Several years ago a doctor wrote a small book entitled Pain: The Gift Nobody Wants. Understandably, the publishing company balked at the title, asserting that no one would purchase a book that hailed pain as a gift. Consequently, after a brief run, the word “pain” was dropped and the book was simply published as The … Continue reading The Gift Nobody Wants
Category: Pain
Heart Punch
Have you ever been punched in the heart? Not your literal, physical heart, but your more vulnerable internal one? You'll know if you have, simply by gauging your emotional reaction to the term. Heart punch. It's that blow that thuds into your emotions leaving you feeling sad, sickened, and despairing all at once. It's a … Continue reading Heart Punch
Suffering, in YOUR context
Christian suffering is not limited to the extreme cases that we hear about in the media. Certainly, the horrific persecutions of Christians (and other religious adherents) by groups like ISIS, and the unjust imprisonment of ministers like Pastor Saeed Abedini in Iran can make the sufferings of our context seem negligible at best. However, regardless … Continue reading Suffering, in YOUR context
Words like blows to the head
In Veronica Roth's runaway hit novel Allegiant she writes: "It's strange how a word, a phrase, a sentence, can feel like a blow to the head." She sure is right isn't she? Painful words can hit us like sledgehammers, leaving us dazed, broken, and confused. We want to cry, defend, and lash out all at once, … Continue reading Words like blows to the head
Struggling is good (Guest Post by Barry Bishop)
THE CONVERSATION Me: Did you see that Facebook post that had the quote...”strength is the product of struggle.” ? Bro: hmmm... maybe. Not sure Me: Well, I couldn't get it outta my mind...then God began to reveal some heavy stuff. I always feel a negative connotation to saying "I'm struggling this week" or whatever...like when … Continue reading Struggling is good (Guest Post by Barry Bishop)