I can’t imagine a life without You—it would not be life at all! You have transformed my life—transferred me from the darkness and brought me into your marvelous light (Col.1:13). You have held me in times of despair and traded your strength for my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). I bring you nothing, and You give me everything (Rom. 8:32).
Devotionals
Trusting God In Hard Times
Victory over fear is far more than just the absence of anxiety and dread; it is confidence in God’s goodness towards us even in the midst of trying circumstances. Psalm 27:10 has long been a favorite verse of mine. "Though my father and mother [or husband!]...
IS THIS REALLY A MESSAGE FROM GOD?
(Please read to the end. The intention of this post is not self-defense). From time to time on this blog, I write posts that are written from ”God's voice" as I imagine he would speak to my heart. I've had a few people unfollow and tell me that this is apostasy, and...
Is it Abuse? Part 3: Coercion, Threats, Using the Children & Intimidation
One of the most common ways abusers control their victims is through coercion and threats. In the years I have worked with victims of domestic violence, nearly all of them have confirmed that these behaviors were used regularly in their homes. Some abusers threatened...
Could God Ever Use Me?
There are days when I still have to remind myself of the truths he's taught me, and this particular lesson is one I have to revisit often. It never ceases to amaze me that God can show up so mightily in the midst of human frailty.
When Self-Pity Becomes Toxic
I see this so often. People who are consumed with self-pity hurt others and destroy relationships. In this life it's almost impossible to avoid suffering, but the way we respond is everything, I'll end this with a quote from my recent workbook. "There’s no subtle way...
Faith for the Impossible
After working with victims of abuse for over twenty two years, one thing has become clear to me. Those with faith do so much better on the road to recovery than those without it.
Surviving Domestic Abuse is Like Being a Refugee
When it is bad enough that a mother will risk homelessness, stop yourself before you ask her if she tried hard enough to make it work. No woman wants to be a refugee. No woman wants her marriage to end and to let go of the dream that one day he might change. It’s not the easy way out. It’s the only way out. Ask her if she is safe. Connect her with a resource like Called to Peace.
Sacred Cows in the Church: Honoring Marriages over Lives
At least once a week we hear from abuse victims who tell us how their churches turned on them when they reached out for help for an abusive marriage. Today I got a particularly sad one in which the pastor told the victim that her actions were provoking her husband's...
A Promise of Peace on Earth?
I'm sharing the recent newsletter I sent with our Christmas newsletter from Called to Peace Ministries. If you aren't on the mailing list, be sure to visit calledtopeace.flywheelstaging.com to sign up. These days, I find myself saying Merry Christmas a whole lot...
Why Nobody Believes the Victim
Although we are seeing positive changes when it comes to this, it's still a huge problem in so many circles. Worth reposting.
He’d be Crucified in the Blogs
I came across this post this morning and thought it was worth reposting since a dear friend of mine is being attacked on a popular blog right now. I have added a footnote regarding these attacks.