BY MARY DEMUTH:

What if our act of patience, fueled by the Spirit within us, was not merely so we could endure our adult children’s choices, but for our betterment? What if this is not about our kids at all, but about our relationship with God? 

STORY BY CHRISTINE CRAWFORD: I was in the throes of grief from the unwanted end of my marriage when a friend recommended I go on a silent retreat. So, naively hoping the experience would expedite my healing, I wandered into the desert for three whole days. Completely and utterly alone. In complete and utter silence.

ARTICLE BY CHRISTINE CRAWFORD: Whether you're navigating a painful relationship or supporting someone who is, these seven resources offer helpful insight and healing.

ARTICLE BY CHRISTINE CRAWFORD: Her anguish compels her forward, and with tissues twisting in her trembling hands, Sarah shares her concerns about Rick’s excessive drinking and terrifying temper.

REFLECTION BY CHRISTINE CRAWFORD: When you came to understand she was worthy of safety, dignity, and kindness, you would return to her. Because you believed her, and loved her, and celebrated her. Because she was not invisible. And she was not nothin’.

ARTICLE BY CHRISTINE CRAWFORD: July 4th weekend was supposed to be a celebration. In a matter of hours, my quiet Hill Country town became catastrophic front-page news.

REFLECTION BY CHRISTINE CRAWFORD: What if our hurts, questions, and doubts are the very thresholds where we are most tenderly met, deeply known, carefully held, gently stretched, and finally made whole?

MUSIC BY ELIZABETH STEWART: Musician Elizabeth Stewart shares her heart and story of struggling with hope and faith after loss.

READING BY ELIZABETH STEWART: How lovely is the place where you live, O Lord who rules over all! I desperately want to be in the courts of the Lord’s temple. My heart and my entire being shout for joy to the living God.

READING BY ELIZABETH STEWART: A favorite prayer from The Valley of Vision (Authur Bennett, Editor) for those suffering from loss or struggling with faith.