Personal Accounts
The doubt side of my faith
I grew up thinking that “faith” and “doubt” were opposites. Faith was good. Doubt was bad. With that mindset even questions could be dangerous, as I figured they could le... »
Peaks and valleys
I recently read C. S. Lewis’ novel The Screwtape Letters, which chronicles a fictional correspondence between a senior devil named Screwtape and a junior devil named Worm... »
Tasting the fruit
A few years ago, Activated published a special series on what Paul in his letter to the Galatians called the fruit of the Spirit. [[See Galatians 5:22–23.]] One issue was... »
The power of a peach
When I was eight years old, my family and I watched a BBC documentary featuring a group of British WW2 veterans who had fought in North Africa. Throughout the film, the v... »
Like the flowers
I was sitting in a friend’s living room when I noticed some crimson red flowers in a vase on the coffee table. I was almost spellbound by their loveliness, and as I gazed... »
The seasons of life
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” [[Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV]] This is a big life lesson. It is really good news … and not... »
Fruity lessons
I was recently fascinated to read how scientists learned how to make more effective waterproof products such as raincoats and airplane parts by studying the ridges on but... »
Birthday mango
My son Jonathan was born in a small Indian village, during the time my husband and I were serving there as volunteers. Like many Indian kids, he grew up eating rice, dahl... »
A meaningful life
My grandmother wasn't a career woman. In fact, she only held a job for six years in her entire life. When she got married, she and my grandfather couldn’t afford for both... »
Meanings and purposes
For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt strongly that I needed a purpose, a “mission,” a life plan. It’s both part of my natural personality type and how I was brought u... »