Winters’ Day In

Time to spill the tea. Wanna cuppa?

Essay Talena Winters Essay Talena Winters

Please, Get Uncomfortable

Christians tend to grab a flag—and a sword and pitchfork—whenever we perceive that our “rights” or our “faith” are being threatened. But as the standard-bearers of Christ, are we really crusading for what we think we are?

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Essay Talena Winters Essay Talena Winters

Why God Didn't Stop the Shooting

So often in the aftermath of tragedy, Christians who have been raised to think of God as their protection charm turn away, and atheists mock the impotence of the God we declare to be firmly in control. But is it possible we have God—and his view of human tragedy—all wrong?

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Inspiration Talena Winters Inspiration Talena Winters

Could Your Story Change the World?

You might think your story isn't that special, that you have nothing to give. But if you think about it, you'll probably realize that you have already learned some life lessons that others would benefit from. Have you ever wondered how your story might be a powerful blessing to others?

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Inspirational People Talena Winters Inspirational People Talena Winters

Mary DeMuth: Beauty in the Broken

Mary DeMuth's biography on Facebook begins, “If you met Mary today, her joy would confuse you.” I love that. After all that Mary has been through, the fact that she is known by her joy (not surprising if you read even one article she has written) is a testimony to the healing power of Christ. His love shines through her like light through a stained glass window.

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Grief, Inspiration Talena Winters Grief, Inspiration Talena Winters

The Healing Power of Community

Two years later, we are still completely humbled when we consider the massive wave of support we received when Levi died. I am convinced that the support of our community through that first difficult year had a good deal to do with the progress we made in our healing. Yes, the work of grief must be done on an individual basis. But knowing that we were never alone had a significant impact on how brave we were in approaching that work.

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Inspiration, Vacation, Essay Talena Winters Inspiration, Vacation, Essay Talena Winters

Dear Lady Behind Me at Starbucks

I see you there, with your screwed-up face and your well-coiffed hair and your impatient gesture each time someone in the line in front of you dares to order one more thing. I was much like you for many years, and once in a while, I see your eyes looking back at mine from the mirror. May I remember that Kindness is Never Wasted. I hope you learn this, too, my Lady.

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Inspiration, Journal, Photography Talena Winters Inspiration, Journal, Photography Talena Winters

Photo Friday: Become Brave

The theme of my life for the last several months has been about becoming brave. My life has become less about protecting myself, and more about how my life can bless others. Sometimes, the things I have done have cost me. But for the most part, they have helped my heart and my courage to grow. Here are some lessons I've learned on the way.

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Grief, Journal Talena Winters Grief, Journal Talena Winters

Joy Comes Softly

Every day is another step forward. Every day, grief morphs and whirls and changes into a different shape, like dancing aurora borealis. And lately, I have been surprised by joy.

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