When the Hamster Dies Anyway: 5 Ways to Help Children Understand Death

“Mama! It’s dead! My hamster is dead!” My girlfriend, Marla, recounted the words of her nine-year-old earlier that morning. I listened as Marla detailed how her daughter rubbed and stroked her newest furry pet, praying it would live. And how God answered that prayer…

Feb 28

When Rejection Comes

It was the strongest rejection letter I’d ever received.  Each word struck something deep in me and burned like little open nicks on your fingers when the sanitizer hits them. The letter was anything but polite. It oozed with snarky condescension – and it…

Feb 26

Dear Abba

One of America’s most popular advice columns was started by Pauline Phillips; most know it as “Dear Abby.” Since its creation in 1956, thousands of letters have been answered by “Abby.” With Phillips’ recent passing, the column holds its popularity as Jeanne Phillips, Pauline’s…

Feb 20

An Encouragement for Failure

  I stared into the blue water of the pool, then down at my flip-flops. I lifted a wary eyebrow towards my brother. His eyes wide, he nodded, encouraging me to take a step. “You’ll walk on water – just like Jesus,” Jay told…

Feb 19

Truth Journey

“I cannot tell a lie.” America’s first president was famous for many things, but one of the most popular stories about George Washington involves a hatchet, a cherry tree and his inability to fib. This nation was built on men filled with integrity. Unfortunately,…

Feb 6