Disclaimer: I do not wish to vilify any pastors or church leaders. Please read this entire blog post before making a judgment. A reader of my novel, “No Visible Scars” recently asked me, “Is that Pastor Dennis in your book for real? Surely, a pastor wouldn’t act that way toward a woman who is being …
Dear Deb, The book is finished. You would be so glad. If you were here, we would celebrate at a Mexican restaurant with fabulous guacamole. Plenty of chips. Constant refills. You would give me hugs and “I knew you could do it” words. Throughout our meal, I would be thanking you for pushing me, for …
“Surely that isn’t possible,” she said, this woman who loved and was loved by an amazing man for thirty-three years. “Oh, but it is possible. Not only possible, but it happens more often than you might think.” I countered with the mental images of countless women whose stories underscore the truth. Domestic abuse DOES happen …
Have you ever wondered what a Bible story might look like in a contemporary setting? Yeah, me too. Almost 12 years ago, I wrote a nonfiction book about Abigail, one of the characters in First Samuel 25. But I couldn’t sell it, and no one seemed interested in the background story of this incredible woman. …
After my final attempt at the perfect recipe, I wondered what to do with the plate full of brownies. Sampled one. Scrumptious! Now what? Leaving brownies on my kitchen counter would result in constant temptation. The next day was Sunday, so I decided to take my chocolate offering to the coffee bar at church. I …
As I heard the blog post read on national television, I wept. For the author and for countless other women I know who have believed the same lies. We stay in abusive situations because we are designed with the capacity for hope. We believe things will change for the better. We have to believe it …
The communications rep from the White House began her statement with, “When we saw the pictures….” She referred to the black eye suffered by Rob Porter’s ex-wife. Displayed across news channels and social media sites, we all saw the extent of the domestic violence against Jenny. Yet for those of us who work with women, …
July Fourth is such a fun holiday. Whether it’s family picnics, iced tea with lemon, a favorite swimming hole or watching fireworks – everything about July Fourth seems fun. But a serious side of the topic also presents itself. In our family, this date is a reminder of how fragile life can become. My son, …