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When I lived in Hawaii, we used to hang tea leaf leis in our closets. Long lasting and fragrant, they helped keep these spaces -- which were prone to mold due to the rainy climate in Hilo -- fresh. Until a recent morning at the Denver airport, it had been almost a decade since I held a tea leaf lei in my hands. As my friend Jenny, her daughters, and I sat in Seattle's Best Coffee during their short layover, she offered me gifts she'd brought -- a bag of the best Kona-made coffee I've tasted, a book on miscarriage, Hawaiian perfume, and her condolences that the papaya chutney she'd intended for Ted and me hadn't made it through security. Lastly, she gave me a choice of one of the three leis she'd brought from the Big Island where she and her family live. "To put on Noah's grave," she told me. In Psalm 34:18, David writes, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit." Jenny's kind and thoughtful gift -- a tangible expression of love for my child -- served to remind me, once again, that God is near to me and aware of my slowly healing wound. As we examine wounds this month on Ungrind, it's my hope that each article will highlight that no matter how deep or raw our wounds are, we have a Savior who weeps with us. Sometimes we are reminded of this through His Word, sometimes through a song or a book, and sometimes through a tenderly given lei. Until next month's e-note, keep up-to-date at our blog, Fresh Brew. We'd love to have you stop by and join the conversation there as we dive into this month's topic!
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By Michele Mollkoy
A few years ago, I was hurt badly by this friend.
Life, In Spite of Me: An Excerpt
By Kristen Jane Anderson with Trisha Goyer
It had been nearly three years since I attempted suicide.
By Natalie LaFrance-Slack
I'm affected by what I perceive others must think of me.
By Kelly Langner Sauer
Everything in my heart wants to keep my children from wounds.
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Choosing to Forgive by Arlene Pellicane
I thought I had forgiven my friend. MORE
Writing Through Pain by Jessica Boling
Writing is a balm that helps to release my emotions. MORE
Church Hurts by Ashleigh Slater
we close our month-long discussion of wounds. MORE
Upside Down by Amy Storms
Wounds that heal? Isn't that a contradiction? MORE
Enduring Friendship by Lynette Kittle
I love the classic TV show, I Love Lucy. MORE
I just skipped around on the beautiful Ungrind site ... It's a fantastic little breath of fresh air.
| --- Robin Jones Gunn, award-winning author of over 70 books, including the best-selling Sisterchicks, Christy Miller, Katie Weldon, Sierra Jenson, and Glenbrooke novels. |
For weary mornings after tending to wee ones all night long or for listless evenings when you need a hopeful thought to sleep on, stop by Ungrind. You'll find a feast for your eyes and soul—practical, engaging articles that gracefully balance the gritty realities of life with eternal possibilities.
| --- Jenny Schroedel, author of Naming the Child: Hope-filled Reflections on Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Death |
Ungrind—when you need a fresh cup of grace for the life you're called to live.
| --- Candice Watters, author of Get Married: What Women Can Do to Help It Happen and co-author of Start Your Family: Inspiration for Having Kids |
