Forgiveness is such an important concept, not only within Christian teachings but also in our personal lives. There are many verses that highlight its importance, from Ephesians 4:32’s call to “forgive one another as Christ forgave you” to the teachings in Matthew 6:14-15 that state, “if you forgive others, your Heavenly Father will also forgive […]

When you hear the word “divorce,” what comes to mind? Maybe feelings of hurt, anger, and loss. Times of abrupt change. Memories of being put in the middle of situations you didn’t want to be in. Maybe empathy for a friend who has experienced these things. To the sister who relates to any of this, […]

My Conversations with God: Age 13: “God, if you’re real, please make this sadness go away.” Age 18: “God, why do I wake up feeling sad every day while everyone else seems to feelnormal?” Age 20: “God, I have failed you. I am an imposter.” Age 22: “Lord, I choose you every day.” Growing up […]

I was in Homegoods one Friday afternoon, just trying to keep my mind occupied. I hadforced myself to take a bereavement day after too many near breakdowns at work theday before. I was in the cashier line when I saw them: a mother and daughter of petitestature who would’ve been my mother and grandmother’s ages. […]

From my earliest childhood memories, I always knew the month of June as “the fun month with rainbows.” Each year brought eager anticipation as I looked forward to attending the Seattle Pride parade with my moms. I loved the vibrant colors, lively music, and getting to wear a rainbow-colored tutu. It felt like a big, […]

Close your eyes and envision this with me.  You’re getting ready for your day… it’s a typical morning; skincare routine, makeup and hair done, and then you pick out your outfit. It all looks good in your head, you feel good. When you look in the mirror to see it all put together you see […]

When I was a kid, one of my best friends and I’s favorite activities was to get on her desktop computer and watch music videos on YouTube. (My parents didn’t like pop music so I would wait to go to her house to listen to the newest songs). At the age of 8, with the […]

“We believe in the redeeming power of Christ, but we believe as Pastors that you are not healedenough to work in this ministry.” This was the opening statement of the letter that an ExecutivePastor read to me as I was getting fired from my ministerial position. When I received Jesus asmy Lord and Savior in […]

I didn’t hide all of myself, only the parts I didn’t like. In elementary, Limited Too and Old Navy were the brands on trend. Fourth grade Katie was ecstatic entering fitting rooms, but after endless children’s clothing not fitting, she realized something was wrong. Why weren’t children’s clothing fitting her, a child? That’s when it […]

Something you may not know about me is I serve as the Director of the Women and Children’s Shelter for the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco, Washington. In July of 2022, my husband, my parents, and myself made the 3-day trip from Fort Worth, Texas to move to our permanent address of Tricities, Washington. My […]