from the roof  by Carol Reeve

When we experience physical or emotional trauma, the world says, “Get over it.” But I believe there is no waste in God’s economy. Consider a disposable water bottle. After drinking its contents, you have a choice: 1. You can put that bottle in a recycle bin, where it will eventually be picked by a truck that delivers it to a sorting center. From that sorting center, the bottle may be picked up with tens of thousands of other plastic bottles and delivered to a facility that r

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV). We claim this verse and quote it to friends who are struggling. But do we really understand what “working for our good” could mean? Too often, I believe, we sentimentalize a God who works all things for our good. We connect the dots that lead to our “blessings” and good fortune and say, “God is faithful.” What do we do, though, when

A friend (who said I could share this if I referred to her as my "talented, beautiful, witty friend") sent me the following text earlier today: "Do you get tired? You do so much. Mother. Wife. Girl on the Roof. Employees. Writing. Do you ever want to run away from your life? Or the responsibilities? I am trying too hard to do it all - keep all the balls in the air - and I get so tired. But you keep adding. I don't know how." I responded with a series of cartoon emojis: YES! N

Last week five innocent police officers in Dallas were shot by a sniper who was outraged by the unjust killings of black men by white police officers in other cities, cities far from Dallas. That these men in blue were killed while trying to protect people protesting against them is a modern Shakespearean tragedy, with the notable difference that they didn’t get to walk off the stage at the end of the performance. The shooter was Micah Xavier Johnson. He was 25 years old. He

Just in case there are any doubts out there... As long as there are secrets in a relationship, there is darkness in it. It is when we shine light on the dark areas and tell the truth that we experience community and acceptance and belonging and grace. THAT is what God wants from us... not perfection (we cannot attain perfection). He wants us to be in community through our imperfection. That is love.

Today a friend of mine asked me what makes me most proud to be a mom. For me it's not a photo (you all know I post plenty of those). For me, I am most proud and honored as a mom when I see my daughter show grace (her middle name, "unmerited favor") and when she reminds me to do the same; when I see her be a good friend even when she doesn't feel up to the job; when she works hard to earn a place on the team (and doesn't expect it to be handed to her); when she stands tall and