Forgiveness is a concept that we talk a lot about in our Christian circles. We praise God for His forgiveness of our sins. We encourage each other to be forgiving of one another. But when it comes down to it, how often do we practice true Biblical forgiveness in our daily life? I have to admit, I thought I was good at forgiving for most of my life. My mother always told me that I was the least likely person she knew to hold a grudge. It was true! When people offended me or were unkind, I just...

I loved when missionaries would visit my church when I was a little girl. I knew I would see slides of foreign lands, hear stories about the people in those countries, and maybe get to hear someone speak in a different language. When the offering plate was passed, I happily gave a dollar from my piggy bank, hoping that it would bless the missionary and their work for the Lord. All this fascinated me, but deep down I felt nervous when missionaries came to visit. Was God calling me to go to a...

As any good southern girl knows, obedience to authorities is non-negotiable. I was raised to say “yes ma’am” and “yes sir” and to obey without question. Often our view of God is tied to our view of our parents. And although I had a good relationship with my parents, I often viewed God as an old man in heaven who I was instructed to obey blindly, cowering even in His presence. I believed that if I did the “right thing” and said the “right things” that God would be pleased with me. After all,...