Debbie W. Wilson

Refreshing Faith

The Benefit of Appreciating the Lamb of God

by 18 Comments

Have you ever noticed how some wisdom is gained only through pain? The Psalmist wrote, “My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees” (Ps. 119:71 NLT). A recent struggle concerning our puppy reminded me of this as my spiritual eyes opened in fresh ways. It helped me better appreciate an event surrounding Easter week and the Lamb of God.

Two Dogs and a Puppy

Our female poodle’s health plummeted one weekend after months of care and prayer. She was gone before noon on Monday. Each person and pet draw out different aspects of our personalities. Cosette’s joy over simple activities made every day a party. We not only missed her, we missed who we were in her presence.

Each person and pet draw out different aspects of our personalities. Cosette’s joy over simple activities made every day a party. We not only missed her, we missed who we were in her presence. #grief, #loss Click To Tweet

Our male dog grieved too. A week after losing his girl, Max fought for his life while connected to IVs. His grief had thrown his body into an Addison’s crisis. He pulled through but seemed 10 years older.

That Friday, Raleigh received an unexpected snow. My husband Larry came home early. “We need a different spirit in this house. Let’s look at puppies.”Continue Reading

How One Writer Channeled Despair into Hope

by 1 Comment

Southern suspense author Leanna Sain just released her new novel Hush. When Leanna told me where she wrote her book, I asked her to tell you about it and to introduce Hush to us. I think this is a lesson in how to channel despair into hope. Now here is Leanna…

Alzheimer’s… I hate the very name. Worse than cancer, I think. At least with cancer there’s the possibility of healing. Not content with just killing its victim, Alzheimer’s was stealing away everything that made my intelligent, creative Mama who she was. Oh, yes, a shell who looked like her lay before me, but that’s where any similarities ended. The person I loved and who loved me had slipped away before her body did, and there was nothing I could do about it. It was like ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers,’ only more twisted.

I was struggling badly with the pain, anger, and frustration of it all and I needed an outlet. Continue Reading

What You Need to Know About God’s Sovereignty

by 15 Comments

When a fictional protagonist acts out of character, I know I lack the full picture. Yet, when the actions—or lack thereof—of someone I love injure me, I’m offended. They should know better.

Why do I give made-up characters slack and assume the worst about those I know well? I’m not alone in this. Many of us do it with God.

The actions of a TV character don’t affect us. But we feel the effect of a careless word or action. And since these people know us, shouldn’t they know how their choices will affect us? Our hurt feelings squelch reason, and we forget what we know to be true.

God’s sovereignty is a topic that stirs such emotions. It brings great comfort to some to know God has supreme power. We know if God allows something, no matter how wrong it appears, He is working behind the scenes for a greater good. But for those suffering a terrible loss or injustice, the topic causes confusion.

If God has the power to stop wrong, why does He allow it? If God foreknew the drunk driver would be on the road, why didn’t he delay your child’s bus trip? Why would He waste your time and money on a mystery illness if He could heal it?Continue Reading

How Can My Weakness Be a Gift?

by 18 Comments

I was reminded of how much I hate being weak when I had to hobble around duck-taped together because of a swollen knee. God used this to renew my perspective on weaknesses. I hope this excerpt adapted from Give Yourself a Break will encourage you too.

Embrace Weaknesses

We love our strengths. They open doors, garner accolades, and earn money. But no one has only strengths. Everyone has weak areas. The person who gets things accomplished may bruise people. The people person may be easily distracted from tasks. These weaknesses may frustrate and embarrass us. They sidetrack us, but they’re also gifts from God. They keep us humble and reliant on Him, which is His goal.

What about weaknesses caused by emotional or physical injuries, not DNA? Are those also gifts? Continue Reading

Pin It on Pinterest