Tag: hope
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Taking a Break and Considering the Ecological Impact After the Hurricane
As I sit by a riverside in South Georgia today, surrounded by nature, I can’t help but reflect on the unseen damage that Hurricane Helene has caused—not just to people, but to the environment as well. While watching videos of people rescuing pets and livestock from roofs that once protected homes, and mothers crying over…
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Hurricane Helene’s Impact on Western North Carolina: A Personal Reflection and Call to Action
The Appalachian Mountains, a region steeped in both beauty and history, has long been a defining force in my life. Western North Carolina, where I was born and where most of my family still lives, is not only a landscape of serene valleys and rolling hills, but also a region prone to the destructive forces…
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Walls: A Biblical Perspective
A picture of my own prayer wall Life is full of walls—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Some walls protect us, while others stand as barriers needing to be torn down. In Scripture, walls can represent God’s protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, or challenges we must overcome, like the walls of Jericho. As a preacher’s wife,…
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Understanding Fanconi Anemia: A Rare Genetic Disorder
Fanconi Anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to repair damaged DNA, leading to a host of serious health complications. It’s most commonly inherited and can be passed down if both parents carry a defective gene related to FA. The disease primarily targets the bone marrow, resulting in decreased production…
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Rare to Rare: Caregiving for a Rare as a Rare
Being a caregiver is a challenging role, but when you’re balancing your own chronic illness while caring for a spouse with another rare disease, the challenges intensify. I live with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a rare connective tissue disorder that leads to chronic pain and physical limitations, while my husband, Dexter, has Fanconi Anemia (FA), a…
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The Keys to a Happy Marriage
Marriage in today’s world can feel more challenging than ever, with societal pressures and personal expectations often steering couples into a “me-first” mindset. Too often, we focus on what we can get out of our relationships, rather than what we can contribute. When those desires go unmet, many of us resort to nagging, complaining, or…
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The Beauties of Fall: Festivals, Crafts, and Seasonal Magic
Fall is a magical time of year when nature puts on its most breathtaking display. The crisp air, the vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows of the trees, and the earthy smell of leaves falling to the ground all come together to create a season filled with wonder. It’s a time of cozy sweaters, warm drinks,…
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The Way Forward
This morning, while making breakfast, I thanked a little Cellar Spider for catching some ants in my pantry. Living in the country, bugs can be a nuisance, and these spiders can be a real blessing, especially when you’re trying to stretch every dollar—groceries are more expensive than ever these days! As I was tidying up,…
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The Complex Journeys of Life: A Tribute to My Sister
Life is filled with unexpected twists, and my relationship with my sister, Robin, was one of its most treasured yet complex paths. Robin was a fearless, quirky, and artistic spirit who never failed to brighten my world. One of my fondest memories was when she transformed my look with a bold hairstyle in 2001: deep…
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Living Waters: A Journey of Renewal
My latest painting, “Living Waters,” is a reflection of the beauty of life’s journey and the enduring bonds between mother and child. This piece captures a breathtaking scene of a rocky cliff with a deep blue waterfall cascading into a river, illuminated by a light shining from behind the falls into the night sky. On…
Country Girl Gone City 