When experiencing infertility, a woman’s feelings about herself, her relationships with others and her belief in God become confused and complicated. Having experienced these emotions herself, Lesli A. Westfall has written Dancing Upon Barren Land: Prayer, Scripture Reflections, and Hope for Infertility. Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your own ...continue reading
The Church. A place of love and joy and peace. A sanctuary of safety. A haven where the flock gathers and works together and loves one another with the love of Jesus and builds one another up and spurs one another on and helps one another grow. At least that’s the idea. Sadly, this is not always the case. In fact, there’s a lot going on in churches ...continue reading
Reader Question: I'm 72-years old and I have been tracing my family tree on Ancestry.com for the past several years. I am the oldest surviving member from both the maternal and fraternal side of my family. My brother (two years younger) found out that he and I have different fathers making us half siblings. Here is the touchy part: for about a year now, ...continue reading
She graduated from high school on Friday and turned 18 on Saturday, then on Sunday spirited me out for a surprise Mother’s Day lunch at Piccadilly because she knew it was where my mother and I always went. She’s my baby-girl-become-woman, my soul friend who knows what my heartbeat sounds like from the inside. I said goodbye to 25 years of homeschooling ...continue reading
Reader Question: How do I explain my boundaries with my family to those who think because I am a Christian, I should not have these boundaries? These are boundaries that have not been put in place lightly, ones I have dedicated to prayer and I feel they are appropriate and needed. But I am constantly questioned and sometimes judged by those who seek to have ...continue reading
{ There were letters written to early churches telling them they needed the kind of sorrow that led to Godly repentance. I agree with you: I... } – May 20, 2:37 PM
{ For quite some time I have felt this very thing. How can we continue in silence when so many in our churches are "allowed" to... } – May 20, 12:20 PM { Thank you so much for sharing this resource, my friend. I'm sure it will be a help to many. The collateral damage from spiritual abuse... } – May 20, 11:29 AM { Pat, I wish I could say your story is rare. You were one of the several people I saw hurting over things like this, just... } – May 20, 11:26 AM
{ Yes, it is time, and I am speaking out, also. So many have been deeply damaged by spiritual abuse in our churches that it makes... } – May 20, 1:06 AM
Amazing what you blessed us with, inspired us to imagine, and evoked from our desires during your presentation at the National Association of Christian Women's Conference on writing.
Jo Ann, you are my writing inspiration! I just love to sit at my computer and let it out...the time goes so quickly. Something so deep stirs within. There's such a "knowing" that I am right where I am supposed to be. Much love and appreciation for you.
Using your journal for our weekly gatherings has been such a blessing. I appreciate, so much, your attention to detail and your willingness to travel the journey placed before you by our Heavenly Father, that has enabled you to touch deep into the hearts of hurting women all over the world! You are an amazing woman Jo Ann, and it's been a privilege working with you.