Have you ever been wronged or betrayed? Of course you have. It’s a devastating part of being human. One particular betrayal comes to my mind from the workplace, and I remember wondering if I would ever get beyond the hurt.
It was a Buy Back!
We collapsed, sweaty and aching. We’d just relocated the entire office and classrooms of a non-profit organization to its new location—a vacant building on the campus of a downtown church. The organization loved their new space but not all the details of the move.
Working It Out
I love a good love story. Most women do! I do not, though, like to work-things-out when there’s been a conflict. That’s a relationship skill I’ve continue to work on. Years have passed, but I’ll never forget the six weeks of long silence from my fiancé.
Broken Relationships
Broken relationships rank close to the top of painful life experiences. Friendships, marriages and the workplace offer opportunities for relationships to rip apart.
How Can We Pray for You?
I’m not sure what made me say it, but as I started to speak, I knew it was right.
“We are about to pray over our meal. How can we pray for you?”
Tears filled the young waitress’ eyes. Her hands fanned her face as she tried to speak.
Reframe
Have you ever had a conversation that helped you reframe a current circumstance? Recently my husband’s comments about a difficult situation provided me much-needed perspective.
Singing and Running
They tried everything they could to reduce her fever. Witch hazel. An ice bath. They knew a doctor was the best decision to save their daughter’s life. With no phone and no vehicle, they did the only thing they could.
Fighting Back
I’ve heard the story so many times I can see it in my mind.
The Wrong Voice
My family recently visited the National September 11 Memorial and Museum where we took a self-paced tour guided by iPhones and earbuds.
Help, I Have a Hole in My Heart!
I watched my friend, Virginia, as she greeted friends at Sid’s funeral. He had suffered a stroke and fought a futile battle for life for several months. How difficult it was for a wife to watch as her husband suffered. Now he was gone.
Help, I'm a Mess!
“I can’t find anything after I put it away. I know I need to organize, but I just don’t know where to start. I want to invite friends over, but my house is such a mess. I want less clutter, but I just can’t figure out how to get started.” Sound familiar?
Help, I'm Falling!
“Mrs.___, have you fallen lately?” Young people have yet to encounter that question. My husband and I have. We laugh when we share the experience because as a couple we average about three or four falls a year. We fall off ladders, in flower beds, down stairs, and sometimes for no reason. Welcome to the world of seniors.
Help, I'm Drowning!
“Lucas, get your soccer shoes from the utility room. Katie, the half-time snack is in the refrigerator. Sean, come here so Mom can button your jacket.”
"Kablooey"
On my way to work one morning I heard the voice of a precious little six year old boy on the radio describing his first kiss. Obviously this kiss came from a girl other than his mother. He could barely contain his excitement.
Who, What, Why, Where, When?
This scripture, though short, packs a powerful message for me. I want to do the right thing. I do want to live by His strength and power. I found that asking a few simple questions could bring more meaning for me.
What If?
A month or so before a particular day, I had made arrangements to take off work to go to a meeting at church. In my excitement that morning, I chose to leave my house early.
Get it Off!
A first grade girl on the playground startled me by her loud yell. She screamed at the top of her lungs while running toward me, “Get it off! Get it off!”
Peace in the Pacific
As soon as the ocean water covered my feet I could not believe the undertow. It felt like a magnet pulling and tugging at me. Not the strongest swimmer, I decided I better not venture out very far into the Pacific Ocean.
Young Love
One of the joys of working in college ministry at church is seeing two young people fall in love and get married right out of college. Their wedding day is such a joyful occasion; it is filled with laughter, hope, excitement and lots of dancing.