Every communication consists of at least one sender, a receiver, and a message. Here's an example of what this looks like. Years ago, I (the sender) attempted to have a conversation with someone I knew (the receiver).  She was abrupt and intimidating and would resort to bullying to get her way. So, I decided to

In the course of human experience, trauma emerges as a complex response to fractured realities. It's a storm that disrupts life's steady rhythms, leaving individuals to grapple with feelings of hopelessness, fear, and lack of self-worth. The aftermath of trauma extends beyond emotional turbulence. Unpredictable emotions, haunting flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms become

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” Psalm 103:2–5 Lament allows

Finding Healing and Purpose in the Footsteps of Jesus  I love the concept of tiny houses although I don’t live in one. I want a simple life. However, I am constantly pulled in every direction and, on most days, you will find me running the proverbial marathon. I am forever sticking things in my shopping

Have you ever wanted to say just the right words to a person going through trauma? Of course, our friend or loved one needs encouragement, but like most help for others, timing is the key. We fall into the trap of believing that our words are the most important when actually, our loving arms of

Finding Freedom in Truth I’ve heard that the first step to recovery is admitting there is a problem! Yes, this is true but the process of taking responsibility is often hard. The road is filled with potholes that want to swallow us! I understand this process only too well. I told myself during the years

Trust the Process "And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hands, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do." Jeremiah 18:4 That's what the potter does. We are spoiled clumps of clay that are molded by his gentle, strong, deliberate, and

Casting Your Cares Vs Carrying Them Living in the center of trauma brought days of sadness and deep pain in my life. Those who walked the journey with me witnessed the toll of balancing hope and hopelessness as residual bombs exploded. It was in that setting I had a new coworker speak into my life.

Perspective Changes Everything I recently picked up a study I started several years ago but never finished called “Changed Into His Image” by Jim Berg. Stumbling across this book was not simply a reminder of my bad habit of starting and not finishing books, but rather a timely message I needed to hear. In one