by J. Grant Swank, Jr. Why oh why do it that way — His way — when, more times than not, it is just plain dumb — and sometimes embarrassing? A stick and the Red Sea Take, for instance, when He asked Preacher Moses to pick up a stick, then hold it over the…
Author: nowwhat
God on the Stage
Why we need divine help in this human tragedy. by Bob Hostetler A Roman playwright named Horace lived and wrote in the days of Julius Caesar. Horace criticized the other poets and playwrights of his day who, every time a problem occurred in their plots, brought in one of the many Roman gods to…
When Death Visits a Home
by Petey Prater Coping with death is one of life’s most difficult tasks. All of us will have a friend or family member who will need our support as they deal with the death of someone they love. Though we feel inadequate and vulnerable, there are several practical and emotional ways to help another…
When Nightmares Come True
The pain of losing a baby brings afocus on God, who lost a Son. by Marlo M. Schalesky I woke with a surge of fear. My hands, balled into tight fists, gripped the sheets as my breath came in ragged gasps. The chill of the pre-dawn air wrapped cold fingers around my chest and…
The Private Pain of a Motherless Child
A daughter’s struggle to find new life. by Kristy McHaney My mother’s screams startled me out of sleep that November morning in 1978. When I scrambled out of bed and ran to my parents’ room, I found Mother grabbing her head, rocking back and forth, and yelling at my father “Joseph,* help me!” I…
Walking With a Dying Friend
by Denise Carlson I’d known Randy Wilson* for twenty years when he was stricken with a brain tumor. Early in the course of his illness, the highlight of this former architect’s day became the mailman’s arrival. Randy and his wife Barb were flooded with encouraging cards and notes. The ringing phone competed with the…
Walking with a Dying Friend – Practical Tips
Pastor Rick Taylor and counselor Bruce Campbell have both suffered tragic losses in their immediate families. They’ve counseled grieving families as well as individuals with terminal illnesses. Here they offer practical ideas to help a dying friend. Be there. Whether you sit silently at his bedside, pray with him, or take him for a drive…
The Least of These
The sadness and satisfaction of unconditional love. by Sheila Wray Gregoire The cardiologist walked into the room, glanced at my chart, and asked, “So you didn’t get an abortion?” As I was 34 weeks pregnant, it seemed an unnecessary question. Shocking news For one agonizing night, we actually considered it. Twenty-two weeks into my…
The Other Side of Love
An ancient Bible story sheds new lighton a mother’s crushing loss. by Serena Cavenaugh As soon as the pain released my body from its unyielding grasp and before I exhaled with exhausted relief, they placed the baby, all slippery and blue-footed, onto my chest. He squinted up at me, and I knew I would…
The Death of Death
by Rick Straub Death: How uplifting! The ultimate experience! Of course, this is ridiculous. Death is not inspiring; it is depressing. Death is revolting, ugly, morbid, and cold. All of us at times ponder our existence and the inevitability of death, and this is good. Death shouldn’t be a topic explored by only the…