We use the word grace to describe many things in life: dancers are graceful; we say grace before a meal; financial institutions grant grace periods; and people of dignity and respect have the character trait of grace. I find these descriptions useful, but there is another, more significant definition of grace: a gift freely given […]
Author: Colleen Swindoll Thompson
A Prayer for Strength
There is a book titled A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by author Eugene Peterson that puts into words the experiences of many who remain faithful to the Lord while their suffering continues without end. I have prayed the prayer below during such seasons and, today, this is my prayer for you. You may […]
Somewhere Down the Road
Silence has become a friend of mine. But it wasn’t always that way. In case you haven’t noticed, stress can generate a massive amount of noise. Trying to wrap your hands around spilling grief is like trying to catch a roaring waterfall with tissues—there could never be enough to dry it up, but my heart […]
There’s a Love Letter Addressed to You
It remains one of the most endearing love letters of all time. It is full of devotion, affection, and reflection. It is from an older man who carefully penned his words with humble transparency. To many readers, he was a mentor. He had suffered the wounds of affliction, betrayal, abuse, and pain—conditions that can often […]
There Is Growth in the Valley
The car was loaded with stuffed backpacks, sparkling water, and cell phone cameras. It was a crystal clear Southern California day, ideal for hiking. Apparently, it was the ladybug season; we found them everywhere—all of them were in our way, it seemed. Let’s just say the hike wasn’t perfect, but the mountain top was magically […]
You Have a Fan
Tom Malone, former president and COO of Milliken and Company, told a story about his life as a football player: I played football in college. I wasn’t very big—only 150 pounds—and I wasn’t very good. I got hurt a lot. I broke my arm once, my neck once, and my nose six times. When I […]
You Are Not Alone
Dear Fellow Traveler, Today I woke up and wanted to tell you that you’re not alone on the journey of life. So many times I have felt alone. Even after years of timely reminders, I often still wonder if there is anyone out there who understands the challenges of raising a child with special needs. […]
The Catcher
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Circus was in town not long ago. Their arrival produced in me a flood of childhood memories. As a kid, my folks took me to see the circus. I loved to watch the trapeze artists. I was amazed that people could dangle from a thin bar, swish from arm […]
Reflections
I wrote the following poem several years ago. When I found it the other day, I pondered its message. Even years later, these words remind me of life’s quiet cycle of suffering and restoration: life gets interrupted with pain or loss, God seems so distant, and then He restores and refreshes and seems so near. […]
The Little Troll
I have found that most of the stuff necessary for raising kids has an astonishing ability to hide in the smallest cracks and crevices of the home. There is an assortment of sticky, spiky, smelly, and squishy things I’ve found under my sofa cushions and car seats, in dryer filters and clothing pockets. Once, I […]
Weeds
Imagine. Someone just offered you one of four ways to spend your day. Your choices are: Spa Day: Receive a massage, a facial, a manicure, and a pedicure; get lathered with lotion and cloaked with warm towels while listening to quiet music all day long. Sports Day: Spend the day with close friends watching sports; […]
Challenges of Siblings, Part 3
How the Church Ministry Can Help Siblings of Special-Needs Kids Would you like to minister to the siblings of a special-needs family but don’t know where to start? The Internet has plenty of great resources for help in researching and shaping an outreach ministry at your church that’s tailored to their needs. Here are a few: […]