Kara’s Collection: Addiction and Desperation

Kara’s Collection: Addiction and Desperation

From an article originally posted April 2, 2014…

I woke in the night and had to stifle a scream. In the night in my sleep, I had suctioned my raw and ulcered cheek between my teeth. I know I have experienced pain, a lot of pain, but this was a pain like no other. I almost vomited. It reminded me of when I first got braces and I would wake with my mouth in the tight grip of my new metal. Remember that? Pulling your cheeks off your braces. But these cheeks have an open ulcer on them. Horrible visual I’m sure. I applaud you for reading. It almost feels like a grosser than gross joke, except ummm, not.

Surviving the election with grace

Surviving the election with grace

If you're anything like me, the election news has been overwhelming lately. Online and in person, people are giving their opinions and then fighting over those opinions. As a non-conflict person I want to crawl under a blanket. And maybe not come out until January.

I get it that people are opinionated about the election. It makes sense. There's a lot of big stuff being discussed. But here’s what’s breaking my heart: the lack of respect for each other. The absence of kindness and grace.

Kara’s Collection: Pain

Kara’s Collection: Pain

From an article originally posted April 1, 2014…

I have an ulcer in my mouth from my new drugs. It’s this horrible open wound. It hurts to eat, it hurts to talk, it hurts when I’m doing nothing. Sleep helps it to stop hurting—sleep. I’m suffocating a bit over this, as this is the drug we are hoping will work for the rest of my days. So, the rest of my days, I will be battling with this pain. I keep reminding myself this sore is a part of killing cancer, but it’s hard to remember.

A picture of forgiveness

A picture of forgiveness

Last week we had a playdate with some favorite friends. The little girls were drawing with sidewalk chalk, and somehow my Ann got bonked on the head. She came running to me, crying; her friend had hurt her. She threw herself in my arms, telling me the story of what happened, tears streaming down her tiny face. I smiled to myself, amused at her lack of perspective—sobbing as though a chalk mark on her little forehead was the worst thing that could happen. As her mama, I could see that not only was the injury minor, but that her tiny friend had never intended to hurt her.

Kara’s Collection: Grace Today

Kara’s Collection: Grace Today

From an article originally posted April 1, 2014…

Dear Grace in Today,

Today I woke too early in pain and struggled to find the joy in the pain that woke me, that often wakes me. Cramps and now new sores that cover my mouth woke my sleeping, and maybe a kick in the back from the littlest that came into my bed last night. Then a quiet call came from down the hall and I knew this day was going to not be what I expected. I had planned a home teaming with families: 45 people big and small to be exact. Today we were welcoming a new pastor to our Westside family and meeting over a simple lunch with all of our leaders. But that quiet, small voice let me know You were directing my day differently.