Christian community · Trust

For Those Questioning the Effectiveness of Prayer after the Sutherland Springs Shooting

In the aftermath of the mass shooting at Sutherland Springs Baptist Church, there’s been plenty of blame and finger-pointing. There’s also been something else: People mocking those praying for the situation. This derisive attitude toward prayer is nothing new, but it may stir up doubts as to the effectiveness of prayer or the power of… Continue reading For Those Questioning the Effectiveness of Prayer after the Sutherland Springs Shooting

Christian Living

How to Stop the Complaining Contagion

Complaining is like a virus; if one person starts complaining, the negative sentiments spread like wildfire.  Sometimes it’s called grumbling, muttering, or discontent. Whatever we call it, these grumblings have a way of seeping into the very fabric of our personality. Instead of being the joyful lights God intended us to be, our mutterings make us just as gray and gloomy as the rest of the world.

encouragement · Fear

When We Try to Do it All

The drive to be seen and admired is an ageless problem. Ambition and prominence have been the unquenchable desire of men since time began. In our modern selfie culture we post the best parts of ourselves so others will perceive that we successfully "juggle it all" while inserting just enough self-deprecation to be "real." Inevitably, the time comes to all when we start dropping one of the many balls in our juggling act.

God's Love · Knowing God

Am I listening?

My week has been a bit of a rollercoaster. I had everything scheduled. I made a to-do list. I knocked out tasks left, right, and center. I even got a head start on my writing. Unfortunately, everything unraveled with some unexpected events Thursday morning. Like a Jenga tower, all my carefully crafted plans came crashing… Continue reading Am I listening?

Christian Living · encouragement · Knowing God

If You Wish You Had a Different Story

In the animated film Cars, Lightning McQueen—a popular rookie race car—does a commercial for his sponsor, Rusteeze, advertising their Medicated Bumper Ointment. He plasters a smile on his face and chimes, “Use Rusteeze… and you too can look like me! Ca-chow!” The humor lies in the irony. It would take a lot more than one… Continue reading If You Wish You Had a Different Story

Christian Living

Avoid Using This Abbreviation

Like most teenagers, I heard plenty of slang in school—some terms were playfully innocuous, some vulgar. I often observed how a word or phrase was used and tried to avoid the inappropriate ones. One day, while having a conversation with my dad, I threw in a seemingly harmless word. I had heard this phrase used… Continue reading Avoid Using This Abbreviation

Christian community · Marriage and Family

Are Educational Decisions Dividing the Church?

Note from Elihu: I had originally planned to share this post on Monday, but in the aftermath of Sunday's tragedy, I couldn't bring myself to do it. Vegas weighed heavy on my heart. I wrote this article for The Courage last week and watched the comments pile up on Kirk Cameron's Facebook post---many of which… Continue reading Are Educational Decisions Dividing the Church?

Uncategorized

Why?

For some reason, this picture spoke a thousand words to me. Overwhelming loss of life. Grief. Trauma. Heartbroken families. Sudden tragedy. Fifty-nine lives ended abruptly Sunday night. Five hundred people are still suffering physical injuries. Thousands of families, first responders, and concert-goers are in the initial stages of traumatic stress and grief. Once we get… Continue reading Why?

Christian Living · God's Love

The Lies of Loneliness

Spring is here, the sky is blue, Birds all sing as if they knew Today's the day we'll say "I do" And we'll never be lonely anymore The Dixie Cups - Chapel Of Love Lyrics | MetroLyrics My friends and I used to break into a hearty rendition of Chapel of Love whenever someone got married.… Continue reading The Lies of Loneliness

Christian Living · Prayer

When You’re On Sensory Overload

The sink is overflowing with dishes and more have migrated to the countertops. Piles of laundry wait expectantly to be washed, folded or put away. Your kids seem to think that their outdoor behavior works indoors. Suddenly, you hear glass shatter nearby as the dog's tail makes contact with a vase. The phone is pinging.… Continue reading When You’re On Sensory Overload