Truthful Grace
Melissa McLaughlin 
By Melissa McLaughlin I stepped into the bedroom to grab my sneakers. My eyes darted back and forth as I searched. Suddenly, an unexpected sight caught my attention. A small, glowing shape illuminated the green laundry basket in the corner. My curiosity piqued. I bent down for a closer look. My eyes squinted. “What is … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Rain pounded on the roof. The storm winds rattled our windows. A low rumble brought a shiver through the house. Lightning flashed. Thunder roared, piercing our ears with a blasting boom. Then everything went dark. I blinked and looked around. The power had gone out in our entire neighborhood, leaving us in … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin I squinted through my smudged glasses. A tiny splinter had lodged in my index finger. In a rush, I grabbed a needle and tweezers. Dust, streaks, and fingerprints coated my lenses and clouded my vision. Titling my head to get the best view, I poked and prodded. In my impatience, I suppressed … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin The sun blazed on my back. Drops of sweat trickled down my face, and dirt clung to my arms like a wet shirt. After digging in the soil to plant flowers and spread mulch, my sweat mixed with the earth, forming a special mud glaze that stuck fast to my skin. I … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Ding! A sign lit up at the front of the plane—“Fasten Your Seatbelts.” The airplane rattled and jiggled our bodies. I leaned back. My head vibrated and shook against the headrest. My fingers clenched the armrest cushion. A quick prayer slipped through my lips, “Jesus, help us.” Soon, the pilot’s soothing voice … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Following recent routine bloodwork, the lab’s extensive reports astonished me. I clicked through the long list of elements tested. I wondered at the miracle of blood and its seemingly endless contents. Have you ever wondered about the life-bearing qualities found in our blood? Fascinatingly, just one drop of blood contains thousands of … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin The wind gusted. Branches on the tree near our house bounced a sprightly spring dance. Lavender-pink petals fluttered down, dropping like confetti tossed from a tall building at a grand parade. The petals piled around the base of the tree, wrapping it in a blush blanket. I breathed in the floral scent … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin As children, we anticipated each holiday with barely contained joy. We asked “how much longer” and counted the days. We reminisced about previous years’ events and dreamed of once-a-year foods, family gatherings, gifts, and celebrations and music at church. Now that I am an adult (with the passing of many years), holidays—or … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin When I consider the Scripture accounts of Holy Week, I envision a spiritual rollercoaster evoking profound highs and lows. Our hearts soar with the crowds during Christ’s celebratory triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1-11). Yet, all too soon, different voices cut through the cheers. On Monday, following the triumphal … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin The church chimes echoed. A tender melody rang out over the traffic’s hum and the neighborhood’s hubbub. After parents returned home from work, children came in from play, and families finished their meals. The evening sky dimmed as lights turned on in the homes. The hour had come. Church bells tolled for … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Fatigue wrapped around me like a weighted blanket. A ball and chain tugged each movement. Unrelenting deadlines and an aging body reminded me. I felt exhausted. Catching a nap here and there wasn’t enough. I needed restoration from the inside out. Exerting all my strength, I forced my body outside for an … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Darkness descended. Lightning streaked like flames across the sky. Thunder shook the house. The wind whipped in fury. Soon golf ball-sized hail pelted the house. So, my husband and I gathered our newborn daughter and rushed to the basement. We had never experienced a tornado in our region, but knew the telltale … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin “It’s mine!” he claimed. “No, it’s mine!” she retorted. With hands pulling, muscles straining, and teeth clenching, a tug of war ensued. As an elementary school teacher, recess often included resolving ownership disputes. With a little detective work, I would determine the rightful owner, request apologies, and redirect students to neutral playground … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin As frigid winter temperatures released their grip on the earth, my young eyes scanned our yard for springtime buds. Among the first signs of the new season were pussy willows. Each year in March, my mom cut branches to create a spriggy springtime bouquet for our table. My small fingers stroked the … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin My arms trembled as I gripped the rope. Sweat trickled down my face. My toes dug into the earth, groping for a foothold. I peeked down. My stomach clenched as I viewed a vertical plummet straight down the mountain. The only option was looking up and pressing on toward the top. We … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin My fingers wrapped around the warm mug as I plopped down at the kitchen table. The smell of coffee drifted toward me. Sunlight streamed through the kitchen window. Our young black cat, Cookie, napped on