One of the best perks of being a teacher is nine wonderful weeks of summer to indulge in doing whatever I please. My pleasure this summer has been long nature walks. I definitely embark on these journeys to stay in good health. But, the trees and the breeze and the crunch underfoot nourish and rejuvenate me like nothing…
I’m briefly stepping outside my box of sharing the stories of courageous WOMEN who’ve overcome life’s tough challenges, because my father-in-law Wayne’s* story demonstrates the courage and strength to overcome not one, but two life-altering health conditions. Both occurring less than TEN months apart. Yes, I said TEN months. So, I can’t not tell his story! * His…
Phobias. Fears. We all have them. Mine is snakes. Coming eyeball to eyeball with a shiny green one as a kid during an innocent game of hide-and-seek sealed it for me. My phobia – called opidiophobia – is mostly avoidable. But some phobias are not. Unfortunately, Niki’s is unavoidable. Some cringe at the idea of…
A four year stint. Not long enough of a break from the neurological misfirings my body is so prone to. But my body didn’t ask my opinion. In April of this year, another transient ischemic attack (TIA) or “mini stroke” disrupted my life. The Warning Signs With my previous experience, I knew that morning when I didn’t…
Studies are replete linking gang involvement with children from dysfunctional families. Gangs prey on individuals who lack self-esteem, strong father figures, and family closeness. Looking back, Maureen* agrees she fit the profile to a T. “I had such a longing in my heart for acceptance,” she shares. * Her real name, used with permission. An…
Ava* and Matthew* knew their son Sam’s* disruptive and violent behavior wasn’t like the other children his age, but they didn’t understand what was causing it or how to discipline him each time it occurred. These parents, like many others, felt helpless because they didn’t know the signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). *…
As Alyssa* shared her story with me, I couldn’t help but think of Francine Rivers’ book. It should have been no surprise when at the end of the interview, I asked if any books had impacted her during her journey of overcoming and she said, “Redeeming Love. Do you know it?” I smiled and…
Like most survivors, Lillie* wants to share her story of overcoming childhood cancer to encourage and motivate others who face life’s tough challenges. I’ve learned young overcomers have much wisdom – we would do good to listen and learn. * Her real name, used with permission. “It all started the summer I was seven. I…
One of the best gifts given to me as a child was the Christmas I received a $25 gift certificate to the book store. As a child, I loved visiting the small library in the center of town every Saturday with my mom. But a visit to the book store far exceeded the joy of…
Sometimes healing doesn’t happen. Here on earth, anyways. Sometimes overcoming life’s tough challenges happens when you reach heaven. A year ago today (April 15, 2013), Carol* finally experienced her healing and became the ultimate overcomer. *Her real name, used with permission from her husband and children. Fear Not Tomorrow It started as a simple case of…