A while ago, I had trouble with one of my coworkers. She would brag about herself in front of management but didn’t work as hard as the rest of the team. She talked about herself all the time but never showed any interest in others, and she was often rude to me, even pretending to… Read More Julianne’s Story: The Struggle to Love an “Unlovable” Person
“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
For several years, I have taught Perspectives classes two to four times per year. “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement” is an inspiring course for Christian laypeople that gives a challenging view of our world and where we are in reaching the unreached for Christ. I especially love teaching the lesson about “Incarnational Love.” But… Read More Ginny’s Story: Trusting God with My Ministry
I like the predictable. I like a plan. I like to know what to expect. And when I’m faced with uncertainty and the unknown, I can’t do that and tension builds in me. I feel like I’ve been forced into a metal box; lid slammed shut and I’m trapped. I’m helpless! This season has been a time of testing for… Read More Nancy’s Story: Growing Faith in Uncertainty and the Unknown
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