Do you have a prodigal in your life? So many of us who have children with mental illness or addiction have the additional burden of knowing our child is lost. That single piece can take a painful but tolerable situation and push it over the edge. I read Psalm 126 Read more…
The historical narrative of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is one many of us grew up hearing. In fact, I have a hard time not picturing a giant bunny and some veggies as I think about the story – hazards of raising your kids on Veggie Tales! Chocolate bunnies aside, Shadrach, Read more…
I have decided to create a series of periodic posts for little odds and ends. This is for the random song, scripture, quote, or something that has encouraged me. My hope is that you will find some encouragement, as well! I am titling this series “Tuesday’s Grace” as a reminder Read more…
Lord, I need you. My heart has been broken again. I barely got it super-glued back together after the last time and now it lies shattered. Again. I am trying to trust you and trying to see the work you are doing in my life, but I am feeling tired. Read more…
Dealing with the grief and pain over your child? Feeling like you can never get beyond the struggle? No matter what you do, you don’t make any movement forward – you find yourself right back in the midst of the same grief and the same thinking! As I was getting Read more…
When someone asks how they can be praying for you, what do you say? As a parent grieving or struggling with a child who has mental illness or addiction, prayers can be powerful. The knowledge that someone is remembering you and your family in prayer gives comfort and help us Read more…
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:14 Peace on earth. Do you feel it? What does it even mean? Obviously, we still have wars. There is fighting and disunity among people – believers and unbelievers, alike. There are Read more…
It is so very hard to watch your child hurt. Whether it be addiction or mental illness, watching your child battle the forces of “darkness” (I don’t mean this in a theological sense but a figurative one) is heart wrenching. Are you feeling it? Are your neck or jaw muscles Read more…
In the midst of your storm, whether it be the challenges of having a child with addiction or mental illness or something else entirely, it can be easy to fall into the trap of forgetfulness. We see the needs in front of us – needs for healing, needs for peace, Read more…
Are you angry with God? Do you feel like He has let you or your child down? Has He failed to care for you? Maybe you aren’t angry, just hurt. Can you trust Him to meet your needs or to keep your child safe? All of these feelings are understandable Read more…