The Journey

Photo by Ruan Richard shatter   / ˈSHadər / v.  cause to break suddenly and violently into pieces; explode to damage, as by breaking or crushing to be broken into fragments The sound of a glass breaking is distinct and unmistakable. Without seeing the event or understanding the circumstances surrounding the event, you instantly know the result. Broken glass. Once shattered, the damage sustained is irreparable. Collecting all the tiny shards is impossible. The fragmented glass may once again take shape w hen the big pieces are bonded together , but there will be holes and leaks and fractures forevermore. There will always be brokenness.  When the heart breaks, pain emanates from the point of impact throughout the body, mind, and spirit. The once whole person is shattered into a million pieces in a single, life-altering moment. The inward aches while the outward shell goes numb. Breath is painful. Words will not come; s eclusion feels safe.  The human spirit is crushed...

Photo by James Healy Fear is likely the most debilitating emotion one can experience. The distressing panic can creep into every part of our lives rendering us powerless, dominated, and controlled by fear. Fear of hurt, fear of loss, fear of rejection, fear of exposure, fear of lack, fear of regret, fear of failure. Our perceived inadequacies partner up with this demonic tool to keep us idle, sedentary, and silent. My prayers of late have sounded more like a timid child than a mighty warrior. Lord, I am afraid. Then, I ran across this scripture the other day and it has taken root deep in my soul. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 (NIV) I reread that first sentence a couple of times. These words would typically be comforting, warm, and fuzzy; however, I felt a charge in my spirit. A reprimand if you will. There have been times a stern word was r...

Photo by Tracey Hocking In a former life, I loved to entertain guests in my home. I still enjoy having company, but in a more relaxed, down-home manner without all the fine- dining hoopla. There was a time when I entertained quite a bit, but as life goes, seasons have changed, and single-parenting two kids has become my reality. So, I have not really had the opportunity as of late. Well, not until this morning. Before I finished my first aroma-filled cup of piping hot coffee, there were two, spontaneous visitors, each unaware of the other, heading my way. This NEVER happens and sheer excitement flooded my soul! That is, until I took a quick glance at my not so tidy surroundings. Now that I could see clearly without the sleepy and utter elation clouding my vision, I yelled, "O dear Lord, my house!" Disarray does not even describe what I was beholding on this glorious morning. I leapt from my cozy spot on the sofa with the Ninja swiftness that takes over like Superman headed ...

Photo by Garrett Sears Writing for me is a therapeutic outlet that allows me to pour out so that I do not continually pack down and pile on all the "stuff" that will inevitably be spewed on the next unsuspecting soul who innocently crosses my path or trespasses into a sensitive area much like stumbling into a field of land mines. Full disclosure. I write from a place of total imperfection. As the Apostle Paul so eloquently wrote in Philippians 3:12 (NLT): "I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me." While traveling in this life, we often hit roadblocks that can stall, redirect, or completely hinder our progress all together. It is during these times, that we need to go back to the map for direction. For believers, the Bible is our reliable source for clear instruction. Every day we should take time to meet with our...