Christian World View
-
Easter in a Season of Sorrow
Easter Past I love Easter. As our kids grew up, it was almost a sacred time. After church on Easter Sunday, we would go to my folk’s house for lunch, an Easter egg hunt, and family photos. The kids would line in age order to take pictures. Then, they would get in height order. The Thomas kids spread out nicely in age order, but when it came to height order, they usually gathered at the end of the line. Finally, there was the obligatory photo with Mimi and Bop Bop. What I wouldn’t give to have those days back! I have other Easter memories. When Bryan was six, he was…
-
Presuppositions and Grief: It Might Be Time to Take Another Look
Have you ever been in one of those situations where you heard a word or sentence that piques your curiosity, and then the same idea comes up several times in a short period? As a Christ follower, I take that as God trying to get my attention. What might that idea be right now? It is the idea of “presupposition.” Two weeks ago, during bible study, our teacher explained that when we study the Bible, we often come with presuppositions. A presupposition is something we assume to be true based on our background. If you are raised Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Lutheran, other world religions, or no religion, you were taught…
-
Growth In Loss: Loss Can Trigger Loss, But It Doesn’t Have To
“Loss triggers loss. If you don’t learn the art of helpful grieving now, future losses will compound – and continue to derail you.” Rebuild, week 6 Remembering when When it comes to child loss, my first experience came at 20 weeks of pregnancy. I was pregnant with my 3rdchild and went in for my “normal monthly check” when they discovered nothing was “normal” about it. There was no heartbeat. My world crashed in around me. I found out I was having a boy and that he was gone, all in a matter of moments. Darkness overtook me as I waited three days to deliver my long-anticipated son, David Michael. I had…
-
Do You Have The Kind Of Support System You Need?
How Support Systems Shape the Way We Grieve A key factor in how we process grief is the kind of support system we have. Life stage, personality, and community all influence who supports us and how we heal. 🧒 Stage of Life Children often turn to their parents during grief. Parents carry the heavy task of guiding their children while managing their own pain—sometimes putting their kids’ needs first. Young adults tend to rely on friends. They may push away their parents’ care as they seek independence. But friends often lack experience with loss and may not know how to offer support. As a result, their ability to tolerate grief…
-
Grieving Into The Holidays – Speedbumps and Potholes
Part One The holidays are a complicated part of life in the midst of grief. Holiday festivities and holiday grief don’t usually mix well. Families gathering around a Christmas tree and someone missing are awkward. What are some tips to help “drive through the holidays” with as minor damage as possible? When it comes to hard days and holidays, beware of speedbumps and potholes. Speedbumps I know it is a word-picture and might be silly, but go with me here. If you think about a speed bump, they are forseeable changes. It is usually well-marked. A sign typically warns you it is coming. It is put there intentionally to “slow you down.” And if you…
-
Gifts in the Midst of Grief – Part Three
Grief is a journey that can last as long as life on earth. But I believe it isn't the end of our stories. It is only the beginning.
-
Objective Truth, What a Difference It Can Make
I recently heard Jim Warren Wallace, a cold case investigator and Christian Apologist, speak on the topic of truth. He explained the difference between “objective” and “subjective” truth. “Objective” truth” is true for all of us, regardless of how we feel about it. The truth is based on the object of the truth. “Subjective” truth is a matter of personal opinion and can change based on how you feel because your feelings about the subject can change. What is “truth” for a Christian regarding adversity in life? How can God allow the worst kinds of heartache, like the unexpected death of a loved one? The Bible says, “I have told…
