When loss fills an empty chair at the holidays
NASHVILLE (BP) – Grief isn’t beholden to a calendar. But when someone isn’t home for the holidays, the pain intensifies.
For Israeli families of deceased hostages, biblical Sitting Shiva mourning finally comes
JERUSALEM (BP) – Tiferet Lapidot had returned to Israel to spend the holidays with her family. But Oct. 7, 2023, was the last time her father Ohad Lapidot would see her alive.
VETERANS DAY: Scripture provides guide for healing after trauma
In a few short months, the United States will celebrate 250 years as a nation. Already in 2025, the Army (June 14), Navy (Oct. 13) and Marine Corps (Nov. 10) have celebrated 250 since their inception. Lesser known however is that the Army and Navy Chaplain Corps also celebrate 250 of ministry to those who serve, and bear the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual scars of war.
FIRST-PERSON: Men and the specter of failure
“Every man lives with the specter that he is letting someone down,” a pastor once told our men’s group.
Ministry offers trauma healing to women in Ukraine
More than 1,000 women in Ukraine recently attended conferences, workshops and seminars designed to offer Christ-centered trauma healing.
Role of faith in veterans’ suicide prevention receives platform at the White House
WASHINGTON, D.C. (BP) – Faith leaders joined others Sept. 17 at the White House to speak on faith’s role in preventing suicide among veterans and addressing recovery for those struggling with suicidal ideations.
‘Hope, Hurt and Healing’ recounts brother’s suicide, offers healing balm for survivors
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) – Barrett lived outside the lines, his sister Catherine Renfro recalls. He liked sports. Everyone loved being around him. He certainly kept his siblings and parents on their toes.
Slim majority backs physician-assisted suicide
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Half of Americans believe a terminally ill person should be able to ask a doctor for help in ending their life. Legal approval has outpaced the growth in public support.
Pastors have increasingly complicated relationship with counseling
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Compared to a decade ago, pastors have less training in counseling but are more hesitant to refer church members to professionals.
FIRST-PERSON: Dandelion grace – a word for those who feel useless
Years ago, I helped organize our church’s VBS and oversaw all the crafts. I spent hours finding ideas, cutting construction paper, and gathering all the supplies. I loved hearing parents’ comments on what their children brought home. But I can’t serve that way anymore; now I have to worry about even walking down the children’s hall, afraid I could get knocked down. At times now I feel useless.
