What Not to Say

My article today was inspired by Elizabeth Mosley-Banks's article "10 'Harmless' Things You Say that Hurt Me" (Elizabeth Mosley-Banks).  She lives with bipolar disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder and writes to increase kindness by educating others and letting those who have BPD and OCD know that they are not alone. After reading her article about …

The problem with me and my abusive marriage

Marriage is a long-term commitment and a life time of promise and hope of being together.  The contract and the commitment anchor us to get through the storms of life. In a healthy marriage, that's a beautiful and good thing as it shores us up and provides stability and cohesion for generations. But in an …

The hair barrette

Twenty plus years later, I still remember the shame I felt after it happened. My parents had moved back to Atlanta to run their business, and my then-husband and I decided to visit them.  I grew up in Atlanta so it was "my" town and I was excited to show him the city where I …

Those Parkland Kids

Eighteen days ago, another fatal school shooting. It’s sickening to think of those children running for their lives, hiding behind desks and doors, praying the rapid-fire shots don’t find their classroom, crying, texting parents and siblings, telling them maybe for the last time how much they love them. How are these young students to continue …

I’m scared to go home today

Dear Pastor, I’m scared to go home today. My husband is ramped up, I can see it in his eyes. He gave me a dirty look when I dropped the kids off at Sunday school. I think it was because my son was crying and didn’t want me to leave and I was consoling him.  …

One decision can change the world

It's been 20 years since I left my abuser. I have two children from that marriage, a son and a daughter, and I'm in awe at how they've risen above the dark and difficult road they've had to walk. I couldn't be prouder of them. I used to feel tremendous guilt and shame for not …