Undefeated by Darkness

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:1,4-5, NIV). Clouds obscured the sun and marred the late spring daylight…

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Honor the Shame-Slayer

  Filthy, stained, and weary, I trudged in from the unfinished work in my yard. My strength and supplies had run out. I couldn't go on, and I needed cleansing from head to toe. Shame had once devastated my life in a similar, but far more profound way. I desperately sought…

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Responding to Burnout

As we conclude our series on compassion fatigue, today's post discusses how to respond when we notice potential burnout in others. As with any condition, listening with love must take the driver's role for effective, healthy support. Listen at least twice as much as you speak. Even more is better. As…

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Freedom of Wings

Gravity sucks us to the earth. The weight of our flesh drags us through the grime of this world. We expend all the energy we consume in the effort to sustain ourselves. At the end of the day, we collapse with exhaustion with nothing more to look forward to than another…

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Signs of Harvest

"Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.  You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. . . Because of the increase of wickedness, the love…

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No Hidden Cry

She brushed past us in the school hallway. Her shoulders sagged beneath the weight of brimming tears. Flushed cheeks and nose betrayed her struggle to withhold sobs. She avoided eye contact.  The girl continued down the hall in silence, as if she hoped to take cover before the cry burst forth. Did she…

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