A prisoner in the soul finds freedom in Christ. by Henry Smedley In many ways, I am living proof that anyone can come to prison. I did not come from a broken home. I was not raised in poverty. I did not fail in the public school system. I went through a private Catholic…
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My Favorite Icon
Eternal protection from the most evil hacker of all time. by Gary B. Swanson Looking over the wide variety of commands in a word processing program is always kind of fun. You ask yourself, Who in the world would ever need all this stuff? Even with a copy of Webster’s Standard Collegiate close at…
Read moreMercy Finds Kelli Weed
Broken body, healed heart. by Kelli Weed as told to Terry Murphy A beautiful April day, 1998. Relieved to be done with work, my boyfriend and I were loosening up at a friend’s house. “Want a drink, Kelli?” my friend asked. “No, Tad and I are going to the bar. I’ll wait till we…
Read moreLessons on the Mountain
A journey with an unexpected twist. by Debra Tash I raised my children in the age of the “liberated woman.” Being a stay-at-home mommy in the early 80’s was considered a waste of female brain power. At least, that’s what I gathered from the talk shows of the time. There I was with a…
Read moreJust As I Am
God’s way or our way: It’s our choice. by Elaine Hardt “Just as I am is pretty good.” “Take me or leave me.” “I’m not changing for you or for anybody.” Good self-esteem means self-acceptance, doesn’t it? Like precocious two-year-olds, many of us have designated ourselves as head cheerleaders and CEOs of our own…
Read moreIn Crime’s Way
by Perry B. Warthan Prison. Not a place you’d expect to feel truly free. Freedom from the pain of my past and from my life of crime did come one day. But it took me awhile to accept it. Painful Past My mother was sixteen years old when I was born; my father was…
Read moreI Was an Atheist
Spiritual enlightenment comes to an intellectual. by George Mulfinger as told to Muriel Larson “Is there really such a thing as an atheist?” some Christians have asked me. I can testify that there is, because I was an atheist for four years. I did not believe a god existed — or rather, the only…
Read moreI Thought Christianity Didn’t Work
Back to the basics of authentic faith. by John Vaughn as told to Muriel Larson The English teacher at my high school took a special interest in me. “Here’s a book you might enjoy reading, John,” he suggested. It was by Bertrand Russell, a famous atheist. I read it and wanted more. Deep discussion…
Read moreI Felt So Empty
Finding the source of true fulfillment. by Cristin Yasinsac as told to Christy Heitger-Casbon “Ugh!” I moaned as I studied my reflection in my bedroom mirror. Who is this girl staring back at me? I’d been raised in a Christian home and had done Christian things, like going to youth group and Bible study….
Read moreHelp for Our Weaknesses
It’s not what you know; it’s Who you know. by Trey Graham When I was stationed in Alexandria, Virginia, I visited many of our nation’s most sacred historical landmarks. During one of my visits to Washington, D.C., I toured the White House office complex. My escort, Captain Mark Westbrook, showed me around the various…
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