Take the initiative to resolve the conflict. (Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15-17) Even if you think you were the one wronged. Talk face-to-face if possible or by phone. Don’t use email or text. Bring a non-biased mediator if she refuses to meet with you alone. Focus on goals bigger than your personal differences. (Eph 4:3, Philippians 3:12-14) […]
Women’s Issue: Growing Strong after Sexual Assault
More than 700 women looked on as I took the stage to share my story for the first time. How I wanted to run away and never look back. But I knew the Lord had brought me to that audience to tell about the life-altering day on which I was raped, just days after my […]
Prayers for Women Who Hurt on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day presents so many meaningful opportunities to celebrate motherhood, its sacrifices, its joys and its day to day impact on changing the world. It is right to celebrate this day with breakfast in bed, hand scrawled notes, long distance phone calls, flowers and more. And it is also right to remember that many of […]
10 Questions to Measure Spiritual Growth
As leaders in women’s ministry, it is easy to try to cure the spiritual needs of everyone else. But often we’re so focused on those we serve that we neglect our own spiritual needs. Our personal walk with Christ should be our first priority. If we are not learning as we go, we will have […]
B.L.E.S.S. and the National Day of Prayer
The Bible has plenty to say about walking. Scripture points out with admiration that, “Enoch walked with God.” (Gen. 5:24) So did Noah. (Gen. 6:9) God made a bold promise when He told Joshua, “I will give you every place where you set your foot.” I find daily reassurance in knowing that, “A man’s steps […]
Ministry: Ministering to the 20-Something Heart
Don’t let the 20-Something woman surprise you; she is not as complicated as you may think. In fact, 20-Somethings are among the most open-minded, service-sensitive people in ministry today. But there’s one thing they won’t tolerate, and that’s being inauthentic. They can sniff it out in a heartbeat. In addition to understanding this vital piece […]
Encountering Easter, Observing Lent
I was first introduced to Lent by a patient at the hospital where I volunteered during high school. He was in traction and had a sign posted on his door that read, “I gave up walking for Lent.” The traditions of Lent were different from those I knew. We celebrated Easter as the high point […]
Healing the Heartbreak of Abortion
A woman’s “right to a safe and legal abortion” seemed so enlightened. I wrote papers, signed petitions and argued the pro-choice stance during my college years. Until the choice was mine. I was 23. Pregnant. And didn’t want to be. I didn’t know God had something to say about abortion. I didn’t know what God […]
Ministering to Women with a Hospitalized Family Member
Hard times come to all of us, and there’s nothing quite like a medical emergency to rock a family’s world. It’s often hard to know how to help a family who is facing prolonged illness, ongoing treatments and/or tests, surgery or other medical needs. Here are some thoughts from Jeri Buchanan, San Antonio, Texas, who […]
Devotional: Who Am I in This Story?
I’ve heard the Good Samaritan story hundreds of times. I’ve been familiar with the beloved parable for over 40 years, and most times I hear it, I ask, “Who am I in this story?” Am I the Priest, the Levite or the Samaritan?” Of course, the goal is to be the Samaritan. He was the […]
