Little Miracle

I am 24 years old now. I was born with congenital heart disease, which led to my three open heart surgeries - at 13 days old, 2 years old, and 13 years old. The trauma resulted in childhood seizures…


Cultivation

My tastes, habits, and desires are almost all cultivated. Whatever I tend in the field of my life is what will grow strongest and remain hardy even in times of drought. I regularly cultivate two…


What Have I Received from Encourage?

A place to tell our story – When a family member first comes to our Encourage group, he or she is given as much time as needed to tell their story. In my case, I probably spent an hour or more on the…


7 Characteristics of Authentic Male Friendship - Part Four

The following piece is written by “Elliot N”, an anonymous member of Courage International. This is the fourth and final part of a series on the topic of authentic male friendship. Read Part 1, Part…


7 Characteristics of Authentic Male Friendship - Part Three

The following piece is written by "Elliot N", an anonymous member of Courage International. This is the third of a four-part series on the topic of authentic male friendship. Read Part 1 and Part 2.…


7 Characteristics of Authentic Male Friendship - Part Two

The following piece is written by "Elliot N", an anonymous member of Courage International. This is the second of a four-part series on the topic of authentic male friendship. Read Part 1. Part 2 Now…


7 Characteristics of Authentic Male Friendship - Part One

The following piece is written by "Elliot N", an anonymous member of Courage International. This is the first of a four-part series on the topic of authentic male friendship. Part 1 One of the most…


Share the Good News

"…He gave a command to our fathers to make it known to their children that the next generation might know it…"  Psalm 78:5-6 "I don't understand why the Church doesn't do more to spread the word…


“So, Are You Dating Anyone?”

“So, are you dating anyone?” Since college, this question has been a source, at best, of discomfort; at worst, of insecurity. Those who ask are well-meaning; most simply just making conversation. I…


YouTube Porn and the Search for Manhood 

So, last night I found myself looking at YouTube. Only this time it wasn’t videos of screaming goats that sound like humans, or about some crazy zits being squeezed, or about decapitated reptile…