Tracy Ruckman

What if our purpose in life is not what you think it is? Not what the world teaches us it should be? What if our purpose in life here on earth isn't to become rich or famous or to "live life abundantly"? I'm not saying we CAN'T or SHOULDN'T become rich or famous or live life abundantly. I'm saying we need to stop lumping everyone into one extreme or another. We have a personal, relational God, and His purpose for each of us varies as much as His designs for snowflakes, tears, and sand. He's not a cookie cutter God, molding and shaping us into a one-size-fits-all Christian.  In the Gospels, Mark shares the story about the widow's mite in chapter 12.  41 And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums.  42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent.  43 Calling His disciples to Him,...

After reading of Anthony Bourdain’s suicide this morning, and Kate Spade’s suicide  three days ago, I started a post on Facebook that read: I hate suicide. It's senseless and stupid. Depression stinks. Tomorrow is ALWAYS a new day. People can and will help you, but you have to reach out. If you can't/won't talk to a friend or family member, seek out a counselor, or a pet, or a plant - just talk to them. Write letters to uncork yourself. Or call this hotline. You are loved. You have a purpose. How to get help: Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Suicide is NOT the answer. For anyone. I stopped my post with that, but continued to think about the whys of suicide, and realized I need to say more. Life is not easy for any of us. We all have our own battles we face - some may be social (like bullying or loneliness, or the fame of celebrity), some may be financial (like extreme poverty, debt, or extreme wealth), some may be mental (like depressi...