Debbie W. Wilson

Refreshing Faith

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

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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

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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?

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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

How to Rebuild Broken Trust

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“How can we mend our relationship if you won’t trust me?”

“How can I trust you when you continue to lie to me?”

Have you ever had such a conversation? For example, the spouse, reconciling with an erring mate, wants to trust, but can s/he? Mistrust smears gray over a relationship that used to glow with cheerful color. If only you could trust and bring back the joy.

If you’ve forgiven someone, but can’t trust him or her, you’re not alone. Forgiveness and trust are separate issues.

If you’ve forgiven someone, but can’t trust him or her, you’re not alone. Forgiveness and trust are separate issues. #trust Click To Tweet

Forgiveness is between us and God. The culprit doesn’t have to change for us to forgive. Trust, on the other hand, requires change (Proverb 25:19). Here are some tips to guide you.

Use Discernment

If you weren’t already in a relationship with this person, with your current knowledge, would you trust them? Would you encourage your children to hang out with someone of their character?Continue Reading

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