Answered by Caitlin Lieder
How do we open our eyes to see everyone around us, not just those who look and act like we do? Those who might be in a different stage of life or a different salary bracket or have less/more education. The single moms. Single people, period. The introverts who blend into the background.
Today is the official launch of the And It Was Beautiful giveaway!
WHO: The giveaway is open to U.S. residents aged 18 and over. (No purchase is necessary, and this giveaway is void where prohibited by law.)
WHAT: The prize is a free copy of Kara’s last book, And It Was Beautiful, and we have 3 copies to give away!
From an article originally posted October 10, 2013…
Evenings, for me, are my greatest struggle. In the early morning hours, I struggle with truth, struggle to have courage, and hurt deeply about my story. I have had three continuous sleepless nights. My weary heart aches in the night to remember the truths of God and His great mercy in my life. At times, I grow envious of the sound of my guy sleeping peacefully next to me. I sometimes want to wake him and have him remind me of truth and grace. Then I remember his chocked full days and servant heart, and I thank Jesus for the sweet sleep he has been granted.
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.
- Psalm 34
This passage has been on my heart for the last few weeks. Since the anniversary of Kara’s Homecoming, I have felt the fog of grief starting to lift. I feel like I’m getting used to living with the pain of her absence, like we are finding our new normal. But in the midst of this, I have also started suspecting that I am coming out of a depression that I didn’t realize I was in…I think my mind just jumbled it in with my grief.
From an article originally posted October 7, 2013…
Nearly four years ago, Jason’s beloved Uncle John was suddenly taken home to be with Jesus. Our family was in utter shock, and Jason and I flew out to beautiful Eugene, Oregon, to be with our family. There was a haze that descended that I am now very familiar with from this journey through suffering, although it was new to me at the time. We were all very murky in our thoughts and new to this sudden grief. I only briefly knew this special uncle. Meeting him once, one knew what an amazing treasure this man was. His absence would be greatly felt. John had a gentleness and care that filled a room with peace and love upon his entering.
