Where God's Word Meets Our Mess
Once Upon a Time is a TV show that was popular several years ago but faded into obscurity. Even though people don’t talk about it much anymore, I decided to try to it—and I was hooked on it for a week or two. I watched episode after episode, making solid progress in the first season. I really wanted to like it, but I couldn’t get past the immorality.
I was 13 years old when my friend Alexis* moved away. Losing her was really hard because I’d grown up with her. We’d attended the same church and the same homeschool groups, and we’d even played soccer on the same team. But Alexis isn’t the only friend I’ve lost in my life. Many of my friends have been “friends for a season.” Even though it’s not fun when a friendship ends, it’s not unusual.
If you’ve ever seen the movie Tangled, you can probably recall the amusing song “I’ve Got a Dream” that Rapunzel and several other characters sing about their personal aspirations. The song’s message is simple: Everyone has a dream, and every dream is special no matter how unconventional or unrealistic it is. It’s not unusual to hear or read similar messages from Christians. But even though many Christians emphasize the importance of having (and chasing) their dreams, God’s Word doesn’t.
In recent years, I’ve noticed an unsettling trend among guys who claim to love the Lord. No, I’m not referring to the rise in porn addictions, though that sin is definitely becoming more prevalent. Before I tell you what trend I’m referring to, I want you to know that this post is meant to build you up, not tear you down. As your sister in Christ, I want to help you live out your calling—and this is a major part of it.
There’s nothing wrong with feeling lonely, friends. But even when you feel alone, you have to remember you aren’t alone. If you’re struggling to keep that truth in mind, I completely understand. Here are a few suggestions for dealing with loneliness in healthy, practical ways.
The rest of the story—and the progress you’d made up until that point—is now ancient history. It didn’t take long for you to spiral. Something in you snapped the second you saw the bright red number flash on the scale. Suddenly, it feels like everything has returned to the way it was before.
Last summer, God gave me my dream job. I started working as a full-time writer/editor for a Christian ministry. I’d been praying for a position like this for years, and God graciously answered my prayers. But over the past several months, I’ve learned a few unexpected lessons I want to share with you that may change your perspective as you search for your dream job.
Unfortunately, this behavior (i.e., phone fixation in social situations) is common for people of all ages. It’s not just a teen girl issue. Even more unfortunately, this behavior is what’s holding us back from making real connections with each other.
Your boyfriend has never said anything like that before. He’s always respected your physical boundaries. In fact, you were confident he shared your convictions about saving sex for marriage—which is exactly why you don’t know how to respond to his statement. But you're tempted to say yes.
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 