Mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15 @audreycfrank I love you Audrey jaan! Where are you? The text popped up on my screen as I searched for the pastor’s phone number. I was in high crisis mode, standing by a childhood friend in need during a tragic loss. My sweet Muslim friend Hunoon was looking for me and I had forgotten in the rush of emergency to let her know I couldn’t come by today.… Read More
@audreycfrank I was minding my own business when God’s Word took me by surprise, threw its handcuffs on me and placed me under arrest. As part of my research for a new book, I was studying Psalm 51 because it is one of the many Biblical passages about being clean and pure. I am fascinated by the offer of a holy, pure God to make His followers clean. Dirtiness comes from many sources. Sin is… Read More
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 for W. @audreycfrank.com Dear KSICJF&E, My dearest Kindred Spirit In Christ Jesus Forever and Ever you know I am so much better at written words than spoken ones. Spoken words have gotten me in more trouble than I would like to admit in my life. But you already know that too well about me. So I… Read More
@audreycfrank In the very place where they were once named Nobody, they will be named God’s Somebody (Hosea 1:10, The Message). I once knew a girl who was ashamed of her name. It was an unusual name, an uncommon name, a name which caused others to ask its origin. When the unavoidable question came, the girl would avert her eyes and mumble a soft explanation that left the questioner confused but with the distinctly uncomfortable impression… Read More
What will you begin in 2019? @audreycfrank Alert and ready to leap out of bed at any given second, I lay in the dark and listened. The sound of a rat running back and forth on the bedpost inches from my head had me frozen in place, afraid if I breathed he might make a detour and jump on my head. What on earth is he carrying in his mouth with such dedication? I wondered to… Read More
@audreycfrank Tears streamed down her face as she tried to explain between sobs what was causing her so much woe. “Jusdhat siadillf mmmeisgah wumph!” I do not speak Sobbing Hiccup very fluently, and I truly had no idea what was making my child so upset. One minute we were driving happily down the road on a sunny afternoon, talking about Christmas. The next thing I knew she was unintelligible and crying her eyes out. Turning… Read More
@audreycfrank I struggled to open the lock on our massive wooden front door. Bang, bang, bang! Whoever was on the other side was impatient. Finally, the latch gave way, the weight of the door pushing it inward. Standing in a pool of golden lamplight was a woman about my age. The burqa she wore was shabby and torn but tidy and clean. Chin held brave and high, she looked directly at me with dignity despite… Read More
@audreycfrank It was Christmastime in a land far from home. I was expecting our third child, and my sense of smell was working overtime. Nauseated and homesick, my attitude was anything but joyful. I was pretty sure I was inadequate for the tasks in front of me at that time in my life, and a sick pregnancy was not helping me feel courageous or motivated. Bundling up one afternoon, I sought solace and fresh air outdoors… Read More
@audreycfrank It was Christmas Eve and we were very far from home. I made my way out of the ancient, walled part of the medieval North African city where we lived and wound up the narrow road that clung precariously to the towering hillside. My small car joined a throng of little taxis, dusty vans, donkeys, and people on foot. The sounds of one of my favorite Christmas carols rose in my ears as I… Read More
@audreycfrank Our family has one secret recipe. I gladly share all the others with friends, but this recipe is top-secret, and only my children will carry it on. It tells the story of our love and our life, and one day, our legacy. Deep in the bush of Africa as a new bride, I had to figure out how to meet my husband’s need for chocolate. Over time I developed a moist, dark and delectable… Read More