This is Part 1 of the Groaning Series. You can read the intro here. Groaning: a godly response to suffering?! After studying the book of Job last year, I realised something: I’ve been putting a lid on my sorrow. I’ve been keeping my grief to myself, rather than talking to God about it. I don’t …
Today we’re meeting Carole. She’s 69 years old and has a bunch of chronic illnesses that require daily management. She first got sick at the age of 31, which means she has been unwell for nearly 40 years. Can you imagine that?! Carole, welcome to our Build a Bridge Interview Series! It’s an honour …
The joy of new beginnings and the grief of death — this poem explores the intersection of these two experiences from a Christian perspective.
Does your health allow for busyness, or is regular resting necessary? If so, do you miss being busy?
I really miss being busy. I find busyness intoxicating, and I find resting very boring. For me, one of the hardest things about being housebound with debilitating fatigue is the lack of busyness. I yearn to feel accomplished and self-sufficient.
Ah... Isn't that at the heart of it? Self-sufficiency.
The Goal Setting Mini-Series goes a step deeper than the usual “how to” list: How can we set goals that honour God and don’t induce panic attacks? Post #3 is here in case you missed it. Fireworks and traditions Aren’t fireworks displays just spectacular? Even on TV I find them mesmerising. I live in Sydney, …
Have you ever felt itchy in your soul? Maybe it’s a sense of restlessness. Perhaps you feel not-quite-good-enough, and you fear that people are judging you. Or it could be a niggling conviction that you must be missing something, because the people around you seem to be succeeding in life while you’re floundering.
Not Good Enough
For me, the biggest itch in my soul over the years has been a sense of insufficiency. I haven't felt “good enough”.
Frustration is part of the chronic illness package. Living with an uncooperative body and/or mind is not easy. Has your level of frustration lessened or increased over the years – or does it fluctuate? I thought mine was lessening, but after my Forgettable New Year’s Eve I’d say it fluctuates…
This mini-series isn't about how to set goals; it's about how frustrating and confusing goal setting can be. So if you cringed at the very mention of goal setting in the title, you can now release those butterflies from your belly and read this post in peace!
Jesus was abandoned. He's been there. He understands. This post will provide comfort and encouragement when you feel let down by your church community.
Struggles with church community are common among Christians who face serious illness or grief. This post offers compassion and comfort.