Welcome to day 24 of STAND OUT: 7 traits of a counter cultural life. You can find every post in this series indexed here. We're wrapping up the discussion about DEPENDENCE today. In a society that values self-sufficiency and independence, one of the most radical ways we live counter culturally is to acknowledge our need for relationship both with God and with others. We were created with an inherent desire for connection with God and community with others. As believers, we also have a ... [Read More]
I Need You
Welcome to day 23 of STAND OUT: 7 traits of a counter cultural life! You can find every post in this series indexed here. I spent yesterday morning at my grandmother's house. We sat at the table in her breakfast nook and chatted about life. I shared with her how tired I am right now and how hard parenting a teenager is. She smiled and assured me it would get better — but it might take awhile. My cousin came by and my grandaddy joined us at the table and we caught up on the doings in each ... [Read More]
I Can’t Do It All
Welcome to day 22 of STAND OUT: 7 traits of a counter cultural life. You can find all the posts indexed here. You know those days when you finally fall into bed and realize you were busy all day but you can't really think of anything you actually accomplished? Yeah, me neither. {If only there was a sarcasm font for that last sentence!} Yesterday I was talking to Scott about our schedule for the next few days and I said, "Basically, we're busy until Casiday's birthday in February." We ... [Read More]
What Does Forgiveness Look Like?
Welcome to day 21 of STAND OUT: 7 traits of a counter cultural life. You can find a list of every post in this series here. Do you have a particularly difficult relationship in your life? I'd imagine most of us do or have. And while the particulars of these relationships may vary, one thing is likely true: we have been hurt multiple times by the person who likely is unaware or unwilling to acknowledge the hurt. And honestly, it stinks! Perhaps others are aware of the situation but, ... [Read More]
The Truth about Forgiveness
Welcome to day 20 of STAND OUT: 7 traits of a counter cultural life. You can find every post in the series here. I've been thinking a lot about one of those hard relationships in my life and why it is I struggle with forgiveness. If I were guessing, I'd imagine the reasons I could identify are ones you might recognize in some of those difficult relationships in your life as well. As I talk with my friends and with others who come to me for prayer or counsel finding a way to forgive people ... [Read More]
When We Don’t Forgive
Welcome to day 19 of STAND OUT: 7 traits of a counter cultural life. You can find every post listed here. So, yeah, the next three days I am already dreading ... because if I have learned anything from teaching and writing all these years it's this: the topic I'm covering is like a flashing invitation for the enemy to start his attacks right there. The next topic on our list of seven is forgiveness. And, if you'll allow me to be super honest with you — I often struggle hard in this area. I'm ... [Read More]
