by Dr. Deanna Shrodes | Dec 20, 2023 | Family, Holidays, Marriage, Ministry, Relationships
We learn as much from failures in life as we do from successes. Probably more. So this is not a “my spouse and I do everything perfectly and always have the grandest holidays ever,” post. This is based on real-life experiences in a marriage and home that...
by Dr. Deanna Shrodes | Oct 26, 2023 | Family, Marriage, Relationships, Women
Last week’s post about deconstructing from bad marriage advice caused a little kerfuffle online, not in the comment section of the actual post on my blog, but at a social media site. A group of complementarians were miffed at what I had to say. I wasn’t...
by Dr. Deanna Shrodes | Jul 26, 2023 | Caregiving, Family, Grief, Loss, Relationships
It’s been a year since I brought Gus home to live with me and to take care of him until he took his last breath. On Saturday I went into his room and did my usual brief pause, patted the bed, and slowly walked out, shutting the door. Exhaling, I wondered when I...
by Dr. Deanna Shrodes | Jun 22, 2023 | Family, Loss, Ministry, Recovery, Relationships, Stress, Stress Management
“Cruel people offer pity when they no longer feel threatened. However, kind people offer compassion and understanding regardless.” Shannon L. Alder When my birth father, Gus, passed away in December, I thought to myself, “I just need space to grieve.” Everything had...
by Dr. Deanna Shrodes | May 17, 2023 | Adoptees, Family, Grief, Loss, Relationships
“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.” Washington Irving I stare...
by Dr. Deanna Shrodes | Feb 3, 2023 | Adoptees, Adoption, Family, Grief, Loss, Relationships, Uncategorized
When Gus first died, I wanted to stay at home all the time. The reason was simple. I didn’t have the emotional bandwidth to be sweet when others said or did annoying things, so I stayed to myself. There are people I encounter who love me very much but aren’t the...
