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Confession: I Love Motherhood
Note: Every now and then, I will post a short reflection. Something I might have thought to place in a Facebook status, but way too long for that format. So, today begins some quick thoughts about motherhood and social media…
A Call to Prayer During Anxious Time
Praying is never an overreaction.
I shared that sentiment a few weeks ago on twitter and I believe it is true. While prayer is never an overreaction, I would dare to say it’s not always our first reaction.
Don’t Wait to Encourage
I woke up smiling this morning after the most pleasant dream. My oldest sister, Alicia, has been on my mind a lot over the past few weeks. In my dream, she was hunting for something odd and, if I remember correctly, it was a device that measures body temperature. Yep, odd. We were at a restaurant and I had lost her. While I was searching for her, I bumped into an old high school friend. We chatted for a minute, picking up where we had left off as usual and then he scurried off to grab his child who was running away—as children do. As he left, there was Alicia wandering around still in her hunt. I ran up to her and squeezed her tightly. I said something like, “We’ve been searching for you. I’m so glad I found you.” and I wouldn’t let go of her. Oddly, her face was turned away from me and I never once saw it—I didn’t want to see it. I actually remember thinking, Please don’t turn around, I don’t know what your face will look like. I was slightly frightened by the thought. She didn’t turn around but if she would have, I imagine my next words would have been, I love you! Instead, I just continued to hold on tight…
Are Olympians More Than Their Sport?
As I caught myself watching the Olympic handball competition, I knew I was a big fan of the Olympic Games. I’m all in! I’m sucked into every event and competition (gotta get stuff done but can’t stop watching!). It’s been a joy watching these Olympians compete and learning about their lives and stories. They truly are so much more than their Olympic sport…
Stewardship, Stories, and You
At the beginning of the year, there are many of my friends who choose a word that they hope will be “their” word for the year. Words like: gratitude, peace, balance, and flourish. They then spend the year thinking about the word, if I understand correctly, trying to experience the word or even be motivated by the word. I, obviously, have never chosen a word for the year—except, I think, I’ve discovered that this year a word chose me. Throughout the first seven months of the year, I’ve had a renewed conviction and desire to think about stewardship and specifically stewardship in writing.
Be a Thinking People
I’d like to start this post with a confession. When I first became a Christian, I took everyone’s insight and perspective on faith as gold. Every book I read, every speaker I heard, every friend’s spiritual advice or opinions were to me almost as sure as the Bible. I was so excited about Jesus and the things of Jesus, but admittedly naïve and not as discerning as I should’ve been. Over the past few years, as I’ve gotten to know more writers and speakers and as I myself have continued in ministry, I realized that I had placed so much trust in sinful men and women. Godly, sure, but sinful. These men and women who are speaking and writing are prone to the same temptations as you and me—selfish ambition, comparison, competition, fear of man, slander, laziness, all of it. They are not all wise and not infallible. And if any writer or speaker friend reads this, I hope and pray they’d heartily say “Amen!” As I reflect on what I have the opportunity to write and speak about I realize that I, too, can be wrong and often pray before I speak that the Lord would protect his people and give me the right words to say…
How the Tour de France Is Teaching Me about Selflessness
Over the past few years, I’ve become a cycling enthusiast. This year, I’ve taken my enjoyment from going out for a ride to learning about the sport, its history, and the key players of today. As a result, I’ve been following the 2016 Le Tour de France closely. I’ve watched almost every stage (their name for the route they ride each day; there are 21 stages in the race). I’ve read articles, watched videos and even began tracking some riders’ progress via the Tour’s website. I’m all in! It’s fun and intriguing and incredibly interesting to me. I could go on and on about all that I am learning—it’s a lot! But it isn’t just that I’m learning about the sport. I’m also learning about perseverance, endurance, long-suffering, camaraderie, competition, discipline and dedication. Perhaps one day I’ll write about each of these things but today, after what I saw in the race, I wanted to highlight one key area: selfless teamwork.
Listen. Learn. Love: Kristie Anyabwile Answers Your Frequently Asked Questions
(Note from Trillia: You’ve asked me to answer some of your most frequent questions regarding racial reconciliation and I’m happy to say that I’ve recruited a few friends to assist me. Over the next few days, I’ll have guest posts from Kristie Anyabwile and Jemar Tisby. Kristie is up first. Kristie has become a dear sister who I speak with often. She is humble, gentle, honest, and kind. She loves deeply and wants to see the same unity I desire. I pray you will be encouraged by her today…)
The Monolithic Black Community and Frequently Asked Questions
A few weeks ago I tweeted: If you look at your Black friends, coworkers, writers etc. and think they can only contribute to race conversations, this is wrong and narrow…
Valuing the Lives of All Mankind
Note from Trillia: Over the next few posts, I’ll have a small number of guests at my site sharing their thoughts, concerns, and prayers for our nation and, more specifically, the American church as we think through the recent shootings and the state of our nation. Today I welcome Catherine Parks. Catherine was one of my first friends when I moved to the Nashville area. We went from online friends interacting on trivial things to, after one meeting, dear friends pouring out our hearts on all matters of subjects related to marriage, children, church, writing and race. At that point, I knew she’d be a treasure of a friend who would help sharpen my thinking and increase my love for my Savior. I hope you’ll listen in on what she has to share today…
Is Racial Harmony a Black Issue?
