But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. -Galatians 5:22-23, NIV (emphasis mine) Without fail, I find myself tearing up when I hear stories of kindness. The stranger that stops for another in need and offers of themselves when they didn’t have to. I … Continue reading “Tears of gratitude for kindness”
Category: Grief
Eight years. Another divorce anniversary.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: -Ecclesiastes 3:1, KJV Eight years ago to this day, I received a message informing me that my divorce was finalized. It was a “congratulations” that felt very inappropriate at the time. So much has changed since that day. I … Continue reading “Eight years. Another divorce anniversary.”
Grief is a funny thing.
His family all tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “I will go to my grave mourning for my son,” he would say, and then he would weep. -Genesis 37:35, NLT Even years after a divorce, grief can still surprise. That is how grief works. It ambushes. The heart has a way … Continue reading “Grief is a funny thing.”
Burning bridges is sometimes wisdom in action!
I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. – I Corinthians 5:11, NLT Some bridges need burning! I am thinking of … Continue reading “Burning bridges is sometimes wisdom in action!”
Treat faithful spouses as adults, not children.
When I was a child, I as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. -I Corinthians 13:11, KJV Something about the infidelity and divorce surviving experience seems to encourage other Christians to see themselves as our parents. … Continue reading “Treat faithful spouses as adults, not children.”
“Right” belief does not always mean the person is “right” with God
A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he … Continue reading ““Right” belief does not always mean the person is “right” with God”
The loss of friends
Yet my friends laugh at me, for I call on God and expect an answer. I am a just and blameless man, yet they laugh at me. -Job 12:4, NLT Years removed, it is still difficult to think of old “friends” and accept the friendship is over for good. These could have been relationships developed … Continue reading “The loss of friends”
Missing my mentor and friend, Will Craig
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. -Ecclesiastes 4:11-12, NIV Sometimes, we are blessed to have mentors who become friends. I was … Continue reading “Missing my mentor and friend, Will Craig”
Validation needs to come long before forgiveness talk
Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words. -Job 2:13, NLT Please do not underestimate how traumatic and disorienting discovering marital infidelity is! Speaking from my personal experience as well as from … Continue reading “Validation needs to come long before forgiveness talk”
Wish I would be invited to teach seminary students on adultery and divorce
If I could write my own ticket, I would teach a seminary class on helping adultery victims and holding cheaters accountable. -Included in this class would be a primer on how divorce is not always sin as well as how divorce can be a mercy to victims of infidelity. Anger and ire ought to be … Continue reading “Wish I would be invited to teach seminary students on adultery and divorce”