Articles & Blog
Being joyful in suffering: Is it possible, and why should I?
Should we be happy about experiencing suffering? Your answer is probably “no”. Should we be joyful? James, the brother of Jesus, says “yes!” Do you agree?
Is it possible to be strong in your weakness? Yes!
We are all weak at times. Must we be victims of our weakness and merely wait for it to pass? Or are there ways of gaining strength through our weakness?
Flourishing in the Fire: Second Purpose of Suffering: Conforming/Reforming
Part 2 in this series: fire can conform metal to a shape or image, and it can also reform the metal. What does it mean for us to be conformed or reformed by the heat of suffering?
Choice, Autonomy, and Suffering: A Historical Perspective
Has our modern view of autonomy always been the same? If not, how might a new perspective on autonomy help (or harm) us when we encounter suffering?
Flourishing in the Fire: Anger, Suffering, and Rejoicing can Coincide
The biblical prophet Jeremiah provides an excellent case study of how to handle suffering. Beginning with accusing God of physically assaulting him and ending with a recognition of God’s faithfulness and mercy, Jeremiah shows us how we can be honest in our suffering and have joy.
Flourishing in the Fire: Purpose of suffering in the fire: Testing
Suffering can be described as a “fire” or as a “fiery trial”. What lessons can we learn from what fire does to metal? One thing that fire does is to “test” it to reveal things otherwise hidden. What does testing reveal about us?
Dissertation progress: Is suffering a lack of well-being?
Is suffering a lack of flourishing? A lack of well-being? Something else? Check in on my progress!
Post-Enlightenment and our Attitudes toward Suffering
Following the progress achieved during the Enlightenment in so many areas, our attitude toward suffering changed. We began to believe we could master both human and non-human nature and when, inevitably, suffering provides a reality check, we react badly. But it hasn’t always been this way.
Sloth: Mere laziness or something far more malevolent?
Historically, “sloth” meant more than mere laziness; it was far more sinister. Referred to as the “noonday demon,” it was a “resistance to the demands of love”. What does it mean and what are the consequences of resisting love’s demands?
Heidi’s Research: What does “suffering” even mean?
It may at first seem obvious what suffering means, but there are several different ways to think about and categorize it. Is it merely subjective, or might it be something more?
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Your support helps turn research into real-life transformation and growth.
This project begins with graduate study—an investment that will make it possible to deeply research how people can move through their suffering in a way that leads to growth rather than defeat. Graduate school is a significant financial commitment, but it lays the foundation for something much larger.
Through this work, ongoing training materials are being developed to help individuals understand their struggles differently—to engage with pain, loss, and hardship in ways that foster resilience, meaning, and personal transformation. These materials are not meant to be used in isolation, but within a supportive community where people can learn, reflect, and grow together. Transformation and growth are often strengthened through connection, and this project is designed with that in mind.
Your donation directly supports both the education required to do this work well and the creation of resources that can reach and benefit others in a shared, encouraging environment. It’s an investment in knowledge, in compassion, and in the power of community to help people navigate life’s hardest moments.
If you believe in helping people grow through what they go through—and in the strength that comes from not facing it alone—we invite you to be part of this effort.