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

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...

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

While some people have difficulties managing their own anger, some struggle to navigate the emotions of others. Many of these people...

Analise* told me she didn’t need anyone in her life. She had isolated herself at home, only leaving when absolutely necessary. When I...

If you haven’t had the chance to read about The Emotion Bucket, you can learn about this in these   three   posts . To summarize, the...

"Who wrote on the wall?"   My two- and four-year-old children stared at me, unwilling to give the other up. I sighed. We'd been down the...

He walked into  the coffee shop and adjusted his tie. Glancing at a seated patron, he stuck out his tongue, climbed onto the nearest...

Have you ever waited for something for so long you assumed it would never happen?   Three-years of prayers span my journal with loud...

A Walking Pace ​ But I have calmed and quieted my soul Psalm 131:2a (ESV)   My family spent twelve years in a busy tourist city. Drivers...

In the Waiting ​ I am in the midst of lions; I lie among ravenous beasts—men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp...