Category: Be Brave

I keep getting asked the same question. It’s totally awesome and becoming totally weird. In private conversations, after speaking functions, even during media interviews– when I talk about life or kindness or breast cancer, the same question keeps coming back to me: Where do you get your joy?

It’s like God is giving me lots of chances to answer the ... Read More


The people who deserve my kindness the most often see it the least. That’s why I’m showing you this.

It looks a lot like the brand new, just released, my son could not wait to read, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, right? It’s not. It’s a peace offering.

I ordered this book for Charlie several months ago knowing that ... Read More


By the time I got home from church on Sunday, my husband and son had every bin of Christmas decor pulled from the top shelf of the garage and set on the living room floor.

I was touched. Normally, I sort of sneak everything down while Saul is at work. My husband then comes home and good-naturedly rolls his eyes, saying ... Read More


It occurred to me WAY too late that I should probably wear a costume to the kindergarten Halloween party this afternoon. Thankful for the Phillips’ males in my life: Little Ben gave me his treasured cheesehead, Charlie fished out his favorite jersey and Saul’s closet produced a pair of Zubaz from the 80s…

I’m a little disappointed that I ... Read More


Last night, Saul and I did something we’ve never done before… get your mind out of the gutter. This is a family blog.

We got a babysitter, got all dressed up, and went to The Pink Tie Affair, which was put on by the Ohio University Interfraternity Council. They served us dinner, made us feel like total celebrities, and then invited ... Read More


I need to tell you something. You are more than you think you are– and you are good. Whatever you think about yourself that doesn’t line up with complete awesomeness, simply isn’t true, so stop beating yourself up.

I get the feeling we (or maybe it’s just me!) are spending too much time and energy wishing we could be better, be ... Read More


What if we were all just here for each other? What if we really, truly wanted the best for each other at all times and celebrated when one of our sisters had something good come her way?

I was having a conversation with a girlfriend the other day about broken cars or kids’ clothes or something mundane that turned into a ... Read More


There was a tidal wave building up inside of me and I was powerless to hold it in. As much as I hate to cry in public, I couldn’t stop the tears. I’ll blame it on that blond lady with the voice like an angel who started singing “Amazing Grace” at the end of the church service. Yep, I’m pretty ... Read More


There are days I simply should not be let out of the house. Today seems to be one of those days. It’s like I’m inside the mind of my dog. One moment I’m focused on the task at hand, and then all of a sudden – SQUIRREL! This is really only a bad thing when it affects my mouth, when ... Read More


So here’s something you may or may not care to know about me: I hate parties. Ever since I stopped drinking, I have stopped enjoying parties.

I love to emcee events and go to things that require me to have a specific role, but the idea of wandering around and chatting with people while totally sober is, well, sobering. If there ... Read More