Kyria

60 Days to ... More Authentic Relationships

You've probably heard the phrase, "No man is an island." That's never been more true than in the context of our faith. God didn't create us to be loners. He created us to be interdependent, to need one another in order to fully understand and be blessed by him. So for a few moments each morning, meditate on that day's community building thought or prayer. Then try to keep it in your thoughts throughout ...

Related Topics: Authenticity, Community, Partnership, Relationships

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A Shoulder to Cry On

The worship service had already started when I slipped in. I'd been helping in the church kitchen, cleaning up after the meal we always serve right before the Friday-night service. Looking at the pile of dishes in the sink, I thought about skipping the service completely. Still, it was Good Friday. They were serving Communion, and I knew I should be there.

The sanctuary was crowded. I spied my husband ...

Related Topics: Acceptance, Community, Discernment, Discipleship, Growth, spiritual, Listening

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When Trauma Strikes

On a cold Friday night, Shawn volunteered to pick-up a pizza for dinner. When he left the house he told Susan, his pregnant wife, and their two-year old son, "Hey guys, I'll be back in 20 minutes with the pizza." He never came back. Another driver slammed into his car, instantly killing Shawn. Susan was suddenly a widow, a trauma survivor, and a single mother.

Immediately after the accident, our church, ...

Related Topics: Abuse, Healing, Help, Suffering, Tragedy, Trauma

Building Strong Relationships

Ring! Ring!

I lay in my hospital bed not wanting to answer the phone. My entire family and (seemingly) all my friends had gone to the first college football game of the year to watch my daughter play in the marching band.

Slowly I reached over to my bedside table and picked up the phone. "Hello?"

It was my good friend and tailgate buddy, Brenda. "How're you doing?"

"Pretty lonesome," I said.

"Well, just ...

Related Topics: Encouragement, Friendship, Relationships

Appreciating Laura

Afew months ago, I attended the Laura Isaacs Appreciation Barbecue. Laura's a coworker at the newspaper where I work. At 24, she lives with her cat, Spock, and loves Hello Kitty and ballerina flats.

I don't remember what was going on in Laura's life at the time—boyfriend problems, I think. The impromptu barbecue to celebrate Laura was fellow coworkers Cristy and Shemir's idea, and it took place ...

Living Life as a Mentor

I was having a midlife crisis, and I wasn't even out of my 20s. It seemed ridiculous. While others were moving up the economic and social ladder, I was dissatisfied and feeling empty. I wanted my life to count for something.

I was having a crisis because I'd just left my job to become a mother. I realize now that my experience isn't unique. Many women who have active careers are suddenly moved into ...

Related Topics: Friendship, Mentor, Mentoring

The Power of Mentoring

I WAS A TOMBOY growing up, so most of my friends were guys. It wasn't until I became a speaker for the Women of Faith conferences—along with Barbara Johnson, Patsy Clairmont, Thelma Wells, Marilyn Meberg, and Luci Swindoll—that I finally gained the kind of deep female friendships for which I'd secretly longed.

After years of traveling and sharing a stage together, we've all become close ...

Related Topics: Friends, Friendship, Mentoring