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A Season of Giving Grace to Others
This is an article from last year I think is worth re-sharing. An acquaintance of ours started a non-profit movement offering free yard signs reminding us to love one another. He posted it on our county’s social media page…and the war began. Within a short time, I counted 102 comments. Ninety-eight of the remarks were fighting with him or with each other. Ironic? Yes. Surprising? Big sigh. No. As I read these ugly comments on social media, I was insulted on behalf of this good man. Why the anger? Why aren’t we extending grace to others? At the same time, his responses – both measured and kind – filled me with…
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How To Show Respect to Your Partner
My husband is a champion drag racer. He’s driven fast cars. Dangerous cars. And I’ve worried. This career we’ve traversed together has stretched our marriage in difficult ways. And in profoundly satisfying ways. Every day felt like a new test as we climbed the ladder with new expectations and no time to get comfortable before the next one arose. One of my biggest challenges, maybe you can relate, has been how to show my husband respect. It’s not that I’ve been outright disrespectful. But, love without expectations seems to be easier to understand and accomplish. But it’s taxing to trust and respect each other, especially on roads you’ve never traveled…
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Backup Singers
Kidd Rock was rockin’ it at a live concert on TV the other day. (Puns are always intended here.) He and his band were Intense. Fans were singing along loudly and dancing with their hands in the air. Who was striking, though, was a particular backup singer. She did what backup singers do, but her dancing and singing were outside the norm. Honestly, without her, that concert wouldn’t have been the same. She added color and love. I think there are backup singers in our life, too — people who encourage and people who discourage. People who hold us up and people who take us down. And they affect our…
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How to Save Your Relationship When It’s Falling Apart
Not getting what you need from a relationship is a real struggle. And over time, this is one of the main reasons why relationships fail. Why a relationship fails can be anything. Maybe he had an affair. Maybe you did. Maybe money is tight and you worry all the time. He is just not holding up his end of the bargain. It was supposed to be different. You don’t talk anymore or you fight too much. Perhaps you are feeling alone in your relationship in every way. Perhaps you started out strong, but things have led to you just not feeling the love anymore. She’s changed and won’t sleep in…