“Life begins with tears; it’s simply part of what it means to be human—to cry is human” (Vroegop, 2019, p. 25). Life is indeed messy. It is part of the human condition to experience pain, sorrow, and suffering. It is not something most seek out or enjoy but work hard to avoid. We may try to ...
Why Grieve Childhood Trauma?
While not everyone can boast of having an idyllic childhood, neither do most people prefer to point out their parents’ flaws. Many cultures (including Christians) might consider remembrance of negative childhood events as disloyal or dishonoring to elders who went before us. Still others might ...
Lament: A Pathway to Forgiveness
As Christians, we know that we are to forgive, although it is not always easy. The scripture that usually comes to mind regarding forgiveness, is Peters question to Jesus, how many times to forgive a brother who sins against us, and Jesus’ response, we must forgive seven times seventy (Matthew ...
The Lament of Unfulfilled Dreams: Infertility & Pregnancy Loss
What is the first thought that enters your mind when you think of grief/loss? Perhaps the parent you lost to cancer or the friend to or your marriage ended in divorce. These are tangible losses that others can see. Sadly, the losses that stem from infertility and pregnancy loss are less thought of, ...
The Prayer of the Troubled Heart
“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you” (Isaiah 43:2). What a reminder that we as disciples of Jesus can take ...