Choose hope. I’ve heard that phrase and said it myself many times. But what does it really mean? Is it looking forward to something? Happy thoughts that push away the bad ones? What does it really mean to choose hope. While I’m no expert or theologian, God has taught be a lot about what hope really is and what it means to make a conscious decision to choose hope even in the most painful times. When my dad died, I didn’t know the journey I was about to go on with God. Here’s an excerpt from my new book, My Grief Story: A Simple Journal for Processing the Pain of Loss While … [Read more...]
Pregnancy and Grief
It was the start of another day, and just like most every other day I was a mess. Holding back tears, a pit in my stomach, wondering what I had been thinking taking this job. I got in my car for my short 10 minute drive to the charter school where I taught second grade and hit speed dial. "Dad. Can you pray with me?" He was probably eating his oatmeal, getting ready to walk out the door to farm - but of course he said yes. That first year of teaching, my Dad prayed with me so many mornings. But it wasn't the first time. I used to ask him to do the same in high school, would call … [Read more...]