Stop Striving; Come Know Me

Stop Striving; Come Know Me A poem by Kristen Ostrem You don’t have to strive, and you don’t have to hide. Pretending, performing, and masking are facades that all root from pride. You’re afraid you’re not good enough, disappointed you...

The Skill of Receiving

Last month, I stopped into the Hallmark Visitor Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on the way home from a road trip. As I was walking through the self-guided tour, I came across one exhibit displaying an array of resin crowns decorated by employees to celebrate the...

Beyond a Doubt/Marlys’ Story

“From as far back as I can remember, I knew I would end up in Africa, but I didn’t like the idea at all, because I don’t like bugs and dirt, and I didn’t even think about the snakes.” This was the introductory response to my recent interview with Marlys Kingsriter—the...

Without A Valentine

February 14th—a day to celebrate a significant relationship, romance, and love—is soon to be here. If you’re reading this and don’t have a significant other but wish differently, please accept my empathy and compassion but also encouragement. I, too, have a current...