Columns

Tattoos and piercings are artistically and sociologically significant in cultures across the globe. Throughout history, people have held varying opinions about each. But now that we’re a more global community, these skin-deep forms of self-expression have largely become mainstream. I have a couple tattoos, as well as numerous piercings in…

In September, I decided to revamp my pathetic and inconsistent fitness routine. In a moment of desperation, I ordered a Peloton bike. I needed to lose weight and was out of shape. Not a good feeling. With my bleeding disorders, walking causes my foot and knee to swell. I…

As a pastor, one of my favorite things to do is to mentor men and women who respond to a call to ordained ministry. I enjoy theological conversations that spark great debates and critical analysis. Mentees and I form a collegial bond that lasts many years. First, I help them…

In the early days of a diagnosis, emotions run wild. Anxiety, helplessness, and anger are a few feelings that cloud the mind, and it’s difficult to even begin to understand what lies ahead. In 1996, my first son, Julian, was born and diagnosed with severe hemophilia A. In…

My husband and I have always found ourselves living in between places. The first apartment we moved to was in a hub between three cities. Now we live on the border between two cities. Just a few streets away from us is a sign that says, “Thank…

Last year, I met Kayla Mack through a Facebook group for people with von Willebrand disease (VWD). Kayla has type 3, a severe form of the condition. She reached out to the group for help after a terrifying visit to the emergency room. She wrote, “I’m getting very afraid…

First, I want to make something clear. This column isn’t titled “In the Twinkling of an Eye: The Money Issue.” When I speak of investing, I mean directing our energy to different areas of our life. Think of it as depositing essential acts of kindness and assistance to those we…

I recently read a story about a family who drove to Nevada from Florida, hoping to get home for Christmas. Their flights had been canceled several times, so instead of spending the holiday at home with family, they spent several days on the road. Unexpected airline issues thwarted their plans.

Our New Year’s didn’t go as planned this year. My husband, Jared, our daughter, Cittie, and I were supposed to book a room for a staycation and then go out to the city center to see midnight fireworks. However, that didn’t pan out because the room we had been looking…

This time of year, I hear many stories of people committing to change and promising to embrace a new way of living. Unfortunately, many of us quickly forget our resolutions. A sense of failure can seep into our lives as, once again, we fail to honor promises made to ourselves.