A few days ago, I came across a Facebook announcement from a Baptist church near where I live. The church was announcing the return of something called Bible 101 at a local public middle school. The post emphasized that the class was optional. That word caught my attention. Optional. It is a reassuring word. Nobody… Continue reading What Does “Optional” Actually Settle?
Category: Inherited Purpose
When a Role Outlives the Reason for It
Some roles begin because they are needed. A family is struggling, and one child becomes the responsible one. A parent is overwhelmed, and someone learns not to add another problem. Conflict fills the house, and one person becomes the peacemaker. Money is uncertain, and someone becomes the provider. A community rewards certainty, and someone becomes… Continue reading When a Role Outlives the Reason for It
The Permission You Were Waiting For
Some lives are shaped by waiting. Not obvious waiting, maybe. Not sitting still. Not doing nothing. From the outside, the life may look responsible, busy, productive, even successful. But underneath the motion, something may still be waiting. Waiting to be told it is all right. Waiting for approval. Waiting for certainty. Waiting for a sign.… Continue reading The Permission You Were Waiting For
The Life You Were Praised Into
Not every inherited mark comes from criticism. Some come from praise. That may be harder to notice. Criticism often leaves a bruise we can remember. Praise arrives warmly. It gives us belonging. It tells us which version of ourselves receives approval. A child is praised for being responsible, mature, quiet, helpful, smart, strong, faithful, easy… Continue reading The Life You Were Praised Into
What Part of Your Life Did You Inherit?
What part of your life did you inherit — and what part are you ready to examine? Most of Us Do Not Think of Our Lives as Inherited We think of inheritance as money, land, a house, a family Bible, a set of tools, a piece of furniture, a name, or a story passed down… Continue reading What Part of Your Life Did You Inherit?
The Pencil-Driven Life 