Originally published at Proverbs 31 Devotions on July 25, 2022. “Pray now,” I texted my friend group, somewhere between a desperate request and a command. Halfway across the world, our missionary friends were fleeing their homeland to escape threats and dangers of war. When they arrived at the border city, it was locked down. Now what? Days of conflict, closed doors and desperate prayers for God to make a way out had led our friends to this moment at the border. Those of us s

Originally published on Proverbs 31 Devotions on May 18, 2022. With the last of our things loaded, we are closing the door on this chapter of our lives. My husband has quit his job as a pastor, and I am saying goodbye to what has been my identity for more than two decades — being a pastor’s wife. For years I have shepherded women, praying with and encouraging them, teaching the Word and leading small groups, equipping them to use their gifts and lives for God. I know God’s gi

Originally published in Proverbs 31 Devotions on March 31, 2022 It was early fall when I pushed my nearly empty shopping cart through my favorite superstore, grabbing a handful of groceries. I eyed the tiny, pumpkin-themed newborn clothes and the brightly colored board books, remembering days long gone when my boys were littles. There I stood, with some coffee creamer and laundry detergent in the otherwise empty cart that somehow represented my empty heart. I wanted to scoop