Latest Blog

Everything Hidden Will Be Revealed
(It Just Takes Time)
What I am about to share has been difficult to come to terms with this past week. In my heart, I already knew it, but having proof hurts just the same. I have said several times that even though Gus (my bio father) is dead, our story isn’t over. It won’t be until...
When Weak Women Impact You Forever
Every year I choose a word of the year. My word for 2023 is STRONG. I’ve heard it said that some people are strong because they had no choice but to be. I don’t believe that. There is always a choice to be strong or weak, and some people make the wrong choice. Like...
“Are You Okay?”
Why We Need to Ask the Question
A few decades ago, my husband hired a youth pastor at the church where we were serving as the lead pastors at the time. We had known this couple for several years, adored their family then, and still do now. Bart and Jen (not their real names) had felt a call to the...
When Pastors Tell You You’re Fat
(In a Roundabout Way)
This is me, getting ready to delve into a place that’s one of the most vulnerable for me, but I think someone needs to go there and I'm picking myself for the job. If someone doesn’t say to you, “Hey, I’m fat and need to get in shape and I could use your help…” DON’T...
You’ll Always Be Forgiving Somebody
Seven months ago I met my biological father, Gus, for the first time. Four months and fifteen days ago I brought him home to live with me, and became his full-time caregiver. It was the most amazing journey I have ever been on, and it was also one of the hardest. As...
How to Love Where You Land
When I first began to openly share my deepest struggles, there was an immediate effort on the part of a few people to stop me. For example, when I shared from a stage that I struggled -- and sometimes still struggle -- with clinical depression, or that I take...
The Perfection Trap
When I was younger, I fantasized about having the perfect family. Then I grew up and knocked myself out trying to have one. I have been married for thirty-five years. I believe marriage is about two people out-serving and out-forgiving each other. But for many years...
Invite Dr. Shrodes to Speak at your Event
Dr. Shrodes is invited to return and speak at many of the same places time and again because the result has been an overwhelmingly positive experience with lives changed, and people encouraged.