by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Jul 5, 2014 | forgiveness, Four Promises, Ken Sande
In Steps 8 & 9 of the Twelve Step process, individuals are challenged to both forgive and receive forgiveness. Ken Sande, author of The Peacemaker, has some practical ways to make that process easier to accomplish:”Forgiveness may be described as a decision...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Jul 5, 2014 | boundaries, Dear Amy, physical abuse
There are several issues in this “Dear Amy” letter that I find myself speaking to over and over again in the context of teaching “Boundaries” class to women in addiction recovery. When addiction (including co-dependent behavior) interrupts the...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Jul 5, 2014 | Lent, Psalm 51:8, woundedness
Rejoice, even when you limp! A Lenten meditation: Psalm 51:8, “Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.” I heard someone refer to this scripture in the context of talk about our spiritual journeying, specifically in it possibly...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Jul 5, 2014 | timing, women in ministry
God’s timing is always perfect. Ours, on the other hand, is often marred by the desire to make sense out of circumstances and the earnest hope that, given a little more time things can be worked out for the benefit of all involved. It seems fitting on Holy Week...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Jul 5, 2014 | James 3:1, Teaching, Titus 2:7
Years ago, at a time when I was seeking God’s will about His purpose for my life, He made it clear to me that He did not need more clever wordsmiths, just faithful teachers. And so, I am not a particularly entertaining teacher, or even the most...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Jul 5, 2014 | Bethel Village, Career
(from Facebook- April 19, 2014) An open letter to students and volunteers: A number of questions have arisen from people who are puzzled by my decision to leave Bethel Village, and expressing their concern that I have let down the ladies whom I have loved and served....
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Jul 5, 2014 | birthday remembrances, Charlotte Ann
On my daughter’s birthday: (April 29) 39 years ago today I prepared my bag to head to the hospital for the delivery of our second child, Charlotte Ann. It had been an anxious pregnancy. I remember her birth as clearly as if it were just last...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Jul 5, 2014 | Ebenezer, stones
This is a stone from a field on the homesite where my maternal grandfather’s family lived in Barbour County, AL. I had discovered the significance of “standing stones” ( also called “Ebenezer”- stone of help) during a study 15 years or...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Jul 5, 2014 | doubt, Faith
At age 29, in a rash and impulsive moment, I did something totally out of character, a biggie, as in willful violation of one of the Big Ten, something that my background of being raised in the church said would send me to hell. I was angry, confused, and...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Jul 5, 2014 | Comfort, Rachel Held Evans
Recently, I was talking to someone in ministry and he referenced marginalized women as being among those who often have “orphan hearts”. The thought made me wince with a note of recognition and pain……a heart that feels abandoned and without the...
