Dance in the Rain

Welcome to My Journal

My life has often felt like a raging storm. A hurricane without an end. And yet God has given me joy in the midst of it. And through the raging storms and the intermittent drizzle, I’m learning to dance in the rain. (Figuratively, of course.)

The Beauty of the Dandelion
pain Vaneetha Risner pain Vaneetha Risner

The Beauty of the Dandelion

The dandelion is beautiful at life’s end, soon to be carried by the wind. Like suffering saints, God carries their witness farther than they know.

Read More
Is God Low-Key Savage?
Pain Vaneetha Risner Pain Vaneetha Risner

Is God Low-Key Savage?

Does God delight in our suffering? Does he want to take away the things we love most? Are the painful afflictions or sleepless nights we endure necessary?

Read More
Who is Jesus to You?
pain Meghan Newkirk pain Meghan Newkirk

Who is Jesus to You?

The gospel accounts of Jesus' last days show my sin in a new light; I have a horrifying resemblance to those who deserted, betrayed and even crucified Jesus.

Read More
Love Letters to God
pain, suffering Vaneetha Risner pain, suffering Vaneetha Risner

Love Letters to God

Do you find that God meets you with snippets of Scripture, like through a devotional book, or on the radio or listening to a podcast? If that’s been good, can you imagine there’s something even better?

Read More
When you Can’t Imagine Living Like This
pain, suffering Vaneetha Risner pain, suffering Vaneetha Risner

When you Can’t Imagine Living Like This

I cried out to the Lord, telling him how this felt colossally unfair. I ended by declaring, “I can’t live like this for the rest of my life. I just can’t do it!” I felt frustrated and angry and overwhelmed all at the same time. I couldn’t imagine living the rest of my life with the physical struggles I had today.

Read More