If God is good, why does suffering exist? If God did not create suffering, and God is good, why doesn’t he stop my suffering? Many people wonder why God allows evil to continue to exist in this world. This blog provides help and perspective on the subject of suffering.

Perhaps I'm too introspective, but as I celebrated the 4th of July this year, I began to ask myself, "What is true freedom?" When I think about our culture, freedom seems to mean the ability to live unfettered, unattached and unencumbered. The word freedom seems to currently carry the connotation that we can live how we want with no strings attached, and anything less is oppressive. What comes to mind when you hear the word, Freedom?

One time, on an international bus ride, I was playing a question game with friends to pass the time. The question we had to answer was, “If you could be any person in the Bible, who would you choose?” When my friend answered Ruth, the reality of living Ruth’s life hit me like a ton of bricks.

Stephen was the leader I want to be. Not because he was an eloquent spokesman or because he had a large following, but because he was willing to be humble and obedient to the greatest leader of all time, Jesus! If we want to lead, we must learn how to obey God, whether or not his plan abides by our agenda.

Has anyone ever told you they couldn’t count on you?

It’s definitely not the most awesome sentiment to receive. Especially when it seems to come out of nowhere! 

It’s not easy to obey when you don’t feel it (when you’re not in your pocket). But I’ve found there’s an inexplainable strength found when I shift my focus from what I’m doing, to who I’m loving. Obedience flows from a desire to love God with all our heart, soul and mind. There is power in the pocket, because God honors a man or woman who obeys out of love, even when she or he isn’t feeling it

“Why is it so hard for me to make friends?”  And the Holy Spirit answered, “No one is perfect Sharie, and neither are you.”

I try not to hurt my friends, but I do.  When I realize what I’ve done, my first hope is for them to love, listen, forgive and give me the benefit of the doubt.  Don’t we all want to be understood and forgiven?  This is what it means to believe the best. 

Have you ever heard someone say, "I don't want it to go to her head"?  Recently after speaking at an event, someone offered my husband a compliment about me.  After listening, he suggested they come and tell me.  But, they responded, "Well, I don't want it to go to her head." 

What they didn't know is that I desperately needed a boost of inspiration. 

When you’re a little girl, it’s kind of cute to be a tomboy. But, as a teenager, you’re labeled strong willed and rebellious. And in my experience, people quickly slap harsh labels on women who are strong leaders. God, why did you give me this personality when you knew I’d be a girl?