Debbie W. Wilson

Refreshing Faith

How Do You Prepare for the Big Unknown of Aging?

by 28 Comments

Those watching me heave a carry-on suitcase into a plane’s overhead bin wouldn’t believe I was the arm-wrestling champion of our 5th grade class. The legs that earned me a blue ribbon for speed, in my 6th grade, city-wide relay competition, and scaled any tree with ease, almost failed me when I took the second step of a stepladder with no hands. I am painfully aware I’m no longer fast, strong, or young. What happened?

Aging not only brings limitations, it taps fears when our limbs—and mind—lose the speed and strength we’ve learned to depend on. The recent experience of some friends reminded me that the challenges that unnerve us don’t surprise God. He never leaves us.Continue Reading

Is “If You Can’t Say Something Nice…” Biblical?

by 28 Comments

Have you heard, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all?” While this adage provides a reminder to not gossip, is it biblical?

Our family met a delightful woman in Switzerland who offered to show us around. We traveled in two cars. I rode with our new friend, and my family followed. Instead of raving about the beauty of the Swiss Alps my companion began to sing the praises of the person who’d maligned our family and other Christian leaders.

I couldn’t believe it.

Thousands of miles away from home and I had to listen to someone unwittingly praise my enemy. And worse, she encouraged others to follow this deceitful leader. Having been raised on the above adage, I prayed as I went back and forth on how to respond.Continue Reading

How to Be a Helper Not a Meddler

by 14 Comments

Are you ready to move from running-on-empty to spent-and-content, investing your life in soul-satisfying ways? My friends Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory, co-authors of Exhale, gently walk us through a process of losing who we’re not and loving who we are so that we can live our one life well. Today, they help us avoid the exhaustion of trying to be “All Things to All People” by discerning the fine line between helping and meddling.

Daniel was in the midst of making blueberry pancakes when I decided to make an apple crisp.

I brought out the Granny Smith apples, my fancy peeler, a lemon, and the grater … all the while keeping one eye on what my husband was doing.

You know, in case he needed my help.

And boy, did he ever!

He’s adding Bisquick to blueberry muffin mix? You can’t do that!Continue Reading

How Do I Love My Enemy?

by 22 Comments

How do two porcupines hug? Very Carefully.  How do we love our enemies? With divine guidance and power.

Jesus told His disciples to love their enemies. What did He mean? What does it look like to love your adversary? 

We associate love with feelings. I love chocolate chip ice cream, sunsets at the beach, and the gal I just met. What do I mean when I toss love around these dissimilar objects like a good dressing? I love how ice cream tastes, sunsets inspire, and how my new acquaintance shares similar interests.

Biblical love is not based on how someone makes me feel.Continue Reading

Pin It on Pinterest