Faith & Encouragement

“Are you the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?” (Matthew 11:3 NASB) I recently finished a new mystery series on Netflix called Lupin. It’s about a Black Frenchman who is a master of disguise and trickery. He is on a journey to discover the truth about his father and in doing so, he risks everything, including his…

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) My alma mater is what you consider a PWI, predominantly white institution, and located in southern Indiana, it had a great reputation for partying, but not for diversity. Whenever I meet someone who attended the same…

I get tempted to give a healthy eye roll when I hear someone, who is more mature in their walk with Christ, say that I should just embrace the journey God has me on and not focus on the destination. It sounds good and it may even be the right thing to do, however, that’s often easier said than done.…

I don’t like road trips. Anything over an hour in the car is cringe-worthy. And it doesn’t matter if I’m driving or not. I just don’t enjoy being in a car for long periods of time. I blame it on my impatience and lack of interest in the scenery. I don’t really care about looking at the green fields that…

Sarai felt desperation tugging at her heart, seeping in the edges of her sanity. She had never wanted anything more than to have a family with Abram. Each passing year of wandering felt as if they were wandering farther and farther from hope. Hope deferred was making her heartache. She racked her brain regularly to figure out how to make…

Everything about this year has shifted how we see things. Work looks different so therefore, I see my coworkers in a different light. Everyday errands look different so therefore, I look at those working in grocery stores and delivering goods as essential workers. Friends and family have become a lifeline, so I view our communication as necessary instead of optional.…

During the trials of this year, I’ve had a wonderful woman of God periodically check in on me and she always asks, “Is it well?”   Sometimes this question comes after a really long, tiring week when my emotions are high and my hope is low. Even though I know she truly cares about my response, I sometimes battle with how “real” I should keep it. Do I share…

I grew up in a house with praying parents. As a little girl, I remember my mom praying regularly. I don’t recall if there was a specific time of day, but it was a regular occurrence to see my mom kneeling at the couch or on the edge of her bed. She would take her glasses off and sit them…

I enjoy a good fight. It’s thrilling to see hand-to-hand combat in an action-packed fight scene. That’s why I watch superhero movies and only enjoy the combat video games. After watching a movie with a fight scene, in my head . . . I think I can fight using the same moves. My appreciation for a good fight is probably…

She peeled her arm from underneath his head, hoping not to wake him. It’s rare that someone stayed overnight. They normally left immediately afterward to keep their secret safe. Coins were left on the nightstand. There were a few who would throw her money on the ground and watch her crawl like a dog to pick it up. Looking down…