and growth and listening to his answers, I explained…
Devotional
Seeing the Light (a poem)
Click. The memory snapped in a picture frame.A girl smiles back at me from the album page, Dark hair in pigtails and bright eyes sparkling back.Rubbing the plastic, I remember the past. What did she think about? What was her deepest fear?What dreams did she imagine for the time that is now here?Her gaze is radiant,…
Dear Church (Letter from a Teenager)
Dear church, We’ve always had a complicated relationship, you and I. But don’t worry—I’m not leaving you. Not now, and—by the grace of God—not ever. Over the years we’ve known each other, we’ve had our share of highs and lows. You’ve stretched and surprised me. There have been times you surpassed my expectations and times…
Why I Believe My Generation Is Not Lost
If you want to spark an interesting conversation, here’s something to try: ask a few older adults (and if you are one, ask yourself) what they think about the younger generation. Depending on who you ask, you’ll probably get answers that range from downright dismal to tentatively hopeful. Chances are you already know some of…
B-Sides Songs and Ordinary Faithfulness
Sometimes I feel sorry for B-sides songs. It doesn’t seem fair. Lesser-known songs can be just as good as—sometimes better than—more popular ones. They can be musical and lyrical masterpieces. Even if they’re not amazing, they still play an important role in rounding out an artist’s catalog. But since they’re not chosen for radio play,…
No Marble Saints
We all long for someone to look up to. It’s tempting to put someone on a pedestal and make them a model of flawless faith. But in this world, there are no marble saints. I once read an illustration that brought this home. Author Harold Sala tells of two sets of statues depicting Jesus and…
Why Do We Suffer? (guest post)
guest post by Ann Weaver When Hannah Grace asked me to write this post, she told me the theme for July would be “The Gift of a Broken Heart.” Immediately, I thought of a thousand things to write about: broken hearts after romantic relationships, praising God in the midst of pain, and growing in faith…
Broken into Beautiful (a poem)
I never knew a broken heart could be a beautiful thingUntil I realized it drew me closer to You. If my heart was never broken, would I feel a need for You?If the lies had not been spoken, would I long to hear the truth? I wouldn’t have felt Your healing touchIf the pieces hadn’t…
The Gift of a Broken Heart
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. — Psalm 51:17 (ESV) Few things reveal more about you than the things that break your heart. The things that bring you to tears, that take hold of the deepest part of you and refuse to…
A Letter to My 20-year-old Self (guest post)
guest post by Cheryl Balcom Dear sweet, naïve, crazy girl, Put down the Aqua Net and listen to me. You are allowing—even enjoying—the distraction of what is in front of you today to keep you from what’s true. You’re all caught up in what others think of you and how you are perceived. Right now,…
Peace Finds Me (a poem)
I’ve learned that walking on waves means staying in the storm,And the longest part of living by faith is learning to let go.When I turn to the arms that have waited all along,I find the one who makes weak things strong. The end of me is where His peace begins—At the end of my wisdom,…
Peace Poured Out
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. — John 14:27 (ESV) Opening the windows of heaven, the Lord reaches down and pours out peace from the boundless pitcher of His…