Faith Columns

Do you have a trustworthy person or a small group of people with whom you can transparently share your struggles? Or is the thought of being accountable regarding your choices (especially your sinful behavior) way too intimidating? When I first heard of the concept of accountability, I knew I needed it. Over time, it became…

I love America. I know you do too. I wonder, though, if we, as a nation, have become too independent.  This July 4, as we think about how much our nation needs God’s presence and direction, I’d like to ask you to pray for the United States to become more dependent.  I’m not minimizing the…

You heard the best sermon about faith last Sunday. And now, less than a week later, you feel like you’ve let God down because you’re afraid. To make matters worse, you feel like you can’t be honest about your feelings to your church friends. But being afraid doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a weak Christian. Life…

Have you ever been afraid someone you love would stop loving you? Maybe you’re struggling with insecurity. Perhaps you haven’t been very loving yourself. Or maybe it’s been a long time since you’ve been your “best self,” and you’re afraid someone you care about is going to give up on you. This week’s verse speaks…

When you blow it – I mean, when you really mess up big time – do you hide from God? Sometimes I do. What if, instead of feeling like a failure and slinking away in shame when we give into temptation, we looked at ourselves the way God looks at us: as His much-loved child?…

Jesus left a perfect existence to live among us in a wicked world. In the face of rejection, threats, and jeers, He healed the sick, preached the gospel and expressed the Father’s love to and for humanity. Even moments before His death, as He hung on the cross, bleeding and struggling for every painful breath,…

After I battled depression and an eating disorder for more than two decades, many (including mental health professionals) believed I might never get well. My hope was fading. Then the phone rang. “Hi, Sheryl,” my sister Kathy said. “I want you to live with me until you get back on your feet.”  Tears of gratitude…

Have you lost a loved one who died serving our country in the military? If so, please accept my most sincere condolences. And my deepest gratitude.  I can’t begin to understand what loving your soldier, sailor or marine and sending them off to serve must have been like for you. How many sleepless nights you…

“Peter wants a divorce,” my friend Stacey said, taking quick breaths.  It pained me to see her struggling to keep from falling completely apart. “I’m so sorry.” When our eyes met, her mascara was long gone. “It hurts, Sheryl. And what makes it worse is knowing some people will believe Peter when he says I’m…

We’ve all heard stories from those who say their parents messed up their lives. While some stories are horrific, others are typical – albeit distressing – reflections of dysfunctional families. I have no doubt my children love me. Yet I cringe at what they might share regarding the times I behaved in less-than-loving ways. Nevertheless,…