There was this moment in which all my fears twisted into something tighter and heavier than I could hold. David and I had just collapsed into bed after an exhausting night of packing, and our conversation tipped into all of the Unknowns. Less than two weeks away from filling our moving truck, we were about to make the scariest change […]
Tearing Down The Fence: the grief and healing of re-entry – a guest post by Hallie Ziebart (survivor songs #29)
Tearing Down The Fence by Hallie Ziebart __________________ __________________ I mourn. Oh, have I learned how to mourn! My life became not what I expected, or hoped for, or thought I was promised. Life unfolded, joys and sorrows have come and gone. Sometimes I feel bewildered. Sometimes angry. Sometimes thankful. And sometimes I feel nothing […]
When Does Comfort Come? – mourning while parenting a child with invisible special needs (survivor songs #26)
When Does Comfort Come? by Laura Camacho _______________ _______________ I’m writing a note to my 9-year old daughter’s school and I can’t stop crying. Every word feels like a sob. I’m coming off as calm on the page, but beneath each sentence lies soul crushing exhaustion and heartache. She needs to have Wednesdays off […]
At Peace (survivor songs #24)
At Peace by Ramone Romero Note by Harmony: this painting came to mind again and again as I wrote Spirit of Life. It perfectly depicts to me what Jesus has done for my heart. Ramone had a different inspiration when he painted the piece. About The Artist Ramone Romero believes that God is real, personal, and still speaks […]
Spirit of Life – a story about comfort, concluded (survivor songs #23)
This is the final part to a story about comfort. Start at the beginning here. :: the following contains triggering words for survivors of sexual abuse :: _________________ And Jehovah Elohim formed Man, dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and Man became a living soul. Genesis 2:7 _________________ On […]
Mourn The Shame – a story about comfort, part 3 (survivor songs #21)
A story about comfort, part three. For part one, see A Lie That Fell Like A Curse. For part two, see “That’s Not True.” ___________ :: the following may contain triggers for survivors of sexual abuse :: ___________ _________________ No, I will not abandon you or leave you as orphans in the storm-I will come to […]
The Secret Grief of Miscarriage (survivor songs #15)
Today, in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, my friend Holly spills oceans of courage as she shares words that remember her children Pearl and Valentine, words that remind us that grieving is healing. “…the moment I allowed myself to open up, be vulnerable, talk, and truly mourn over the lives of my precious little ones I […]
Oh God, You Have Betrayed Us (survivor songs #12)
Another look at vulnerability. Why? Why do we shy away from our own mourning and back off from the mourning of others? Why does vulnerability make us squirm, make us want to flee? Why does it feel so unsafe? Vulnerability does feel unsafe. What semblance of strength does it have to hide behind? Something wounded in us says, “vulnerability caused […]
Mourning Requires Vulnerability (survivor songs #7)
In the following post I am using the word ‘vulnerability’ in both the traditional negative sense (one who is unprotected and susceptible to harm, a victim) and in the more modern, positive, relationship-building sense (one who is purposefully letting down their guard in an effort to be soft-hearted and approachable; in Biblical terms: gentle, meek, compassionate, tenderhearted). […]
Survivor Songs: Introducing New October Series
“Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 Join me and eleven guest bloggers as we explore the concept of mourning over the next 31 Days, as we tread a well-worn path straight towards Jesus’ heart. Sundays and weekdays will include raw, beautiful stories, deep studies of Scripture, and meaningful encouragement. Saturdays […]