As a senior in college, I was involved in a traffic accident that eventually left me with neck issues and chronic pain. A couple of years later, I became severely ill with mononucleosis, which I never fully recovered from. Within half a decade, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, a thyroid condition which is hard to treat. […]

A testimony from Desiree Montalvo-Holt From Dena: I’m grateful to share a truly encouraging testimony with you today from a fellow believer who is dealing with health challenges (and has for many years). Thanks to Desiree for sharing her story on the blog! I am so excited to share my story of joy with you. […]

Aging used to be revered, not feared. For centuries, several generations lived together, and grandparents were an integral part of a child’s existence. Elderly people’s hard-earned wisdom helped younger people cope with daily life. But sometime in the twentieth century, as travel became cheaper, families began to spread out. Nursing homes popped up to help […]

by Dena Dyer (Photo by Paola Chaaya on Unsplash) When I was pregnant with my oldest son Jordan, every book I read urged mothers to nurse, and many well-meaning ladies at my church asked, “You’re going to breastfeed, right?” When Jordan wouldn’t latch on and my lack of milk prevented pumping, turning to a bottle […]

Guest Post by Rebecca Barlow Jordan Disappointment can knock on your door dressed in a variety of “costumes.” A doctor’s report. An unexpected phone call. A tragic loss.  I remember when I received the phone call about my father, and how it brought me to my knees. “He’s gone.” I never got to say goodbye. […]

By Will Ratliff (Guest Post) I recently wrote an article at “The Better Samaritan” (a Christianity Today blog) about how the Church can better serve those of us who deal with depression, and was honored to do so. While creating the piece, I asked friends and family for their input. My brother Will Ratliff sent […]

You’re sitting down with coffee, taking a well-deserved afternoon break. While sipping your drink, you scroll through your Instagram feed. And then you feel it … an ache in the pit of your stomach. You peer at a friend’s latest success (house renovation, dream vacation, job promotion) and instead of feeling happy for her, you […]

[Note: This essay first appeared on Mom Mentor.] Sobbing, I sat on the floor against 4-year-old Jordan’s closed bedroom door. “Let me out!” he screamed, hitting and kicking the door so hard it shook my body. “You’re a bad mommy!” How did I get here? I asked myself. Other desperate thoughts darted through my mind: […]

Daily life can be extremely stressful, especially the last year or two, and the unhealthy ways we often deal with that stress can lead to health problems, relationship conflicts, and even a feeling of hopelessness. While studies have shown that optimistic people live longer and enjoy better health than pessimists, it’s important to note that […]

Are you in a place of brokenness or weariness and in need of God’s healing? Here are eight ways to find hope when life hurts: 1) Remember: Jesus wept, too. Choose to believe that God hurts with you, that as your perfect heavenly Father, He longs to take you in His arms and hold you. […]