Get Your Downloadable Suspense (and a Substack Roundup)

Two dear friends lost their sons a few years ago as one of my own children struggled with the wrenching pain and dark suffering of depression. His struggle remains and I know many others walk a similar path.

Perhaps you or a loved one grapple with the hard edges of suicidal thoughts or battle feelings of hopelessness. Others may fight against self-hatred, self-harm, or suicidality.

Tips to Help You Support a Hurting Loved One

• Be aware of warning signs. Find an extensive list of potential signs at the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.

• Be direct. If you’re concerned, ask your loved one if s/he has a plan. If so, seek help immediately.

• Care for yourself. When hurt when our loved one hurts. Consider seeking support through the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance or at Embracing the Unexpected.

• Share the Suicide Hotline number (988). Volunteers save hundreds of lives every day.

As I considered my friend’s pain, I imagined the words Jesus might speak over her. I pray you find encouragement in the message I scribbled for her.

The Cross You Bear
When you’re deep in the valley⠀
and too tired to fight⠀
call out to Jesus,⠀
He’ll be your guide.⠀
⠀
The arrows and spears,⠀
the lies that surround?⠀
He’ll guard and protect,⠀
His love will abound.⠀
⠀
Don’t give heed ⠀
to whispers of fear ⠀
or listen to thoughts ⠀
like ‘End the pain, dear.’⠀
⠀
These are the prompts⠀
from the enemy of life.⠀
He is the spirit ⠀
of hatred and strife.⠀
⠀
Listen, instead, to the words of the Father.⠀
“I am your Hope.⠀
Trust me, my daughter.⠀
⠀
I took the lashings,⠀
I know your pain.⠀
Let the truth of my love⠀
Cleanse your wounds like the rain.⠀
⠀
This path isn’t easy,⠀
I see the cross that you bear.⠀
Let’s walk together,⠀
Your burdens I’ll share.”

If you need prayer, feel free to email me at tammy.kennington@gmail.com. I would consider it an honor.

2 Favorite Photos

Substack Reading Roundup

A few writer friends share their thoughts on Substack. I’ve listed them below.

Donna pens beautiful prose at Serenity in Suffering. Her article, What if Darkness Wasn’t Dark Anymore, offers hope even in heartache.

At Strength with Dignity, Lisa bolsters the spirit with Biblical insight. Her recent post, 3 Ways to Cultivate Resilience, encourages us to build resilience with intention. (I share more about resilience in Episode 3: Moving Beyond Trauma’s Wasteland.)

Author Ava Pennington shares wisdom and encouragement about a common struggle. Her article, What Makes Your Identity Special?, shares God’s viewpoint of His children.

From the Bookshelf

What’s on your bookshelf? If you’d like me to add a book to the community list, let me know. :)

Right now, I’m enjoying two nonfiction books and one romantic suspense novel. I’ll share a review when I finish up.

• Lethal Standoff by Diann Mills (I love her books and, oddly, my mom is Diann’s doppelganger.)

• Fault Lines by Voddie Bauchum

• Shepherds for Sale by Megan Basham

Books Just for You!

Book Mojo has more than 100 mysteries, thrillers, and who-dun-its available for download. (I just signed up for the Mirror Estate Series penned by Christian author, S.F. Baumgartner, and look forward to a little late-night reading.

I hope you discover your next new favorite author!

Writerly News

I attended the Write His Answer Conference last month and hope to hear back from a couple of the editors to whom I pitched a couple of books. And near the end of the month I’ll let you in on some exciting publication news!

Praying your week overflows with peace,

Tammy