Friend, where is “death” in your own life? Or what is on the brink of dying? It doesn’t have to be the end. This could be the way to bring life. God’s purpose is to never leave you there. He is so good and loving and gracious that He wants to use any and all death in our lives to bring us abundant life. If God is merciful to bring life from dying creation, how much more is He with our own souls?

While many are obsessing over all things pumpkin spice or debating if it’s too early to put up their Christmas tree, I have a different emotional response this time of year. I can never look at a fall leaf the same. Both of my sons, Seth and Roi, were due to be born in the fall. And the Lord spoke to me through the process of leaves dying. Here is a chapter excerpt from my book, Living Hope…

We are immobilized by the suffering and pain in this world and are tempted to give up, not stand and take the next step in front of us.

I’m sitting in this shower and don’t want to get up, because I find relief with the water drowning out the world around me.

All of this laboring, praying, counseling, encouraging, sharing our lives and the gospel…will it be in vain?

How do we live in the middle of what was at Creation and what is to come when Jesus reverses all dying? How do we live in the reality that it was never supposed to be this way, and even the ground below our feet groans to be made whole again?

“How will this impact her?” She is going to remember that his life meant something. It had value.

I am more passionate than ever to stand for life.