This past week found much of America mourning and grieving over the deaths of two Black men at the hands of police, both caught on video, and then the tragic death of five officers at the hands of a sniper. These shootings have left us asking the same questions I believe we’ve been asking over the past few years, but this time something has changed. What has typically been a discussion predominantly among African Americans has now found an increasing amount of white voices speaking out—it’s not enough, but it’s a start…
An Invitation to Fast and Pray in the Wake of Tragedy
Last night, I heard the incredibly sad news that Dallas police officers were shot and killed during a protest against cops. And at that moment, I’ve never felt more helpless…
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At the beginning of this week I shared about my joyful, yet sorrowful Father’s Day. And by the end of the week, I’ve learned of the many sorrows of friends near and far. One dear family received news that could likely change the course of their lives forever. It’s been a tough week for many of you. Life is hard and although for some it may appear easy, we will all undoubtedly experience hardship and trials at some point. There are many thirsty, hurting and needy souls out there. So, where do we run? And whom do we run to? This morning I found myself in Psalm 63; an unlikely place to run to with sorrows, perhaps. But like David in the wilderness, when all seems lost, I want my soul to cling to the One who doesn’t grow faint or weary…
When Every Holiday Reminds You of Loss
I never know exactly when it’s going to hit me, but when it does, it seems to come on like daggers piercing my heart. The recent celebration of Father’s Day was a wonderful time of being grateful for and affirming my husband, the father to our two children and the love of my life. But with every picture shared on social media about my friends’ fathers, I was given a reminder that mine is gone. My father passed away when I was 19. He was my best friend. It’s been many years since his passing but it seems the sorrow, though at times not as strong, never fully goes away. Tragically, my father isn’t the only one my family has lost. I won’t go down the list, but I will say that almost every holiday is a reminder that someone is missing…
Hope in the Fight Against Fear
Fear held a tight grip on my life. It wasn’t just segmented to one area for me — no, the lies and anxiety of fear spread to so many of my relationships and situations. Pause and think about how fear impacts you. What do you fear specifically, and why does that fear have such power in your life? My own struggle with fear is one of the reasons I wrote Fear and Faith. It’s not a book about a woman who has arrived, rather it’s about how I’ve learned to fight for faith. Fear is ultimately rooted in unbelief, that’s why we need faith. So, Fear and Faith is about God—it’s about his goodness, grace, sovereignty, love, wisdom, and protection. And the book is a reminder that there is One strong enough for all your fears…s
Politics aren’t Worth Your Friendships
This election season has been one for the books. The results so far have taken many of us by surprise. It’s also brought out fear, anxiety, and a great deal of tension. I am certain that we will experience the effects of this election season for years to come. But what I wonder (and fear) is that our political responses, discussions, and beliefs might do damage to dear relationships. At the end of 2016, will we see carnage from the battle of political ideologies and differing opinions among brothers and sisters in Christ? Will those of us who were united in friendship become enemies as a result? Is it possible that we can disagree and still continue to love one another or is this where our paths diverge from each other?…
Let’s Pray Together
I remember when I became a Christian, the lady who shared the gospel with me told me that she had several friends praying that I would come to know the Lord. And the day I became a Christian, three friends gathered around me and joined me in praying to the Lord for the forgiveness of my sin. I remember meeting with my two girlfriends every other week for several years, sharing about the various trials we were experiencing, the joys of life, and praying each time. I have never been a part of church that didn’t include a small group, therefore I’ve been blessed by weekly or biweekly prayer times with other believers consistently over the past 15 years…
Things I “Like”
Before I jump into a few things I like, I thought it would be good to share something that might seem obvious to you: I am writing again! Actually, I’ve never stopped writing. I’ve been writing a lot actually. I have almost finished a book project and I’ve been writing every month for Tabletalk and HomeLife magazines. I’ve been writing for other sites as well but as my speaking has increased, my work at the ERLC has continued to grow and change, and as I’ve concentrated much of my writing on my book, I’ve spent less time writing articles and blog posts. But that’s changing and I’m excited!..
On Being a “Serious” Christian
I cycle. I get on a bike, channeling my inner 12 year old girl, and spin all over Williamson County where I live. I will sit on my bike for hours upon hours (okay, not really yet, only two or so). I find great joy in it and actually wrote a piece for Christianity Today about the intersection between Christianity and exercise. I love cycling and I believe that I can glorify God while I’m enjoying the sport…
That One Time I didn’t Pay It Forward
The other day, I had an experience that has reshaped my preconceived notions of the poor and also increased my awareness of the needs around me. I won’t get into the nitty-gritty of the situation but, in short, I was able to help a family who were clearly in dire need of assistance. Then today, I found myself in a very different situation. I was in the drive-thru at a Starbucks and when I rolled up to the window, the barista informed me that the driver ahead of me had paid for my drink. (I had actually gotten a drink and a croissant.) I paused, looked at her and admitted, “It’s so interesting. I never really know what to do in this situation.”
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