The smoke settles across our fire-scorched battlefield. Beside us, the mud groans as it swallows the two severed dragon heads of distorted identity. The dragon's sister also decays on this field. Misplaced authority oozes its last bit of stench into the distant wind. The paved road glimmers with fresh dew…
"A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?'” (Mark 4:37-38). I begin each day with a…
The mother swipes a bedraggled strand of hair behind her ear as she bends closer to her son. He's having a meltdown again. She clears her throat. Tries to ignore the other parents' glares cutting sideways at her. As she begins to speak softly to her child, a neighbor scoffs and…
As we turn the calendar page to enter the Christmas season, many of us search for stories to help us embark upon the holidays in meaningful ways. Others may seek beautifully crafted tales set in beautiful settings into which we may escape and enjoy a delightful read. I've found a literary…
Go, Courageously! by LaTan Roland Murphy While writing Courageous Women of The Bible, I realized more than ever before my own need for daily courage. Courage doesn’t drop into your lap one day announcing: I’m here, all is well! Instead, courage comes as we choose to live courageously—standing strong, pressing into…
Have you checked your courage level lately? Anxiety-mongering news stories swirl like impending hurricanes on our horizons. Expectations for women thunder overhead. In these worrisome times, we gals often feel more inclined to cower under our quilts rather than stand on our purposes. For those low on morale, an invitation…
We've torn through Christmas. Hugged our visitors goodbye. Sighed at the pile of work to tackle in the holiday's wake. The New Year began clearing its throat yesterday. Reminding us of its imminent spot on the calendar. The time to sift memories and set goals arrives in a few short days.…
If I asked whether you'd like to wallow in the dull ache of emptiness or plunge into life as a vivid adventure, how would you respond? Could you embrace the challenge of wholehearted living with honesty? Many of us wrap ourselves in the comforts of mediocrity and anonymity, but shrink back…
Dusk cast its amber glow across the sliver of overcast sky peering between the city's concrete shoulders. Laina's knee-high boot clanged over a sidewalk grate as a plume of sulphurous steam burned into her nostrils. She grimaced and shook her head, hustling to the cafe door. Jayme rose from the corner booth and…
"Some . . . were merchants . . . They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. . . they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their…