I've been "away" for so long. Not myself. Grief can do that. But today is a new day. A day of hope. A day not to dwell on loss but on eternal life that Jesus promised. It's been three years since my mom ran into her Savior's arms and experienced more joy than any of …
Category: blog
Let No One Miss Out
I recently watched a worship video where the presence of God saturated the audience. I felt the same as I worshiped from home. Mostly, I had my eyes closed, but when I opened them, I noticed something. Many in the auditorium had arms outstretched and hands lifted high, crying out. Some with folded hands appeared …
There Will Be Dancing This Mother’s Day
I will not let Mother’s Day be consumed with sadness because you’re not here, Mom. Why should I? You were tired of the fight, tired of dealing with cancer, and looking forward to your heavenly home. “Either way, I win,” you said. “God will either heal me, and I can work for Him here, or …
Calming the Waves of Grief
Over the past nine months, I've learned grief can come in gentle waves, lapping at my toes and tricking me into thinking, "I can do this. This isn't so bad." Other times, the waves hit me so hard that they knocked me down, threatening to drown me. Sometimes, I even wished they would. I carried …
A Dangerous Christian
What would you think if you were on an airplane, only to hear over the speaker that your pilot hopes you enjoyed the flight, BUT he just wanted you to know he’s not sure how to land? You see, he never learned how. Or what if you’re in a waiting room while your spouse or …
The Empty Table
When my mom passed away from cancer seven months ago, the pain was unbearable. I'd hold my breath as I listened to her voicemail messages just to hear her voice and scroll through my phone to see pictures I'd taken while visiting her last year. Anything I could do to hold on to her a …
God Knows Our Hearts
With dirt caked under my nails from working in the garden, I answered my sister-in-law's phone call and walked around our backyard while we talked. Suddenly, a butterfly floated in front of my face and around my head, its wings grazing my forehead. It landed on my right hand, the same hand I used to …
When God Paints the Grass Purple
I had the day mapped out before me, a neverending to-do list. But I felt God leading me to go for a walk. "Oh, Lord. I have so much to do." I debated. Do I risk slipping further behind and go for a walk or plunge into my list and start treading water? "Maybe just …
Joey Rudder 