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The Secret to Finding True Strength
I’ve never thought of myself as a strong woman. I’m not too physically strong, and I’m definitely emotionally sensitive. People have often seen me as delicate, which is a wonderful feminine quality the Lord gave me. However, the way I view strength started to change the week my Grandpa was dying in the hospital. He fell down a flight of stairs and suffered a brain bleed. He was in a coma, and passed away after four grueling days. My aunt and I were in the hospital hallway when she told me that I was strong. Somehow, I managed to keep calm in the chaos. I helped whenever I could and…
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How a Season of Growth Can Transform Your Faith
It was one of the most vivid dreams I have ever had. And believe me, I dream of some crazy stuff. I rolled the ankle of my jeans up to reveal tiny green stems with leaves sprouting from my legs. Yes, lovely reader, I was Groot (any Guardians of the Galaxy fans out there?). I was seriously freaked out by this dream, and paranoid that I really would become some sort of plant woman. This was only a few months ago, but I had forgotten about it until spring came with its budding trees. For me, this dream represents growth. Growing is never easy, and something that all of us…
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The Problem with Perfectionism
I was eating lunch with my mom on a beautiful Saturday afternoon when I broke down. The pressures had been building up all week–school, friends, family, writing. Even everyday things or my own thoughts made me feel like I was about to crack. No matter what, I couldn’t shake the thought out of my head that I wasn’t good enough. I wasn’t talented, smart, or pretty enough. I place so many unrealistic expectations on myself that I would never put on anyone else. It’s what fueled my struggle with an eating disorder when I was younger. But I know I’m not alone in this struggle, lovely one. The problem is…
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How to Find Healing In a Sick World
Yesterday was one of the those days where I just couldn’t win. No matter what I did, I could barely get out of bed. Walking was difficult and concentrating took all of the energy I had. My body refused to cooperate with my mind, but I still pressed on. This is my life with POTS right now. I say “right now” because I believe God’s healing power is at work in me. But I can’t deny the reality that although my body is healthy, it doesn’t work the way it should. Isn’t it strange how when you’re sick, the feeling leaks into all areas of your life? Work and school…
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When You Feel Far From God
When I was a sophomore in high school, I got into a huge fight with my best childhood friend. We didn’t speak for a month, but one day, near the end of the school year, I broke down and sent her a text asking her to meet me by “the wall.” I stood alone at our usual social spot, biting my nails and trying to think of something to say–maybe even to make her feel bad. However, I couldn’t even remember what our fight had really been about. When I saw her walking toward me, something in my heart melted. This was my friend–my sister. I dropped my bag and…
Helping Women Find Their Identity in the One Who Gave All for Them
