The Blog
supporting your beautiful, meaningful life
The Vulnerability of Valentine’s Day
Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash From the time we first take breath on this planet we have a desire to be seen, loved, and wanted. As we grow, we manage this desire somewhat but it never fully goes away. We may transfer this desire from parents to a cute boy on...
read moreYou’re Not Broken
I know it feels like you are. Losing your lunch in a parking lot because of a panic attack makes you feel broken. Racing thoughts that keep sleep at bay for days at a time can make you wonder if you’re crazy. Having flashbacks that make you leave a full grocery cart...
read moreMy Word for 2020: Transformation
In the last few years, in lieu of making new year’s resolutions, I’ve chosen a word for the year. A banner, of sorts, which summarized and hopefully prophesied what God might do in and through me in the months ahead. I had no plans to choose a word this year, but God...
read moreYou’re Invited
Several days ago I read Psalm 2 for my devotions and was struck by the invitation recorded in verses 7-9: I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends...
read moreWorth It vs. Worthy
During my teen years, I adopted a well-known slogan for beauty products as my personal mantra. “I’m worth it.” Dress I don’t need? Why not? I’m worth it. Extra scoop of mashed potatoes? Sure, I’m worth it. Three little words that work wonders for selling hair color...
read moreThree Years of Life After Death
Today marks three years since the worst day of my life. The day my mother died. Losing my mom felt like an unraveling of my world and all I knew to be true. I lost my center, my best friend, my counselor, my identity. I lost history and holidays and comfort on a hard...
read more13 Tangible Ways to Affirm Life in Your Community
Abortion is an oft-discussed and highly emotional issue. Even more so since the state of New York signed the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) into law on January 22, 2019, the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. (You may read the legislation in full here:...
read moreThree Tools to Defeat Satan’s One-Two Punch
Do you ever feel beaten down? Worn out? Weary from trying to gather enough hope to live another day? I have. And I suspect you have too. I've noticed when life gets difficult it seems problems pile upon problems. People get sick when there's no extra time to rest....
read moreIt Feels Like Home to Me
Home. Belonging. Sanctuary. Peace. Home cooked meals. Candlelight. Movie nights. Moonlit streets. The perfect paint color. Safety. Love. The outward expression of an inward self. Missing my mother is an incomparable ache that will never be filled. But missing...
read moreShe Who Has Eyes to See
. I wish you could see what I see. A mom soldiering through unbelievable heartache, raising her children with grace and courage and a substantial dose of quirky humor to color life bright. While her husband is lauded as the conquerer, she remains invisible. The...
read moreWeekend Vibes: Arts & Crafts Edition
Things can be a little somber around DonyaDunlap.com sometimes so I thought I'd post a little light-hearted glimpse of my weekend and a quick trip down memory lane. I distinctly remember the day I called home from college and my mom was so excited to tell me about a...
read moreDay 814
It's been 814 days since my mother died. That number seems astronomical. 814 days without her voice greeting me over the phone, telling me about her day and how she beat my dad at cards...again. 814 days without an "I love you, Sis" or a hug around the neck or a...
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