I Don't Belong Here

  Life can get crazy hard sometimes, and it's usually when you least expect it. We've all heard the idiom, "When it rains, it pours," typically used when things are going wrong. While saying it might not improve the situation, poking fun at our circumstances may temporarily ease the pain. We all face challenges, even downpours. Society can make admitting we're in a downpour feel pessimistic, but if these downpours increase stress and make life feel overwhelming, then sharing our challenges with healthy, supportive friends and family should be a requirement for sustaining a well-rounded life. There is a fine line between incessant complaining and sharing for supportive help. And as great as human support is, like friends, family, and counselors, our greatest help comes from the Lord (Psalm 121:1-2). Over the last few weeks, my daughter and I have faced challenge after challenge. Initially, I kept most of it to myself, thinking they were isolated incidents that ...

Content Warning: Physical Abuse Nestled under a blanket and comfortably seated on my couch, I was absorbed in a movie when I suddenly heard shouting. It wasn't the first time I'd heard the young woman scream angrily, but this time it felt different. She was enraged and sounded more aggressive towards her victim. Then, I heard a thud. I sat up quickly, discarding my blanket and listening closely. More screaming followed by another thud. The sounds weren't loud enough to be furniture moving or someone stomping their feet. It sounded like the weight and size of a person falling to the floor. Without thinking, I rushed to my front door and shouted, "Anyone need help?" I knew someone needed help, but I had no idea what would happen next. My heart raced as fear washed over me. I had forgotten the feeling, the terror, and panic as the bull saw red and spewed violence. Time seemed to stand still, and all other sounds went mute. An angry voice shouted back, "No. We...