Author: Vesna

  • When Divorce and Faith Collide

    In a home where fundamentalist beliefs shape every aspect of your life, marriage is seen as sacred and unbreakable. Divorce wasn’t just frowned upon; it was treated as an unforgivable sin, branding anyone who chose it with a mark of shame. It wasn’t just a personal failure—it was a community-wide…

  • Silencing the Survivor: Breaking Down Tactics of Control and Invalidation

    When individuals share their personal experiences, especially those marked by trauma, they often encounter responses that subtly—or sometimes overtly—attempt to reshape or soften their narratives. About a month ago, I wrote about reclaiming my voice after realizing I endured years of Munchausen by Proxy abuse—a form of mistreatment where a…

  • Beyond the Lies: Reclaiming My Voice from Munchausen by Proxy

    Imagine a caregiver who, instead of nurturing their child back to health, deliberately makes them sick. This is the horrifying reality of Munchausen by Proxy, a severe form of abuse where a caregiver, often a parent, exaggerates, fabricates, or even induces symptoms in someone under their care—usually their child. The…

  • Balancing Passion with Practicality: Guiding the Next Generation

    As I observe Generation Z forging their path in the professional world, I’m captivated by their distinct journey, unlike that of Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, or even Millennials. They’re navigating unique challenges, such as believing that work should always align with their passions and provide constant fulfillment. But what happens…

  • Finding God Beyond the Blessings

    As someone who profoundly cherishes their faith, prayer has always been a guiding light in my life. It’s been my sanctuary during tumultuous times and my compass through moments of doubt. However, grappling with significant health struggles—battling cancer and now preparing for my third surgery due to complications—has prompted a…

  • Reflecting on Divine Favoritism: Trump’s Survival

    Writing blogs, especially those addressing political and theological themes, isn’t about seeking discord or strife, contrary to some perceptions. For me, it’s a platform to foster meaningful conversations and to challenge fellow believers—and myself—to reassess our beliefs and motivations, particularly in how we perceive and portray God’s character. Are we…

  • A Suburban Mother’s Perspective on Trump’s Legal Battles and the Evangelical Shift

    As a suburban mother and voter, I’ve watched Donald Trump’s legal battles unfold with a mix of concern and reflection. Since the 2016 election, these battles have significantly shaped our political landscape, igniting debates about legal interpretations, political motivations, and public opinion. Recently, headlines about Trump being found guilty on…

  • Faith and Transformation: Overcoming Racism Within a Christian Framework

    When it comes to racism, my understanding has evolved significantly. Initially, I thought of racism as individual acts of prejudice or hatred, such as making a racist comment or doing something overtly hateful. These acts were easy to identify and condemn, fitting neatly into my early conceptions of what it…

  • Seeking Closure: A Journey Through Friendship and Family

    Finding Closure Finding closure has always been a challenge for me. Understanding each other’s behavior is crucial for human connection, and when we can’t grasp why someone acted a certain way, we often go to great lengths to find out. This need for closure can sometimes become nearly obsessive. Over…