I was fresh out of words. With arms folded across my chest, I looked out the bay window as if I might find fresh fire for my prayers. It seemed as though each one fell flat or hit some invisible wall, not reaching the place I needed it to. For years, I didn’t realize you could grieve a living person. In my mind, you only grieved for those who left this life for the next or perhaps those fighting a terminal illness. But someone still alive? I didn’t see it. Until one day, through a Continue Reading
How to Take a Fighting Stance Against Codependent, Self-Destructive Behavior
It was a hot, sultry day in July when the realization hit me. At first, I tried to deny it. The truth was painful. But I couldn’t escape its certainty. My family member was better off in my absence than he was in my presence. And as much as I wanted to fix the situation, I couldn’t. Consequences accumulated because of poor choices. Everyone close to the matter seemed to hold their breath, waiting, and then waiting some more. And despite a stark refusal to face reality, it lurked. Continue Reading
The Battle We Ignore: Loved Ones, Addiction, and Lost New Years Resolutions
I didn’t plan to write this post for you today. I had an outline for New Year’s possibilities and dreams, goal-setting and fresh starts. But the truth is, that isn’t what was on my heart. Traveling over five hundred miles to my South Carolina home for the holidays brought plenty of opportunity to reflect and look forward. But it also brought a reminder that for some, starting over because of a new date on the calendar isn’t so easy. For some, it’s not even a possibility. We serve a God Continue Reading
