rebelling against low expectations
There is an image that has stayed with me over the past few years. An image of a girl whose face is streaked with tears. In her hands she holds pieces of shattered glass and a tiny little arrow, all of this is red from the cuts upon her skin. It is all that is left of her compass. The girl had clutched it far too tightly within her sweaty palm, so as she stumbled on, watching for the coming dawn...
Countless people struggle with depression and anxiety—including Christians. What is a healthy and biblical response to these real struggles? What does the Bible say about these topics? Sara and Tabitha dive deep into what depression and anxiety really are, how to have a balanced and biblical approach, and share both spiritual and physical responses that can help free you from the grip of...
I went through a time in my life when praying felt empty, my devotions felt like a task, and my heart hurt so much I didn’t feel like my prayers were saying enough. I would often just put down my pencil and cry because I didn’t know what to say. I came to the point that I stopped praying any more than just, “Jesus, Jesus.” And weeping. But I didn’t stop reading my Bible, and something drew me to...
I’ve grappled with anxiety for about seven years now. The root of this stressful struggle was triggered by traumatic life circumstances. At times it depletes and drains my soul of all strength. I’m beyond grateful that I reached out for help four years ago, saw a licensed counselor, and sought other avenues of healing. I remember the car ride to my first counseling appointment—I was...
I used to hate music. I never listened to it and didn’t like it when people played it around me. It wasn’t until I got older, I realized why. Music evokes and awakens emotions. Strong emotions. Often unpleasant emotions. What I really hated were emotions, not music. Looking back, I understand why. The little girl and young teenager was hurting. She felt she had to keep her emotions in check. She...
Night is supposed to be a time of rest. However, for those struggling with anxiety, insomnia, or grief, the night may be anything but restful. It can feel dark and endless. At times life itself might feel like an endless night; the narrow road feels too perilous to travel much longer, and our path grows so dim we fear we might fall. You Are Not Alone Dear friends, take heart. This darkness is not...
Unqualified. Too broken. Not enough. You may describe yourself this way, and the world may describe you this way too. You aren’t smart enough, strong enough, brave enough. Your mind is too broken, your heart is too worn, your body is too weak. The world may use any of these messages to tell you that you’re disqualified, and you might believe them. But what if these very things didn’t disqualify...
Have you ever felt worthless? Blunt, I know. But it gets to the point. I think everyone has felt this way at one time or another. I know I have. Feeling this way can really get to you. It will hang over every single thing you do, an oppressive cloud sending rain and thunder storming into your life. It saps your energy—and your happiness. It makes life… well, worthless. Let me tell you a story...
“When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 20:1, ESV). The Israelites looked like they were surrounded. To their eyes, they were facing many more horses, chariots, and people than they had. But he who was...
Six weeks into my first semester of college, I’m hunkered down in my dorm room with plenty of blankets and a lot of emotions. Panic dropped me off at the train station of college life. Now I’ve stepped off the platform to a wasteland of existentialism. Confused, empty, tired. Needy. Those feelings I’ve always wrestled with edge their way back into my mind. I covered them well, the doubts and...
rebelling against low expectations
