I struggle with work stress as a high school counselor. The stress varies from situation to situation, but each produces a similar reaction in me: defensiveness. People often come to me with questions and I generally love sharing my knowledge. However, sometimes when I am asked certain questions, I can react short and defensively. Also,… Read More Laura’s Story: Responding Defensively to Work Stress
Our family dynamics changed when my sister-in-law entered the picture. My family is loving, kind, grace-giving, supportive, and rarely has conflict. But my sister-in-law is the opposite; it’s hard to handle her unprovoked harshness, disrespect, rudeness, cutting and crass spirit. Most of our family gatherings are actually pleasant and fun (mainly because we are a… Read More Mary’s Story: Dealing with a Challenging Sister-in-Law
I’m in my early 50’s, and my husband is almost 60. My son recently came home from college and we have two other young adult kids living on their own. During these wild and surreal days, many thoughts have shot through my head: “What happens if my husband gets COVID-19? My kids? Oh…our parents?! Is… Read More Laura’s Story: Fighting Pandemic Fear with Faith
I’ve struggled with “sex stuff” on and off since the age of 16. I remember those initial desires and how they’ve ebbed and flowed over the years. As a teenager struggling to fight my urges and save myself for marriage, I let myself believe that masturbation wasn’t a sin since it wasn’t with anyone else.… Read More Phoebe’s Story: Battling Decades of Sexual Sin
I have been self-conscious for the past ten years because of a scar on my face that was left by a curling iron burn. I am vain, and I don’t want people to think I am ugly. Often, I let my fear of how others see me control how I see me–instead of seeing myself… Read More Karen’s Story: Vanity, Fear, and Faith