Author: Bethany Howard
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Imperfect Me is Loved with a Perfect Love
“I love you for all that you are.” These words came out as I tucked my sweet, curly-headed boy into bed. I’ve never said that before. It just kind of came out. I had to stop and think to understand if I really could say that and mean it. I love imperfectly, but I…
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I Need Your Perspective to be a Better Human
I don’t know how it feels to be you. I don’t want to guess anymore. I would like to understand. I realize that means asking you to wade into my ignorance. And I am sorry in advance for the pain and frustration that my lack will cause you. I don’t know another…
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How to Get Out of Between and Really Live.
It was a tough battle just now, getting out of bed. I won. Mostly. I gave away a few minutes. I am here writing, bleary eyed, but I am in my chair at the computer. It is amazing to me that I have to fight a battle to do something I want to do… I…
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On the Incompatibility of Expectations and the Highlight Reel
My mind is a making ice cream, constantly moving, stopping only to freeze up and think about one thing. Then back to swirling and thinking about 15 other things. I feel a bit unsettled as I wake today. Unsure, but not sure what I am unsure about. Is it the end of summer, school starting…
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The Strong Declaration of a Brave Little Flower
Unknowingly, I had made a declaration. I had written it in indelible ink on the walls of my heart. Tattooed it on my skin. When things are hard, I can’t be soft. I don’t know when I made it…so I don’t know how long I have been waving this banner, but it may as well…
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Truth on the Beach: Living Large Isn’t About Me.
Sometimes I am surprised when God presents truth to me in ways I don’t expect. For example, last week at the beach my son drew a tennis court in the sand; I enjoyed watching him create his masterpiece but I didn’t expect it to be a carrier of truth. I just didn’t see it coming.…
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Full circle: At the intersection of then and now
I was in my old stomping grounds last week in Raleigh, NC for a quick visit. I had debated about making the fast trip with my kids in tow but determined it was important enough to warrant the effort. A friend was having her book launch and I was blessed to be able to attend.…
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On the Front Porch in a Hard Place.
I stood on her porch. We talked about the weather and wondered how it was possible it was mid-summer already. We talked about our day and what was ahead for us. And before I knew it, I had tears. They popped out of nowhere. Surprising me. Likely surprising her. “I don’t know why I am…
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Walk With Me in the Middle.
Sometimes we have to dig for kindling. This is week is one of those times – when it all seems wrong – when justice seems far off… I am somewhere in the middle. I am no longer there. I am here. I can look back and see that progress has been made, because…
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Celebrate Well: How to live life without jealousy.
I admit. Sometimes jealousy just won’t leave me alone. It grabs my attention and then asks my heart to be sure to notice the unfairness of the fact that someone else has the: great shoes, house at the beach, rocking business, stellar career, gorgeous website, wonderful neighbors, vacation without kids, toned legs, heck – some…
