With Mark in Dresden, Germany Last month, I accepted the realization that I am an anxious traveler. While I have had the privilege of traversing much of the globe as a child of missionaries and then later as one myself, I was usually accompanied by someone. Only four times in my life have I made … Continue reading Do Not Be Anxious
Author: Eva Burkholder
I Will Rejoice in the Lord
When I was in college, I had what I called “blah” days. For no apparent reason, I felt down and lethargic. Looking back, I wish I had explored this more, maybe talked to a counselor, and perhaps it was just hormonal.
Hang Gentleness!
In the BBC movie version* of Pride and Prejudice, Mrs. Bennett is running around in a tizzy because a wealthy gentleman has come to call on her eldest daughter in the early morning. Because she is not dressed yet, she says to her mother, “Let Kitty [her younger sister] go down. She’s forwarder than any … Continue reading Hang Gentleness!
A "Same Mind" Example
Beth served as the leader of an anti-sex trafficking ministry. She was young, passionate, idealistic and smart. Beth went into brothels to rescue sex slaves. She met with local police and government officials. Her highly competent, high output personality was well suited for her unique role. But Beth did not conform to the "Christian bubble" norms. … Continue reading A "Same Mind" Example
Cleaning Out and Saving Stuff
Honoring ones parents is a strange thing. Suddenly they are gone and the stuff, the material stuff, stays here. What was collected over a life time, used, treasured and stored is now touched, remembered, laughed at, kept or tossed by the ones left behind.
Help Them Be Christlike
This week a childhood acquaintance lost a close friend because she publicly expressed her anger at injustice. Hearing this reinforces my fears. I fear going more public with my writing because I know someone will inevitably disagree with me. And some folks are very disagreeable in how they disagree. Like most people, I gravitate toward … Continue reading Help Them Be Christlike
A Sacred Touch
I carry my tension in my neck. Computers and iPads make it worse yet. To help with this, I started going to a massage therapist. Her strong fingers find knots and kinks in my neck and shoulders I don't know I have. Her touch brings relief and my physical tension dissipates. But more than that, … Continue reading A Sacred Touch
The Mindset of Christ
Dorothy sat on our couch weeping. “I am so hurt. I feel betrayed. We were like family. Why would they put strategy and culture above me and my future?” She and her team leader had a huge disagreement. This clash of opinions meant a slammed door on her hopes and dreams. She wanted to forgive them. She wanted to have a restored relationship, but it didn’t look possible.
