Paul Martin Simon was an American author and politician from Illinois who served in the United States House of Representatives, United States Senate and later unsuccessfully ran for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination. He was also a prolific writer and author of more than 20 books. One of his books, “Freedom’s Champion,” provides a moving account of the life and work of Elijah Lovejoy, an avid abolitionist in the 1830s who became the first martyr to freedom of the press in the United Continue Reading
When Empty Jars are All You’ve Got {Recharge Wednesday}
She stared at the ceiling as her eyes adjusted to the dim light of the rising sun piercing through the window. It would be another dry, rainless day. She got out of bed and rushed to the room where the two jars laid on the floor. She looked at them and wondered whether this would be the day when provision would finally cease. Reluctantly, she reached into the first jar of clay and smiled when the oily texture touched her fingers. She brought them to her mouth, closing her eyes while Continue Reading
What the Bible Says About Weakness {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
A few years ago, I tore the meniscus in my knee. Hobbling around reminded me how much I hate being weak. I already dealt with low energy and sensitivities. Now my limited strength stretched to cover physical therapy too. We love our strengths. They open doors, garner accolades, and earn money. But no one has only strengths. Everyone has weak areas. The person who gets things accomplished may bruise people. The people person may be easily distracted from tasks. These weaknesses may frustrate Continue Reading
Ravi Zacharias – When Sin Destroys a Legacy {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
“Be sure your sins will find you.” This verse, found in the Old Testament in the book of Numbers, is part of Moses’ conversation with the leaders of two of Israel’s tribes who decided to settle before crossing the Jordan in their conquest of Canaan, the Promised Land. The other tribes were getting ready to move into the new territory, but two tribes decided not to join them. As a compromise, they vowed to fight side by side with the remaining tribes and help them conquer Canaan. Their Continue Reading
Uncovering Ulterior Motives {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Sometimes our motives are obvious. Other times, we have ulterior motives guiding us, affecting our decision-making and discernment. For me, guilt is often an ulterior motive. Back in school, every time the teacher reprimanded the whole class for bad behavior instead of singling someone out, I was sure it was all my fault. Even now, if someone on a work team seems less than thrilled with an outcome, I’m instantly guilty. My guilt has had a way of guiding me into people-pleasing and letting Continue Reading
3 Truths to Overcome Lies of Rejection {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
I fought the urge to gasp while reading her text on my phone. The hard-to-swallow message caused a long-buried hurt to suddenly resurface. Rejection. Although I have felt the sting of rejection throughout my life, this was a lesson from the school of hard knocks, adult education department. Rejection happens in every stage of life—to little girls, teen girls, and grown girls. Almost like I was an experiment in a lab or a reality show. Will she survive rejection as a woman? Stay tuned Continue Reading
