“Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but, importantly, you are not the rain.” — Matt Haig I fought therapy for so long. I was spending my days just surviving in 2018. I can distinctly remember sitting on the side of the bed one morning, staring out of my bedroom window in a daze. I could literally feel the depression seeping into my very core. I wasn’t suicidal, but I honestly didn’t care about life. It was my dogs that kept me...
“Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but, importantly, you are not the rain.” — Matt Haig I fought therapy for so long. I was spending my days just surviving in 2018. I can distinctly remember sitting on the side of the bed one morning, staring out of my bedroom window in a daze. I could literally feel the depression seeping into my very core. I wasn’t suicidal, but I honestly didn’t care about life. It was my dogs that kept me...
We receive and we lose, and we must try to achieve gratitude, and with that gratitude embrace with whole hearts whatever of life that remains after the losses. ― Andre Dubus I never would have said that my life was difficult. I have always accepted what I was given, adjusted, and moved on. I have endured losses and a few minor setbacks. I have been deceived, insulted, mocked, and cast aside in favor of others. That never got to me. Whatever I faced, I analyzed the problem, suffered for a few days, gathered myself, and then started again....
A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture are like a tree without roots. – Marcus Garvey Every visitor and backpacker is enticed to explore South Korea’s mysterious, unique region and its numerous attractions. South Korea provides such an incredible variety of undiscovered natural sights and urban pleasures, leaving many travel options. There are trendy cities and traditional folk towns, peaceful islands, and breathtaking landscapes. We began making our travel wish list last winter. Some things we were able to do, others we have yet to get to! The hospital stay and Hawaiian adventure didn’t...
But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven — Matthew 19:14 It seems that we continue to argue over women’s rights and her decision to choose. As Christians and as a country, it is more evident than ever before, based on recent events, that we are in grave jeopardy. This week a prominent Supreme Court ruling was overturned, giving the rights back to the states, which is covered under the Tenth Amendment. The Supreme Court serves to interpret and protect the U.S. Constitution. The...
I think the first step is to understand that forgiveness does not exonerate the perpetrator. Forgiveness liberates the victim. It’s a gift you give yourself. — T. D. Jakes My Story These past two weeks have been a whirlwind of chaos and medical confusion. If you’ve read my post, Wounded Warrior, you know the story of my current situation. We returned to South Korea about a week and a half ago. It’s been a lot of follow-up visits and getting re-established. It has been a battle to be assigned to a new primary care doctor (PCM). This battle began...
To travel is to take a journey into yourself. – Danny Kaye This has been a wild ride. We knew going into this that it would be a different adventure, but an opportunity nonetheless. After spending a few days in the hospital, we took the opportunity to explore the island as much as we could as we waited on the flight back to South Korea. Trippler has definitely helped with that! With every booked flight, there has been a delay or cancellation. It’s somewhat frustrating not knowing a definite timeline, but we’re trying to make the best of it....
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” – Romans 12:2, KJV I began writing at an early age. I like to think that I got it from my grandma. She was known as the class poet. I became known as the writer of scary stuff! Did I mention I like scary stuff? God took hold of my writing in 8th grade. I was responsible for typing and laying out the church’s weekly bulletin. One...
“and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 How did I become a double amputee and a prisoner of war? So there was in the hills of South Korea. Everything was calm. The gentle breeze billowed from the river. Birds were singing while fluttering from limb to limb on nearby trees. Suddenly the peace was disrupted and replaced with pure chaos. In the bushes, surrounding the steep embankment, circled the young Korean boy. He...
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is in the LORD. Jeremiah 17:7 NKJV I, for one, am thankful for my upbringing. Church was an important factor in my family. Sunday school, worship am service, BTS (it’s a Missionary Baptist thing!), worship pm service, fellowships, Wednesday night Bible study, and Vacation Bible School. If the doors were opened, we were there! Did I like it? No. It was right up there with practicing the piano. Did I try to get out of it? Yeah. I succeeded once when I had an ear infection. I...