“I would have preferred to stay in the classroom where my strengths were seen, rather than being on the ball field with my weaknesses on full display.”

“When I misunderstand the gift of God’s grace, not just for salvation, but for the work of sanctification in me, I can live trying to earn God’s favor as if I never had it.”

“What was designed to be an honor turned into a month of anxiety producing hiding.”

“Of all the songs they could have picked, they chose this one. I felt confused and frightened. I jumped off the swing and ran inside. Why would they sing this song for me?”

“God’s love felt abstract and elusive, not tangible and real. I didn’t understand how the love of a God I can’t see, touch, or talk to face to face could meet the deep relational needs of my heart.”