At thirteen years old, in eighth grade, I became the victim of a spiritual abuser. I just didn’t realize it for years. I attended confirmation classes in my church and sang in the choir, rang bells in the handbell choir, and participated in the youth group. Ardent for the Lord, I led my youth group in a twenty-four-hour prayer vigil. But I was also vulnerable and awkward. Too tall too fast and prone to saying the wrong thing, I carried a full contingent of insecurities. So when my mother’s prayer partner and friend, (I will call her Gladys) cornered me…
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Fasting for an answer to prayer sometimes results in what feels like the wrong answer. But when I fasted for three days about God’s will for my relationship with my boyfriend, I was still surprised when he broke up with me the first day after the fast. Heartbreak slaps you hard. It hurts whether or not you are expecting it. I felt mad, disappointed, and in pain. If you were to ask me who I was mad at, I am not sure I could answer you. All I knew was God had promised me a husband and a father for my four daughters. Their…
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Knights in gleaming armor mounted on mighty steeds, banners whipping in the wind as they gallop to the top of the hill before the barbarian armies, await the clash and toil of war, creating a vivid picture of manliness and courage. Literature treats us to visions of noble kings and their valiant knights assembled, prepared to fight for honor and glory. So thrilling and yet, sorry to say, as followers of Christ, we must strip off that splendid get-up and don the much simpler, more humble armor of Christ. We forsake old life of pride and begin a new one,…