“Who made you boss of everyone!?” she asked me on the first-grade playground at recess. My type-A approach to life started almost 45 years ago, and from there I grew into a strong, resilient, persevering woman who gets stuff done—until my 20s, when debilitating, persistent migraines, gut issues, and an absurdly long list of food… Read More Michelle’s Story: Serving God through Persistent Pain
From the beginning of the pandemic, I have taken this virus seriously. I went to a wedding the weekend that Illinois schools closed and then quarantined for two weeks in the event that I might have caught the virus. I didn’t want to inadvertently get anyone sick, especially my family. Even as things opened up, my husband and… Read More Clarissa’s Story: Pride and the Pursuit of Protection
The 2020 holiday season is here and I’m wondering, “Should we get together with family? What about friends? Will I get to be with my grandchildren?” We had plans for out-of-town guests to come for Thanksgiving, but that changed at the last minute because of a family member being exposed to COVID-19. Even though I know it… Read More Sandy’s Story: Battling Bitterness While Missing Family
My son and daughter-in-law live in another state so I don’t get to see them very often. They have a wonderful relationship with each other but Suzanne* has told me that she doesn’t like to talk on the phone, so it’s hard for us to develop our relationship. I try to stay connected by texting… Read More Margaret’s Story: Why Isn’t She Responding to Me?
We had just become new parents and I was glad to find out that car rides helped lull my daughter to sleep. I started looking forward to my quiet time after lunch where would drive around until she fell asleep. On one of these regular routines, I found a new beauty in a new neighborhood… Read More Helen’s Story: My Experience with Racism