The Darkest Days

For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help (Ps 22:24).

In Oklahoma, we usually have a deep cold snap about this time of year. It was right on time this year, and it’s so deep and long it’s breaking records. In fact, we’re still in the middle of it. As someone who suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), I’m worn out by time February comes along. January drags, but the dreary, gray days of February take their toll as winter tightens its grip before finally giving way to spring.

During cold, dismal February, grief feels like it’s compounded. Not only are we dealing with a stretch of eleven days without sunshine (or maybe thirteen—but who’s counting?), but we’re also still dealing with the impact of the global pandemic. Continue reading “The Darkest Days”

Guarding Our Hearts

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Prov 4:23)

I was out for a walk recently with Lilly, my little Yorkie companion, when the recycle truck pulled up beside us. Lilly started barking as soon as he turned the corner and headed our way. She doesn’t like loud noises, and the recycle truck was anything but quiet.

The driver called to me from the cab of his truck. His daughter wanted a Yorkie, and seeing that I had one with me, he thought he’d stop and find out if they make good pets. Of course, my answer was yes, even though I had to compete with the noisy truck and Lilly’s wild barking to be heard.

“In fact,” I said, holding the leash taut and gesturing to Lilly, “they are extremely loyal and protective.”

He laughed and agreed. He drove on, and we continued our walk. But Lilly’s protective instincts, in this and many other situations, made me think about how we as Christians are to guard our hearts. Continue reading “Guarding Our Hearts”

All the Small Things

All the Small Things

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Mt 6:33).

When my car needs repaired, I turn to my dad for help. He’s an excellent mechanic and enjoys tinkering on vehicles. I’m thankful because I rarely have major car repair expenses. Recently, he changed the brake pads and rotors and then the oil in my car. When he lowered the car back to the ground, he cranked the ignition, and…it wouldn’t start. Continue reading “All the Small Things”

The Winter of My Soul

“He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour’” (Job 37:6).

During the winter, the days are cold, dark, and barren. Colors are drab and unappealing. Winter is my least favorite season, but even so, it’s important both in nature and in our spiritual life. Our lives resemble the four seasons: new beginnings like the spring, busy like the summer, harvest like the fall, and rest like the winter.

We resist experiencing winter in our lives, which is natural. We want continual spring or summer or fall. Any season but winter, really. But a winter season doesn’t mean we’re doing anything wrong. It can feel that way when our days are bleak and our souls are tired. Continue reading “The Winter of My Soul”

Finding Freedom in Christ

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Cor 3:17)

Each year on July 4, my thoughts turn to freedom as we celebrate America’s Independence Day. In Western culture, we use the terms “freedom” and “independence” synonymously. Because of the great blessing of living in a free country, I learned about Jesus at a young age and had no fear of repercussion from the government or anyone else. I didn’t have to worry that my family or I might go to jail for going to church or talking about Jesus. I could carry my Bible in public and wear a cross around my neck. I took this freedom for granted because it was all I had ever known. I was an adult before I learned that not all people have this type of freedom. Continue reading “Finding Freedom in Christ”