by Grace Fox To say the last year has been challenging is an understatement. The pandemic grounded me and my husband—the director of a mission sending agency—from our usual international ministry travels. It left me unemployed by banning large gatherings, thus canceling my speaking invitations to women’s retreats and conferences. It…
We've experienced more grief as a nation this year than we ever imagined possible. Many have suffered heartbreaking personal losses which make the world's darkness unbearable. We long for comfort. A breath of air above the merciless waves of pain. No matter what condolences our neighbors offer in an attempt to…
Guest post by Dena Yohe Over ten years ago, my husband and I started a ministry to brokenhearted parents. A mom whose child almost died sent me an email one day: “As a parent, getting the news that your child is gravely (and perhaps mortally) injured is life altering. I had…
Some face relationship issues while others suffer from loneliness. From disappointments to frustration or even anger, this week's circumstances could rattle your heart. In fact, any given time of year can present us with a torrent of emotions. We can rise on a wave of happiness with high expectations and…
Father's Day encourages us to celebrate the men who raise children in our world. For those who've lost or never experienced a nurturing dad, the holiday can prove bittersweet or even bitter. Some fathers face this day with grief, as they've lost children to death or estrangement. Those without the…
Crisis or unexpected changes wreak seismic upheaval in our minds, hearts, and souls. All we had planned suddenly crumbles through our fingers and turns to ash. Any illusions of control we once had have vanished. Instead of grinning at a bright path ahead, we shiver in the dark. These are…
Fortunate folks huddle into homes gleaming with smiles. Fall decor gilds each room, while spiced scents draw them to a massive banquet of joy. Hugs lead family and guests to fill the seats around a table brimming with all manner of sweets and starches. A plump turkey gleams at the…
The stages of grief (Loss, shock, Protest, Disorganization, Reorganization, Recovery) What to say--and what NOT to say-- when responding to those experiencing loss Everyone grieves differently Long term recovery goal is NOT forgetting, but remembering Give space, but don't exclude. Invite, but don't pressure Speak love, not platitudes. [bctt tweet="Silence and…
This week's video continues our discussion of compassion fatigue. Instead of addressing burnout only when it reaches critical mass, here are a few tips to help ward off emotional exhaustion before it begins: Schedule renewal before you burn out. Examine your daily and weekly outpour v.s. intake. Make self-care appointments. Get…
Buzzing sounds pierced the foggy end of Amber's dream. She rubbed the crick in her neck and lifted her head. The pillow slid behind her armchair as she grabbed her cellphone from the coffee table. "Mm-hello?" She rubbed the blear from her eyes. A gravelly voice rumbled through the phone. "This…