Author: Guest Blogger

God’s Presence in Seasons of Waiting

God’s Presence in Seasons of Waiting

“We spend much of our life waiting. Waiting in line, waiting for a call, waiting for the laundry to finish, waiting for vacation to start, waiting for our favorite author to release a new book.

Often, waiting is simply a mundane (if sometimes annoying) part of everyday life; but sometimes, we enter into a season of waiting that is anything but mundane. We find ourselves in a space that is painful and heartbreaking where we long for answers.

In these spaces, I have learned the hard way that even when resolution doesn’t come as quickly as I want it to, I can find comfort knowing for certain that God will meet us there.”

Continue reading Amanda’s story.

Gratitude and Hope Even When You Are Grieving

Gratitude and Hope Even When You Are Grieving

“A few years ago I attended a star party. Not the kind of party where movie stars are celebrated, but where galaxies and planets were the main attraction.

I gathered with hundreds of people at dusk to see the sun set and the moon rise as we anticipated the fall of darkness. A local group of astronomers brought their high-powered telescopes and invited people to gaze at the planets and stars through the lens of their telescopes. Waiting in line, it was finally my turn to look through the small hole where my eyes adjusted to see Saturn and its rings. Observing the brightness and beauty of the stars illuminated in the darkness was both majestic and humbling. It reminded me that some things can only be seen in the dark.”

Continue reading Pam’s story.

The Battle for Motherhood and for Life, and the Savior Who Holds On Tight

The Battle for Motherhood and for Life, and the Savior Who Holds On Tight

“According to science, the path to motherhood is a straightforward line.

Although I had known other women who struggled and had heard of many fertility obstacles, I mostly thought that science’s cute little timeline was a good standard for how it looks for a woman to become a parent. Science, and my body, decided to prove me wrong. They double crossed me and made my timeline resemble something more like a horror story.”

“Slowly, and painfully, I learned there are quiet times in one’s faith—the kind that fill us with doubt when the Lord’s voice is muffled by life. It became transparent that my lifelong love of the Lord had been offered to Him conditionally.”

Continue reading Shirley’s story.

Discovering My Identity Through Brokenness

Discovering My Identity Through Brokenness

“I sat on the end of the emergency room bed, feet dangling, feeling like a wrung out washcloth. Before me, a doctor asked questions and took notes. I told him the truth, but I tried to avoid his eyes. How did this happen?

I never expected to be at Georgetown Hospital—the same place I’d delivered my daughter only weeks before—answering questions about whether I had thoughts of harming myself or my baby. It was the last place I wanted to be on that autumn night, especially as my husband held our beautiful daughter. But I knew this visit was necessary.”

Continue reading Shay’s story.

Let the Redeemed of the Lord Tell Their Story

Let the Redeemed of the Lord Tell Their Story

“Several days into my honeymoon, I found myself alone in bed while typing the words “How to get a divorce in Washington state” into my phone. It was the summer of 2013, a few short days after our wedding. We were in Italy, but my husband was nowhere to be found.

During dinner that night, I had walked away from an impossible fight. My husband’s words were cruel and cutting, which made me scared and confused. Trudging a mile uphill in the dark, I prayed for safety. Surrounded by the festive sounds of outdoor music and the rhythmic crashing of waves on the beach below, I had never felt more hopeless.”

Continue reading Katelyn’s story.

The Courage of New Beginnings

The Courage of New Beginnings

Courage isn’t something we keep stored away in a warehouse. We can’t stockpile it. It’s something we seek when faced with danger, fear, or challenge.

What springs to mind when you think of courage? Do you think of times when you’ve had courage or times when you’ve lacked it? Do you look to others for it? Is courage something you’ve desired, but often feels out of reach?

All of our new beginnings require courage.

What beginning are you facing? The beginning of a new form of treatment? The beginning of the end of a relationship? The beginning of grief?

Pause to reflect on the courage you will need as you enter a new beginning.