Beware of Two Opposite and Dishonest Faces to Loss
“I could strengthen you with my mouth, and the solace of my lips would assuage your pain.” Job 16:5 Loss has many faces. Loss presents itself in the life of…
Stand Against the Curve
“We become absorbed in the world of our own experiences, thoughts, feelings, and opinions... We curve in on ourselves.” David Powlison, Suffering and the Sovereignty of God We curve in…
Three Insights on Marriage in My Rearview Mirror
Kim graduated the year before I did and was working in Madison, Georgia. I must include, however, that she was younger than I am—she would want you to know. I…
The Notable Distinction Between Isolation and Solitude
“Perhaps the bereaved ought to be isolated in special settlements like lepers.” C. S. Lewis, A Grief Observed Grief brings more than loss and sadness. In some ways, it brings…
Four Lessons Learned from an Encourager
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…” Hebrews 10:24 There are many brutal details and decisions that crash in upon you in…
Immanuel in Woe or in Weal
“Moment by moment, in woe or in weal, Jesus my Savior abides with me still.” Daniel W. Whittle, "Moment by Moment" Merry Christmas! It’s a repeated greeting that can easily…
Here I Raise My Purple Redbud Tree
“We've come this far by faith leaning on the Lord; trusting in His Holy Word, he never failed me yet…” Carlton Pearson, "We’ve Come This Far By Faith" I couldn’t…
How Not to be Like Job’s Friends
When loss descended upon Job, his friends were quick to come to offer support. They started out well. The biblical account reveals, “Now when Job's three friends heard of all…
How Psalm 34 Drives a Stake in the Ground
Pounding a stake in the ground can be a powerful declaration. There can be no more appropriate faith-filled boasting than to revel in God. It’s powerful because you’re declaring and…
A Biblical Story of Lament
The story in Lamentations begins by declaring the stark loneliness that accompanies pain. Once full of people and relationships, the city is now desolate and lonely. “How lonely sits the…