“Hey! Look what I found,” my husband said. In each hand he held a hidden treasure he’d discovered amid cleaning products under the kitchen sink. “That’s amazing,” I exclaimed, “Fantastic! I didn’t know we had any, but they were there all along.” An observer would have guessed we found gold…
What God Is Doing in Your Crazy, Frustrating Life
When you pass someone on the sidewalk wearing a large “How Can I Pray for You?” button, you pay attention. I met Lori Hatcher at a conference just after a crazy, frustrating afternoon. She smiled and prayed with me. Have you ever wanted someone to be your friend as soon…
“Gather” from a Distance
The childhood memory of going to a summer drive-in movie with neighbors produces an ear-to-ear grin on my face. The moms sat in lawn chairs and shelled butterbeans. The kids fished icy bottles of orange or grape sodas from a cooler to wash down salty, butter-laden popcorn. I don’t recall…
The Undertow of Fear
When a dangerous undertow at our favorite childhood beach pulled my little brother, Ed, under the water and further from the shore, he almost drowned. Inside the vicious swirl of water, an older cousin fought relentlessly yet futilely to free Ed from the monster’s grasp. Nearby sunbathers and swimmers mocked…
Love Closes the Gap of Social Distancing
She clutches a balled-up tissue, staring out of the window at the empty visitors parking lot. A tear slips down her cheek. No visitors allowed for…how long did they say? Did they mean family? I can’t remember. Will Julie bring my jellybeans and bananas and a new magazine? I’ve already…