Blog
Reflections from the Valley
Words for the hurting, the mourning, and those learning to praise through the storm.
Sacred Sorrow; When Love Outlasts Loss
A mother recounts her family's journey through previous pregnancy and child loss focusing on the birth and death of her son Jude, diagnosed with Trisomy 18, framing his short life as a gift held in faith, community support, and hope of reunion in heaven.
Surrender: What We Gain in Letting Go
The Lord often asks us to let go of something — or even someone — we deeply love, to make room for the greater thing He has for us. A reflection on surrender, dying to ourselves, and trusting that God's will is infinitely better than our own.
Shalom: Perfect Peace; Nothing Missing
"Shalom" she prayed, "perfect peace, nothing missing." My flesh felt appalled but Holy Spirit helped me discern; not only my friend's genuine love and compassion for me, but also that she was right . …
To Halloween or Not; and What Does it have to do with Loss?
Traditionally Halloween has its roots in Christianity, but like many Christian celebrations it has been hijacked and corrupted. But that doesn't mean we have to 'throw out the baby with the bath water…
Love, Loss, and Picking Up Your Cross
Last month we celebrated the end of slavery in the US, and this month we celebrated Independence Day. While reflecting on the sacrifices made by military members, their families, and many brave others…
Our Father Who Art in Heaven; A Hopeful and Healing Father's Day
Father's Day is almost here, and for some this means a happy celebration while for others it brings a painful reminder. A reminder of loss, what used to be, or what could have been. Or perhaps a remi…
Not Easier, but Better: Coping with a Loss Many Years Later
"Where's my wretched little sister?" I can still hear his dramatic British accent, stomping around in his big black Doc Marten boots. Today my big brother would have been 38 years old. I was 16; he …
When Mother’s Day Stings: Preparing our Hearts to Celebrate in Grief
Mother’s Day is fast approaching! Like most holidays, it is usually perceived as a joyful and positive day. But the day doesn’t disappear with loss or heartbreak, even if sometimes we wish it would. F…
Where was God? Feeling Forsaken and Overcoming the Lie
Trigger Warning- this post has graphic detail of a miscarriage experience. It is my hope that miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss will one day no longer be a taboo subject in our culture. That me…
When Valentine’s Day Isn’t So Sweet
I had not planned to post again so soon, but then I was reminded of Valentine’s Day and got a nudge from Holy Spirit. This holiday carries very little weight for me and my family and I often sort of f…
Self-Care Not Selfishness; Glorifying God in the Healing Process
Sometimes when we hurt, when we grieve, when the pain or the pressure feels overwhelming, it can be tempting to get caught up in self. It can be tempting to complain or succumb to self-pity. When we b…
An Uncommon Perspective of Blessed
“…Whatever you choose, I will bless it.” These were the words God spoke to me through a prophecy the day before I was scheduled to be induced; something I really didn’t want to do. I also did not like…
Blessed in the Trials & Highly Favored in the Tribulations
I saw this meme a few days ago and oh how I laughed. I get it, I so get it! But I think there's an opportunity to go deeper here so let's dive in ...or "zuka zama" as my 4 year old would say (shout ou…