The Lord upholds all who fall, and lifts up all who are bowed down (Psalm 145:14).
Hi Reader!
A friend commented recently, “It must take so much discipline to write books!”
I laughed. On the average day, I’m Facebook scrolling, making coffee, or just staring out the window. Anything but discipline!
Some days I do actually churn out a bunch of work. But more often, I struggle with distractions and fatigue from chronic insomnia.
While writing fiction takes discipline, it is also my lifelong dream. I feel so privileged and grateful because now, this dream is possible.
What’s even better is when God uses my writing in someone’s life.
Another friend, who was going through a very hard time, said, “Hey! I know what I’ll do. I’ll read your book again!”
Somehow, Wonders in the Deep offered comfort and encouragement through her challenging season. What an honor.
Did a book encourage you lately? Tell me about it!
Personal News
One of my highlights of 2026 so far was a visit from a childhood friend from the UK. We were best friends as children. It was wonderful to reconnect, update each other on our lives, and share past memories.
My friend loves nature, and Paul and I live in arguably the most beautiful county in the US. So it was super fun to show her around.
Interestingly, on a whale-watching tour we met a woman from the UK who was visiting her daughter in California. My childhood friend had just come from New Zealand, where she was visiting her son. And my two sons and their wives have moved to the UK and Germany recently.
Is there a trend of adult kids moving to other countries? There sure was on our whale-watching boat, at least!
My friend and I probably don't agree on every issue, but that didn’t matter. What mattered was our common faith in Jesus. Spending time together. Renewing our friendship and enjoying the things we have in common.
Writing News
“I hate what politics has done to us. I hate it. I simply hate it.” – Brandon Straka“
He Himself is our peace” (Eph. 2:14).
Speaking of differences, I’ve noticed people really struggling with world events lately. One serious effect has been the strain on relationships. Many of us know of families whose formerly close relationships have become distant:
- A Harris Poll survey found that around 50 percent of American adults are estranged from at least one close relation.
- Twenty-one percent of American adults became estranged due to disagreements on controversial topics.
- Forty-two percent of American adults agree that politics is the largest cause of estrangement within families.
Many Christians don’t want to discuss the hard topics. They’re afraid of causing division.
Yet avoidance heals nothing. The church MUST present the Bible’s teaching on the life-destroying ideologies that target the vulnerable.
Because only God’s Word provides healing truth about the issues that torment our culture.
- “Male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27). Accepting ourselves as God has made us, as challenging as it may be, removes the threat of life-long injuries from medical "gender-affirming" harm.
- “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). Obeying this commandment saves the lives that seductive euphemisms ("dying with dignity" or "terminating a pregnancy," etc.) are designed to kill.
- "These... things the Lord hates... hands that shed innocent blood" (Proverbs 6:16:17). Aligning our courts with God's view of violence protects individuals from injustice.
"Politics matter because policy matters, because people matter.... They matter to God, and therefore, as Christians, they matter to us." - Allie Beth Stuckey
I believe Christians should engage with the public square. We must not abandon those who suffer under unbiblical policies.
Christians involved in politics:
- Abolished the transatlantic slave trade
- Put a stop to abusive child labor practices
- Addressed inhumane treatment of prisoners.
Yes, biblical engagement with politics is one way we love our neighbor. And while engaging, we should not allow political differences to destroy our relationships.
I'm learning this involves respectful conversations. Listening, with a view to understand. Loving people, while being faithful to God’s Word. And being willing to agree to disagree, trusting God with the chasms between us.
In other news, Sons from Afar is finished! I’m writing a proposal to an agent, as well as exploring other publishing options. Meanwhile, I’m growing the subscriber list to this newsletter. (That’s an important component of a proposal, as agents want to see a strong platform.)
Free Short Story for You!
I started By His Grace to explore the fallout of various decision-making strategies. But as I wrote, another theme surfaced:
Reconciliation.
God's grace is enough to bridge the painful divides we face.
By-His-Grace.epub
If you'd like to share the story with a friend, please direct them here. They'll get the free story, plus my newsletter!
Prayer
Please join me in praying for peace and reconciliation in families:
Dear Father,
You are the Healer. You love to restore relationships. We commit our allegiance afresh to You.
Please heal our land. Forgive our sins, as we forgive others. Give us courage to reach across any breaks in our relationships, led by Your love. Help us remember that You are at work, even when we don’t see it.
In Christ’s name,
Amen
Life-Changing Fiction
Grace in Deep Waters by Christine Dillon
A pastor’s wife wonders if her marriage will survive after her husband ignores the death of their daughter. Meanwhile, the pastor confronts the desperation for approval that has damaged his family.
The story digs deep into the cost of sin and the emptiness of achievements apart from God and concludes with a breathtaking display of grace.
Where Hope Begins by Heidi Chiavarolli
Maggie faces her limitations when a child’s life-threatening diagnosis shakes her marriage and family. Self-blame and control create conflict between her and her husband, a previously divorced father of two.
We trace Maggie’s agonizing journey through perfectionism and failure to surrender and peace.
Thanks for hanging out with me! I’m thankful you’re here.
Your sister in Christ,
Columba
More from Columba...
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