Debbie W. Wilson

Refreshing Faith

A Promise for Those Who Mourn

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I attended the funeral of one of the most robust, energetic, and alive people I’ve ever known. Death for Bruce is incomprehensible. And yet, he’s gone.

The next day as our small group read John 11, the boldness of Jesus’ words to Martha struck me. Martha and Mary had buried their brother just days earlier. They’d helplessly watched Lazarus’s life slip away. They’d bathed and prepared his dead body for burial. They were way more familiar with death than they wanted to be.

Put yourself in Martha’s place as you read Jesus’ words to her:Continue Reading

When I Feel Forgotten by Jesus

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My standard poodles’ big brown eyes melted my resolve. “Ok. You can go with me.”

Immediately Max’s fluffy tail thumped excitedly. His sister pranced with anticipation. And I smiled.

I hate to disappoint pooches and people. Especially, my poodles and my people. That’s why Jesus’ actions in John 11 astound me.

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days” (Jn. 11:5-6 NIV).

Without divine intervention, Lazarus would die. Jesus had the power to heal. Lazarus’ sisters sent an urgent message to Jesus,

Lord, the one you love is sick”(Jn. 11:3 emphasis added).

Jesus was a personal friend. Surely, He would come to the rescue. He would not disappoint those He loved.

But Jesus didn’t come. He waited.

Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus—so—He waited??? That doesn’t compute.Continue Reading

Moving from Broken to Beautiful Women’s Retreat

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Last week and this, I’m introducing a couple of different kinds of beauty opportunities for my female readers. Guys, you know that when your wife is happy, everyone is happy! Below, my friend Yvonne Ortega tells about a special weekend retreat she’s offering. Yvonne is a petite dynamo with great faith and resilience.

Moving from Broken to Beautiful Women’s Retreat

The Moving from Broken to Beautiful Women’s Retreat is for you if you are a Christian woman who longs for a break for self-care, feels like you’re on a merry-go-round and want to get off to catch your breath, or wish you could get away in a beautiful peaceful setting to stop the noise of life and hear your heart.

If you are a Christian woman who has lost a loved one, a baby through miscarriage, or childhood through abuse, the Moving from Broken to Beautiful Women’s Retreat is for you.

If you are a Christian woman who has lost your health through a life-threatening illness, your home, or job, the Moving from Broken to Beautiful Women’s Retreat is also for you.Continue Reading

When You Dread Father’s Day

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When Father’s Day is difficult, what do you do? My friend Yvonne Ortega shares some suggestions to remove the dread of Father’s Day.

Her excellent book, Moving from Broken to Beautiful Through Grief, offers more tips to help people navigate the stormy waters of grief. Now, here’s Yvonne—

Father’s Day will be difficult for me this year. My father passed away two months ago. What about you? Perhaps your father also died. A friend of mine lost her father and her stepfather. Father’s Day will be difficult for her too.

Maybe your father or stepfather is ill and could die at any moment. You may be planning the viewing, church service, and burial or cremation.

Perhaps your father physically, emotionally, or sexually abused you. Maybe your father divorced your mother when you when you were a child and disappeared. Father’s Day will be difficult for you too.Continue Reading

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