MARY K ASHLEY

Over the last few weeks, I, probably like many of you, have felt inundated with all things elections. Whether it be from all of the news stations, radios, podcasts, blogs, or conversations within friend groups or around us, I have been swarmed by the weight of November 3rd. In addition, it seems almost inescapable to avoid seeing social media confrontations over various policies, appointees, and potential elected officials. It can become easy to get lost in the whirlwind of i

"Why is Jesus's death on a cross good news? Why should some man's death via crucifixion thousands of years ago matter to me today? I'm not that bad of a person. I mean, I've never killed someone! So, why would I need some Savior I've never met?" These questions, among others, are common rebuttals to the Christian faith. Even within Christian circles, I have met or heard many that have a difficult time communicating why Jesus's death on the cross is the pinnacle and most centr

If not, then why do we see so many Christians looking first to sinful men/women for the solution to this sin problem, before or instead of looking to God who is without sin? First, I want to be as crystal clear as possible - racism is a wretched, disgusting sin. I have seen it and heard it with my own eyes and ears being inflicted upon those in my life or in close proximity to me. Hearing or seeing racist actions makes my heart mourn for something I will never comprehend full

The more I get to know those around me or discuss the illusions of having it all together, I find that anxiety plagues the minds of many. One of my entire chapters in, "And Still You Called: Walking in Christ's Freedom With A Broken Past", I expand upon my own personal battles with anxiety. This blog post is an excerpt from that chapter unpacking what scripture has to say about this particular subject. I hope it brings you hope in the midst of whatever you're facing and ultim