To the Girl Who Watches Porn
This article originally was published on Whole Magazine. In the quiet of night and the darkness of dusk, it calls out for you. It lures you in with its whispers as it begs to be pondered. The saying is true that “sin crouches at the door,” offering sweet lies but seeking to devour you (Genesis […]
Pregnancy After Loss: Deep Love, Deep Fear and the God of Peace
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. (Psalm 56:3 ESV) The sum of prayers whispered to heaven asking God to sustain our baby boy’s life are innumerable to my little mind. I can’t even begin to count them. It started from the moment I knew another child had taken root in my […]
Transparency for the Sake of Others
Nearly everything is shared online these days. Moments of family fun, date nights, articles, songs, Bible study musings, you name it—we’ve probably shared it. Some people stay far away from exposing any personal details on social media. Meanwhile, others are an open book, allowing even strangers a ticket to see the inward battles they face. […]
What Our Struggle to Love Someone Else Reveals About Us
This article originally appeared on Gospel-Centered Discipleship. I once heard a speaker call a fellow Christian an “EGR,” i.e. “Extra Grace Required.” In my immaturity, I followed suit in using the acronym when confronted with my own “EGR’s” in daily life. How unloving; How hurtful. Surely, in the Christian life, we’ll face those who frustrate […]
This Pregnancy Isn’t About Me
I wanted to share an update but felt unsure of how. The typical “Baby Allen coming soon!” announcement just isn’t within our reach. We hope the above statement is true, but only God knows. So, this is the best way I found to say…we’re pregnant again. I was hesitant to share this. I feared what […]
When “Thy Will Be Done” Becomes Self-Protection
I was restless. Many thoughts bouncing from one side of my head to the other, colliding and creating more thoughts. Silently, I watched the Black-Capped Chickadees dash across the yard into the white spruce right outside the window, their quickness mimicking the questions and fears racing through my mind. How do you keep bringing your […]