My bare feet made their way up the ladder, mortified to back out now. A jump from the high-diving board. Could I pull it off with a secret fear of heights? A public embarrassment to turn around and go the same way I had arrived—down the ladder and past the people waiting in line. And I just knew as pool-siders gawked behind sunglasses, What a scaredy-cat! would also cross their minds. My twin sister and I hung out at the local pool several days a week every summer. This adventure Continue Reading
Anxiety & Depression In the Church {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
Dear reader - It's a busy time at the Holbrook household. Our first-born graduated AND turned 18 in the same week. We have been hosting parties in the midst of (ahem) trying to move! Needless to say, I have had no time to write this past week. So I decided to dig my computer from behind boxes this morning and look for a post from the past. I came across this column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, published in that paper in 2017. With all the anxieties that loom above our heads this Continue Reading
We Are All YOKED to Something {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution & LINKUP}
“Cast your burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain you.” —King David, Psalm 55 While studying the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament, I came across a familiar allegory that is used repeatedly throughout Scriptures: the yoke. In his book, the “weeping prophet” frequently confronted God’s people concerning their sin and rebellion against His commandments and statutes. Jeremiah’s admonishment culminates in his prophecy concerning Jerusalem’s fall, which resulted in the Babylonian conquest in Continue Reading
When It Looks Foolish to Trust God {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Have you ever noticed how often the bad guys seem to come out on top? How many faithful partners are left to raise their kids and pay the bills while the unfaithful ones enjoy new cars, homes, and vacations with hot new partners? Or how often does the responsible spouse have to share the custody of her child and pay child support to her ex-spouse who refuses to keep a job? We’ve all witnessed—and experienced—times of injustice when God seems absent. If God is good and sovereign, how could Continue Reading
Spiritual Attacks Escalate with Trials (Here’s what YOU can do)
A friend fights for his life after a horrific motorcycle accident... One more acquaintance is diagnosed with frightening COVID-19... Riots and racial issues flood our country… Hurricane waters devastate cities in South Brazil - the images reminding me of the time my own hometown was destroyed by floodwaters twice during my youth. In each of these circumstances, it’s not difficult to lose hope and allow our hearts to believe that the worse is yet to come. “For our struggle is not Continue Reading
Your No Is As Important As Your Yes {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” Matthew 5:37 Are you afraid of saying no? I am! What a gift that Scripture doesn’t condemn the word no. Rather, the Bible highlights the importance of keeping your word, whether it’s a yes or a no. Every no is a yes to something else, and vice versa. Imagine if Jesus was as uncomfortable with saying no as so many of us are. What if, instead of saying “get behind me, Satan!” to Peter, He said Continue Reading
