A Psalm for the Barbie in all of us

A Psalm for the Barbie in all of us

Today's world says women must be successful, get noticed, be thin, be charming, stand out, and be beautiful. We must be intelligent, talented, sexy, yet classy, bold, witty, organized, healthy, creative, punctual, and take perfect care of everyone around us. The list of roles we attempt to fill flawlessly is never-ending. Do I sound like the Barbie movie yet?

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Do You Hate to Admit When You’re Wrong?
Pride Susan McAlinden Pride Susan McAlinden

Do You Hate to Admit When You’re Wrong?

Pride hinders our relationship with God because refusing to acknowledge our shortcomings is an attempt to deny our imperfections. Whether we mean for it to or not, that implies that we are equal with God, and that robs Him of the praise and glory He deserves. We can’t be humble when we have things to hide.

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Feminism With a Biblical Worldview

Feminism With a Biblical Worldview

Perhaps the title of this article sounds like an oxymoron to you, but let me assure you, it isn't. It's no secret that there is much controversy over gender roles within the church today. In recent years I have heard of many sex scandals in news media involving trusted religious leaders and Pastors. I’ve listened to an uproar of people exclaiming women in the church are belittled or oppressed, and I sadly watched as a famous and well-respected Pastor openly shunned and mocked a fellow Christian woman for her leadership position in ministry. So regardless of your stance on this topic, the issue I raise today is likely not new to you.

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Let's always leave room for grace.

Let's always leave room for grace.

I know that most judgmental situations bring a lot more discomfort than this silly story about my husband. Unfortunately, judgment and condemnation can hurt deeply. Maybe you've been shamed for your past mistakes. Perhaps someone demeaned you for being quirky or strange. Maybe they thought you had ill intentions when you were only trying to be helpful. Perhaps you were wrongly accused of something you had no part in. And maybe you were rightly accused, but the judgment brings on deep feelings of shame that cut you to your core.

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Can I stop hiding behind the pretty pieces of my life?

Can I stop hiding behind the pretty pieces of my life?

Confession: Just after I had babies, I purchased several pairs of Spanx because I found that they held in areas of my body that I didn't know were humanly possible to tuck in anymore. I haven't worn them in quite some time because as I approach the age of 40, I have decided that breathing is much more important to me than sliding into a sausage casing that compresses my bodily organs to one another. And let's be real here- no one has really ever just "slid" into a pair of Spanx, have they? I have legit wrestled myself directly to the ground in an attempt to squish my mom-body into these mysterious spandex contraptions before.

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