September 13, 2017
Category: Chronic Pain
September 7, 2017
The Scars of Victory
The remains of the old cathedral in Coventry stand not as a hollow testament to England’s defeat, but rather, as a glorious tribute to their victory over Nazi tyranny. In the same way, we must look to our scars as reminders of victory, not defeat. Your wounds are tokens of your strength in the face of darkness.
September 6, 2017
I Was Bullied
Our family motto, which my daughter and I both have tattooed on our bodies as a reminder, is the following: NO FEAR OF THE FUTURE...NO REGRETS OF THE PAST. If you're still being bullied, please please please TELL SOMEONE. Do NOT let it continue. Life is too short to be attacked by tiny-minded imbeciles who feel bigger by making others feel small. Or maybe you're like me; you were bullied, and still carry the residual effects. Well, guess what? We have to let it go.
August 25, 2017
I Hate Waiting
As I was a young man in my 20s, I had a series of visions regarding what I was called to do. I thought everything would be revealed to me within a year or two. HA! Boy was I wrong. When I was a kid, my parents used to make me go to the little Pentecostal church in Waverly, Missouri, where we used to sing, “Teach me, Lord, to wait.” But, as Inigo from “The Princess Bride,” says, “I hate waiting.”
August 24, 2017
The Glory Outweighs The Gloom
If you’re looking for the ugly, vile and putrid in life, it’s there. But if you CHOOSE to look for it, I think you’ll find the glory in this world far outweighs the gloom. Like when you’re taking a walk, and suddenly look up and see one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ve ever witnessed.
August 21, 2017
The Dreaded Anxiety Attack
I've never had an anxiety attack, but one of my best friends struggles with them. Those who suffer from them have told me about the racing pulse, the terrifying thoughts, and the feeling one is going to die. It is for my friend—along with anyone else reading this who shares the same battle—I offer the following thoughts, Bible verses, and prayer.
August 17, 2017
Never Doubt Your Worth
For those of us who deal with prolonged issues such as pain, anxiety and depression, it’s easy to begin to question your abilities and worth. Once vibrant, bright-eyed and energetic, we slowly become hollow, dull-eyed and exhausted. But God is calling out of darkness, into His marvelous light. Laughter and love, not tears and anger. Joy and hope, not sadness and despair.
August 16, 2017
So Very Tired, Lord
You are the One who has given me every good thing in my life. You are the One who has given me not only the hope of salvation, but of Heaven, Lord. It was You who led my ancestors through many challenging days, through death and right into Your arms, Lord. I would like to ask one thing, Lord. I'm tired. I'm so very tired today. I don't know what else to say. I don't know what else to do. I just pray You give me strength. Give me the courage and tenacity to continue living for You in these difficult times. Allow me the spiritual brawn to lead my family to Your gates, Jesus.
August 14, 2017
“Prayin’ For Ya, Kid…”
"Prayin' for ya, kid." Those are the words with which James would end every phone call. James was a "resident" of a State Hospital where he resided since the 70s, when, in his early 20s, he committed a crime worthy of a life sentence in a hospital for the criminally insane. He never told me what he did to get there, and I never asked. All I can say I grew to love him like a brother, and was proud to call him “friend.”
August 10, 2017
Broken People 