Lisa Brenninkmeyer's Blog, page 11

Living with Anxiety and Embracing Philippians 4:6

Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States. More than 19% of adults (ages 18+) and more than 31% of adolescents (ages 13–18) live with an anxiety disorder.[1] This means, dear sister, the odds that you have first-hand experience with this mental illness—either because you struggle with anxiety or because someone you love does—are extremely high.

And I just want you to know, I see you. 

I was diagnosed with anxiety at the age of 18, just shy of my 19th birthday. But it’s safe ...

For Your Weekend: The Promise of Hope and the Fullness of Joy

Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 2:1–12

It was the first graders that stole the show this year at my children’s Christmas pageant. Dressed in their Catholic school uniform best, they stood in front of the altar and, in all their glory, sang their little hearts out. But it was their belting out of the refrain of the song that sealed it for the audience, that made all of us, even those who did not have first graders this year, giggle aloud and smile with effusive joy. 

“OHHH. OHHHHHHH...

Understanding Joshua 1:9

In the Broadway musical The Lion King, there is a beautiful song called “Endless Night.” This song, which is not in the original movie, is sung by Simba at a pivotal crossroads in his life. Let me provide some key context for those unfamiliar with this story or who have not seen it recently (warning: there are some spoiler alerts). 

Having run away from his pride at a young age because he falsely believed that he was solely responsible for his father's (Mufasa) death, Simba finds himself in the ...

For Your Weekend: Grieving the Loss of Your Perfect Family

Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Luke 2:22–40

A few years ago, I quit sending the Christmas card family photo. Why? Because trying to get my family to sit perfectly was torture. The whole endeavor, without fail, included tears, frustration, and the complete lack of ability to keep our eyes open. The dream of the perfect image of my family encouraged me year after year to persevere until it finally dawned on me: we are not perfect—hard news for a perfectionist to swallow.

Are there any fello...

For Your Weekend: Following Mary’s Fiat

Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Luke 1:26–38

Can you think of a time when you were chosen for something special? What was it? How did it make you feel? 

When I think of times I was chosen out of a crowd, a few moments come to mind. I think of the moment I learned that I had been chosen for my first professional job out of college and the day I got engaged. More recently, I think of the day I learned that my book, Rekindled, had won an award. Maybe for you, it was being part of a sports tea...

For Your Weekend: Invest in the Most Important Relationship Your Daughter Will Ever Have

Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read John 1:6–8,19–28

“Everybody is going to think we’re like the Duggars.” This was the response of one of my kids when I shared that I was pregnant with our seventh child. Concern over what people would think about us felt like the least of my worries. My greatest fear was that there wouldn’t be enough of me to do all that was needed. I wanted to be attentive to each of my children’s needs, to tend to the little details that mattered but could just as easily be...

For Your Weekend: An Advent Inspired by John the Baptist

Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Mark 1:1–8

Every Advent, we prepare for the celebration of Christmas: the Incarnation of Christ, the manifestation of God in the flesh, one with His people in all things but sin. It is easy to reflect only on the first coming of Christ and lose sight of the fact that much like the Israelites of years past, we, too, are awaiting the coming of Christ. True, it will be His second coming, but are we prepared for it? Do we recognize that our Advent season is, in ...

For Your Weekend: Set the Advent Alarm

Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Mark 13:33–37

The snooze button: the archnemesis of my early morning marathon training. 

In order to get the most out of the morning hours before my husband and children got up and the most miles in before the demands of everyday life set in, my daily alarm was set to 4:30 a.m. 

I know. It’s ridiculously early. I don’t know if it was more my anxiety or anticipation of what was to come or my body just getting accustomed to that early hour, but more often than...

For Your Weekend: The Things I Have Failed To Do

Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 25:31–46

Have you ever wanted to crawl out of the confessional? I have, just a few weeks ago, when loving words of correction on the other side of the screen were interpreted as, “You idiot, don’t you know anything?” Caught off guard, I debated dropping to the ground and quietly crawling out the door. 

I hear some of your thoughts, you know.

“This is why I don’t go to confession. Why tell a man my sins when I can go directly to God?”
“I don’t need to...

For Your Weekend: Recognizing the Beauty in the Mirror

Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 25:14–30

Certain things are universal to the experience of women. For example, we have all sat with a friend, heard her complain about her appearance, and thought, “You must be insane! When I look at you, I see your unique beauty, and all you see is someone full of imperfections. How is that even possible?” I bet you can think of that friend right now. Everyone recognizes her beauty except her. 

I bet you have been the friend in that scenario. Someon...