by Emily | May 20, 2016 | Freedom, Love, Pain, Prayer
[After a long hiatus due to significant life events, we are finally back to unpacking the beautiful example of prayer given by Jesus. Thanks for your patience!] Forgiveness is a topic that can strike a raw nerve in many hearts. Several years ago I co-authored a... by Emily | Jul 23, 2015 | Glory, Kingdom of Heaven, Love, Pain
The day I arrived in the city two bombs went off, one by a restaurant and the other by a mosque; over 40 people were killed. It did nothing to deter the training of “frontline workers” whose ministry was in thick of persecution and unrest; in fact, it was barely... by Emily | Jan 4, 2015 | Glory, Kingdom of Heaven, Love, Pain, Prayer, The Beatitudes
It was the morning of Good Friday, almost 2000 years after Jesus was on trial. My father and other organization members had gone to the courthouse. I lived with my family in Central Asia, and for months our whole team had faced investigation from the government, court... by Emily | Nov 14, 2014 | Glory, Kingdom of Heaven, Pain, Prayer, The Beatitudes
When reading the Beatitudes, the descriptions of those being blessed often seem lofty (I know my focus is not always on righteousness) or unpalatable (whose goal is it to be meek and mourning?). We all know that no one is perfect, so the next statement appears out of... by Emily | Oct 30, 2014 | Love, Pain, Prayer
There are many times when someone we know is struggling with pain, loss, or grief, and we want to show some kind of comfort or support. But good intentions don’t always become helpful outcomes, and at times a well-meaning word can actually be quite painful. For... by Emily | Oct 27, 2014 | Love, Pain, Prayer, The Beatitudes
We’ve been exploring what it means to be part of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, starting with Jesus’ descriptions of its citizens, including those who are “poor in spirit.” He goes on to say: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” This one hits...
