When I was a teenager (ages ago!) I lived with an old aunt who inadvertently taught me a valuable lesson. She often said with a sigh, “If only.” Usually, it was, “If only he would have _____.” Sometimes it was, “If only I felt better.” Or, “If only we had _______.” Her sighing and wishing…
Tag: trust
Tricky Transitions
A friend’s 45-year-old daughter was the primary caregiver for her dearly loved father-in-law during his years-long illness. Since he died six weeks ago she has been experiencing serious physical symptoms that mirror her emotional state. Her doctor called it Broken Heart Syndrome when he had to drain a liter of fluid from around her heart…
6 Prayers You Can Pray No Matter What
A heartbroken high school girl kneels beside her bed and reaffirms her trust that God is with her even in the hour of her mother’s death. A struggling college senior steps into the quiet of a chapel to beg God to make it plain to her if it was the right thing to break up…
Comfort in Uncertainty
We all want to hear that things are going to be alright. We’re riveted by stories coming out of Ukraine as we watch the David and Goliath battle. The dark threat of world war shadows the horizon as world powers take sides. Shuddering at the impact this could have, we just want our own…
Grumbling or Gratitude Extreme
This was written a few days ago by a 21 year-old who we have loved since her childhood. “𝕆𝕟𝕖 𝕪𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤. Bed-bound. One year ago yesterday I walked into the gym at 8:16 pm and immediately felt my legs collapse after being there for only 3 minutes.“ How do we stop complaining when…
In Good Hands
At the beginning of every new year, we’re encouraged to improve ourselves, make goals, and take control of our lives. This isn’t wrong, but it’s only part of the story. Besides turning inward, we need to turn Godward. We find peace when we recognize that God is sovereign. We can only do so much. He…