WWJD bracelets were, I think, mildly “cool” back in the day, long before I was a Christian and long before I really understood how it was that Jesus acted which made the rest of the world so eager to emulate him. “What would Jesus do?” It’s a worthwhile question we, as Christians, ask ourselves often. … More WWJD: On Emulating & Becoming
I have two friends. Their names are Grace and Hope. They are sisters. Grace is a sweet soul. She swirls and dances, always offers the last bite, always gives the benefit of the doubt. She’s far too trusting. And so, she always ends up in places she shouldn’t be, making acquaintances with people she shouldn’t … More Sister Virtues
It’s taking the dirt road home, not because it’s quicker, but because it’s beautiful. It’s eye contact, “how are yous,” and hugs that comfortably linger. It’s the gentle squeeze of my palm in your palm at the word “amen.” And when they remember, “no sugar, just a little cream,” at the local coffee shop because … More Intention
Colorado backcountry. Mountain air. Ungodly early, dark skies. Sore back. Cold toes. Shallow breaths under rattling polyester. Eye lashes flutter open, revealing only silhouette. My cousin lays next to me, motionless. On her back. Suddenly, she whispers. “Michelle, are you awake?” I pause. There is no air. Only adrenaline-fueled electricity and static. “Yea.” Outside our … More Quiet
In grade school, you are are taught that the world is composed of formulas. E=mc2 y=mx+b c2=a2+b2 You’re guaranteed to get the answer, they say, if only you plug in the right values. In adolescence, you are taught that formulas ensure certain outcomes. Kindness given = kindness received Safety = prudence + precaution Success = … More Equations
It’s the woven ivory cardigan in my closet. The one with loose threads and pockets that I’ve worn to work and weddings, alike. It’s the Mrs. T’s frozen pierogies in my freezer that I can pull out in a pinch, sear in butter, and eat with shredded cheese. It’s the stack of hand-written letters from … More Keep Finding Jesus: How Character Quells Anxiety
I rearrange my words so carefully in a world imploding violently Like all of humanity is made of glass. Fragile. Only we can’t see through to each other’s hearts. Our lives echo words spoke long ago by Pilate, who gave the crowd a show – what is truth? He asked. So many of us do … More fragile
Singleness can get a bad reputation, but truly? It’s not bad all the time. There are many gifts to this season and lessons to learn. We pray you’ll find solace, encouragement, and laughter in these words. Because, as always, we’re with you in the messy middle. To the One Who is Tired of Waiting by … More To the One: Letters on Singleness (it’s really OK)
I am taut. Taught. To hold everything in balance. The reality with hope, the sorrow with gladness. But some days, I’m not so sure. And I feel like a bridge suspended between strong winds, Wondering: If I drop one end, who falls? I have grown. Known. A heart that beats dichotomously Just like the world … More Tensions
As the one year “anniversary” of the COVID-19 shutdowns passes this weekend, we once again took some time away to reflect, write (and eat far too many pretzels + peanut butter M&Ms). Yes, this year was filled with grief, weird documentaries, TikTok challenges, and cancelled plans, but through it all we each have testimonies of … More One Year Out: Reflections on a Good God in a Bad Year
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