Life. It’s a precious gift from God, and can be glorious at times. But let’s be honest; other times it can be grueling, and seriously painful. “The struggle is real” hashtag is a thing because, well…the struggle is real.

The girl stared in disbelief, unable to comprehend what she was witnessing. Unseen in the crook of her tree, she was safe from harm, and she dared not make a sound, lest the unrelenting man turn his violent rage on to her. Why did the boy keep going back for more?

Capilano Suspension Bridge. 450 feet long. 230 feet above the canyon floor. A challenge for someone who dislikes heights, and a nemesis for one who hates being out of control. Unfortunately I’m both, so I’ll keep my feet on my good friend, Earth, thank you very much.

How did that beast squeeze through our doggy door? Every hair on my body was at attention as adrenaline prickled under my skin like a thousand needles. The creature waltzed with such confidence across the room, like it owned the place.

Crouching in the shadows, all I could do now was pray desperately that I would not be found. But surely the sound of my pounding heart was echoing through the empty cellar, calling out to my predator, “The child’s over here! Stupid enough to think you won’t find her!”

Pretty sure I came out of the womb afraid. No joke. I honestly can’t remember a time in my childhood when I didn’t have my good pal, Fear, right at my side.