Sometimes a person comes to me with a problem, but then we end up going in circles. I try and try to help, but over and over they push back. Why does this happen? Why can't they accept what I have to offer? My compulsion to fix the problem blinds me from seeing the person sitting in front of me, looking at me, desperate for connection. My compulsion to fix the problem causes them to react with hurt rather than gratitude, which confuses me and causes my own defensiveness. But

“If I have anxiety, doesn’t it mean I don’t have enough faith?” It always breaks my heart to hear this question. I’ve heard it in other forms, such as: “Does my doubt mean I don’t trust God?”  “How can I be a Christian and struggle with anxiety?”  “Is anxiety a sin?” Look closely, and you’ll see that each one of these questions comes from shame. Shame about anxiety. Shame about fear. Shame about doubt. Shame Traps Us Shame about emotions is one of Satan’s greatest tools in ke

The Great Dark settled onto the Pacific Northwest in mid-November, permitting the reprieve of sunlight for what seems like only a few hours each day. I'm being dramatic, but having spent so many years in the southwest it's a bit unnerving to step outside my office at 5pm and remember that I missed the day's allowance of sun. The bright streetlights illuminating the cars only accentuate the darkness beyond their reach. On these evenings, I drive home and strap on an LED lighte

Warning: This article contains details about sexual trauma that may not be appropriate for some readers. Caution recommended. Shelia's* Story “Trauma? Like PTSD? But I haven’t been to war. I haven’t even seen someone die. How can I have PTSD?” Shelia sat on my couch, hands clenched on her thighs. Her right foot tapped her left foot in unrhythmic jolts.  “Yes, your symptoms are trauma symptoms.” “Like what?” “All of the things you just mentioned. You experienced a sexual assau

For any woman who has experienced sexual trauma or coercion - this book is for you If you've ever known a woman who has experienced sexual trauma or coercion, even if she doesn't recognize it as sexual trauma, this book is for her.   Tabitha Westbrook takes a delicate--yet honest--approach as she puts words to experiences that many find unspeakable in her new book, Body & Soul, Healed & Whole . Through transparency, honesty and research, she gives clear definitions for those

The moment we think we’ve mastered the Christian walk, we’ve lost our footing. Each of us carries the propensity to turn from God–even...

I need your help! I'm looking for quotes for the book launch of Jesus for the Anxious . Please consider leaving a comment that answers...

Last month, I discussed how childhood experiences impact adult lives. During those early years, the brain’s rapid development greatly...

Everyone experiences life differently. Two people can walk into the same event and away with completely different interpretations. These...