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Healing Without the Hoops – My MS Journey: Part 3
The Beginning When I was first diagnosed, I encountered some in my family and my faith community who had a whole lot to say to me. I know these people love me and want the best for me, so please know that I am not saying that people were spiteful or intentionally trying to be…
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A Diagnosis – My MS Journey: Part 2
In March of 2018, I had some doctor appointments to figure out what was going on with me. One was to my allergist because I had what I thought to be recurring sinus infections. My normal doctor was out that day and a different doctor saw me. I believe this was divine intervention getting me…
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The Day My World Shifted – My MS Journey: Part 1
March is MS Awareness month. This series is an updated version of my MS journey. It started with a moment I didn’t understand. This was followed by months of symptoms. I tried to explain them away. Eventually, I received a diagnosis that changed how I see my body, my faith, and myself. What you’re about…
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Anxiety
Anxiety, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear, often marked by physical signs and self-doubt about one’s capacity to cope. This topic seems to be all around me. It feels huge when it shows up in real life. I’ve had my own run-ins with anxiety. Somewhere along…
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Agree as Touching
I heard the statement, “Let’s touch and agree,” so much when I was growing up. A hand outstretched, reaching for another hand. At least two people join together in agreement to make a request to God. One day, I read the scripture for myself, and I was changed. Matthew 18:19-20 (King James Version): “Again I say…
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Be Grateful
There are plenty of scriptures that emphasize gratitude as part of a Christian’s lifestyle. But I shouldn’t really need a scripture to tell me to be grateful. Out of the blue, the song “Be Grateful” by Walter Hawkins was in my head in the shower one morning. It was a staple in our family when…
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My Experience with Church Hurt, Part 4
This is the final part of my series on church hurt. In the first three posts, I shared experiences that reshaped how I view community, leadership, and trust within the church. This last post isn’t about the wound — it’s about the healing. It’s about what I’ve learned, what I’ve released, and how God has…
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My Experience with Church Hurt, Part 3
Hurt…Again When we found our new church in 2016, I thought the hard part was over. I was hopeful—maybe even a little naive. I wanted this to be the place where healing turned into belonging. But healing isn’t always linear, and community can be both beautiful and complicated. A New Church, A New Hope I…
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My Experience with Church Hurt, Part 2
In Part 1 of this series, I shared how I grew up in church. I also discussed how I poured myself into ministry. Eventually, I reached a breaking point. It left me burned out and disillusioned. Walking away was both freeing and unsettling. I didn’t know who I was outside of constant church involvement. Part…
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My Experience with Church Hurt, Part 1
**I want to approach this gingerly. I realize some people have suffered severe abuse and are now dealing with the resulting trauma and crisis of faith. It’s important to note that I am only speaking from my own experience. I fully acknowledge and respect that each person’s experience of church hurt is unique and valid.**…
Katrina's Waves 