KAREN HODGE|CONTRIBUTOR Even though I am not the greatest singer, I have always loved the joy of being in a choir. I love the diverse tones blending together in rich harmonies. There is also a robust strength and volume when the choir sings in unison. In my service to Women’s Ministries in the PCA, I… Read More
TARA BARTHEL|CONTRIBUTOR Do you ever wake up in the morning, cringe, and long to hide away from all of the suffering and darkness in the world? I do. It can be hard to persevere in loving God and neighbor, when the world around us seems so terrifically broken. Why keep trying? What difference can one… Read More
COURTNEY DOCTOR|CONTRIBUTOR A good friend posted on Facebook recently about the challenges she has been experiencing as her basement is being remodeled: the flooring didn’t come in time, the paint was the wrong color, and the cabinet was installed incorrectly. In the comments section, there were funny comments, sage advice, and the all-too-frequent “encouragement” of… Read More
TARA BARTHEL|CONTRIBUTOR Last November, my twelve year-old daughter and I traveled to Kibisi, Uganda, to teach on Biblical peacemaking and how to strengthen families by minimizing the abuse of girls and women. One year prior, when I was first asked to speak at this conference, my instinct was to decline. I was concerned that my… Read More
LISA HELLIER|GUEST Back in 2014, when I first heard about the #banbossy movement, I laughed. The movement’s premise is that when little girls are called “bossy” it causes lower self-esteem and deters them from seeking leadership. I laughed again because that was certainly not my personal experience. Bossy Women I come from a long, strong,… Read More
ELLEN DYKAS|CONTRIBUTOR Rushing in, plopping down. Balancing baby, sipping an iced latte. Goldfish crackers crushed and crumbs spread. Waffle syrup decorating the table. Up and out to drive the carpool. I just had brunch with a 40-something woman, mom to four kids and a sister in Christ. We’re more alike than different, even though I’m… Read More
PAMELA WELLS|GUEST I have a disassembled cherry wood crib in the back of my closet. I am trying to decide if I should sell it, which makes sense if I’m not going to use it anymore. But that’s where it gets complicated. I bought the crib for my daughter, who was conceived three years after… Read More
TWILA MILES|GUEST This morning, as I sat alone at my kitchen table waiting for the sun to come up, I felt the fog of depression begin to settle over my heart and mind again. Feeling its tendrils wrap around me, my pulse quickened as a slight sense of panic began to arise. I longed for… Read More