Hi friends. It has been over a year since I published a post on this site. I have missed writing in this space, but I hate that this is the reason I am back. Over the weekend, the church lost a powerful voice. At the age of 37, Rachel Held Evans died unexpectedly, leaving behind her husband and two very …
“Church planting is HARD.” Throughout the last 6 months, we’ve lost track of how many times we’ve heard that warning. And to be honest, that’s exactly why Ike and I swore up and down we would never plant a church. It seemed too hard and too big. We aren’t cut out for it, we told ourselves. But it turns out …
Today marks TWO WEEKS since Free of Me released, and the journey has been incredible. I have treasured every message, every handwritten note, every comment and tweet describing how the book has spoken to readers or encouraged them. Each one feels like a sacred answer to prayer. In honor of this two week mark, I want to share a short excerpt …
“You were the first person who believed I could write a book.” A few weeks ago I tucked these words into a handwritten note to an old mentor. Next to me sat a stack of notes I would mail out to friends, peers, and fellow runners in the faith, along with a copy of my book. I was writing each …
When I was in college, I could always tell which of my classmates was from Texas. Without fail, each native Texan displayed his or her state flag somewhere in their dorm room. I remember thinking this was so strange. As much as I love my own home state of North Carolina, it never would have dawned on me to pin …
In case you missed it, things have been bonkers around here. I have a LOT of life updates, and I finally found some time to sit down and share a little bit with you. It’s all very good, but I could use some mighty prayer in the coming months. Here’s what is coming down the pipe: 1. I’m pregnant! That’s right, …
Today I’m continuing my series featuring the voices of twenty-something women, and I want you to meet Brittany Darst! Brittany is one sharp lady, which you’ll discover as soon as you start reading. That’s why I LOVE the topic she chose–it’s such a great reminder for us fellow nerds! Brittany lives and works in Raleigh, NC, attends Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, …
A month or two ago, I was listening to a podcast interview with a marriage counselor, and she said something I can’t stop thinking about. While researching her latest book, she surveyed over 70 married couples and asked if they could name another couple that “inspired” them. Surprisingly, most said “no.” As I listened to her speculate about why so few people could name a single couple …
This week I am continuing my series, Hear the Esther Generation, which spotlights the voices of twenty-something women. Today I am SO pleased to introduce you to Julianne Clayton, who I had the pleasure of meeting back in February. Julianne is a writer, speaker, and pastor’s wife with a background in student ministry. She and her husband, Brad, live in Tallahassee, …
Sisters in seminary, I’ve been thinking about you. More specifically, I’ve been thinking about those of you enrolled at evangelical seminaries. You came to mind last week, when the internet exploded with discussions of authority and accountability and whether or not you need a degree to be a leader in Jesus’ church. Many voices weighed in with a variety of perspectives, but you were …
