There’s something about dreary winter weather that makes me want to curl up and hibernate until spring. The grey skies. The frigid air. Before I know it, full on winter depression has set in, and according to the calendar it’s still fall. Winter decided to make its appearance in November this year, at least in my neck of the woods. And as much as I would like to tell you I welcomed it with welcome arms, I didn’t. Our pre-Thanksgiving snowstorm actually made me a little resentful. What Continue Reading
How God Responds When His Own Want to Die
Sometimes it’s easier to be a spectator. When someone dies or there’s a tragedy making headlines in the media, that’s often what I am. I sit back and read other writers’ words. I nod and silently say, “Amen.” But over the last weeks following the suicide of two well-known celebrities, I knew I needed to contribute more than hushed acknowledgement. I watched others speak up about their own experiences with depression and bravely tell their stories, and God stirred my soul. I know what it’s Continue Reading
The Problem With Hiding Our Struggles
“Mama, the monsters are coming out at me,” my son said. He stood by the bed with his face inches from mine, hands animated. My mid-REM cycle brain lingered between sleep and reality. “What?” I asked. I could see my son was disturbed by something. After realizing I was going to have to get out of bed, I stumbled to his room. I gave the bunk a full examination before telling him to get back in. Five minutes later, he reappeared. The monsters were still there. For some reason, the miracle Continue Reading