her fleece bed in the corner. I gulped down the last drops of coffee in a hurry … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Little fingers gripped chunky crayons and bright markers. Their eyes sparkled and their arms whooshed. Young voices echoed with excitement. When my kids were young, one of their favorite summertime activities was decorating boxes. Not just any box, however. Each year, my parents visited local stores to pick up discarded refrigerator boxes. … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin The sun beat on my back. Beads of sweat streamed down my forehead. My parched mouth and wilted body longed for relief. I had planned to stretch my legs that summer afternoon and enjoy a little exercise with a quick stroll around the neighborhood. Unfortunately, the sweltering heat made walking and even … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Squish, squish, squish. The mud suctioned our feet as we trudged up the mountainside. We had taken a spring camping trip, expecting a few days of fresh mountain air. Unfortunately, torrential rains soaked everything that year. Our clothes clung to us like wet Saran Wrap. Even our sleeping bags felt soggy. Despite … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Praise God! My book, The Whole Bible Devotional, releases today, January 28, 2025! Thank you to everyone who helped me and prayed for me. Glory to God! A little about the book… Have you ever tried to read through the Bible, but gave up partway through? Or maybe you made it through … Read more
I’m excited to share this announcement about my new book from my publisher, CLC Publications! Read more below. Have You Ever Struggled to Read the Bible? Read through the whole Bible with Melissa McLaughlin. Melissa McLaughlin is making the Bible more accessible than ever in her new devotional from CLC Publications. The Whole Bible Devotional: … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin The antique table glistened in the morning light. The sun beamed through the living room window, spotlighting this treasured piece of furniture in golden radiance. The old kidney-shaped table rests near the picture window in my parents’ home. The gently curving legs and warm wood finish bring a simple grace to the … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Birds belted out their spring chorus as warm air brushed against my cheek. The chains on our porch swing squeaked in rhythm as I glided back and forth. With supper on the stove, Mom hastened out the side door of our kitchen. She whisked away to the lower end of our driveway … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Crunch, crunch, crunch. My boots stomped the icy snow as I trudged to the car. With unplowed roads, a snowy stillness blanketed the earth. The sound of crispy footsteps tingled in my ears. I stopped to listen. The snowstorm painted a white canvas for the eyes and enfolded the world in frosty … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin The knife thudded firmly against the cutting board. My hands moved rhythmically as I sliced raw carrots and tossed them into the bowl. The bright orange carrots accented the vibrant salad greens and juicy red tomatoes already prepared. My mouth watered as I imagined the fresh garden flavors we would enjoy for … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Horns honked as traffic piled up at the red light. Drivers glared at one another through clenched teeth. As I rolled into the parking lot, another car sped toward the nearest empty parking space. A sigh slipped through my lips. Upon entering the store, shoppers rushed about picking up items and studying … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Her fingers gripped the handlebars, and her feet thrust down on the pedals. With eyes focused in deep concentration, she poured her full strength into the task. It seems like yesterday our children learned to ride a two-wheeled bike. When each child was ready, my husband removed the training wheels. With one … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin The wind shook our house in fury. Rain pelted the windows like liquid bullets. With a trembling heart, I prayed asking God to protect our family and home. That was the year the hurricane knocked our power out for two weeks. Suddenly, turning on the light or making coffee in the morning … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Their soft faces glowed, and small fingers pointed. Delighted squeals echoed in our car as we drove through the night. “Look at that house!” “Over here’s another one!” I remember the awe our children expressed each year as lights twinkled in the windows, and Christmas carols hummed over the hustle and bustle. … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin My stomach lurched as I listened. My friend, Cindy, had called with an update. Her voice trembled. She faltered, “The doctors discovered I have stage 4 cancer. I am stunned. I had no red flags. No early symptoms.” Hot tears streamed down my cheeks. I choked out the few words I could … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Miss Anna’s face glistened. Each Sunday, this faithful saint pressed down the aisle, muscles straining at every step. Her face lit with triumph as she propelled her walker into the sanctuary and took her seat. The sunlight beamed through the church’s stained-glass windows. Vivid colors illuminated the pews like a heavenly kaleidoscope. … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin The water in our backyard spritzed and sprayed like a center city fountain. But it didn’t come from a hose. Birds in all shapes and sizes waited at the edge of our birdbath with eyes alert. When one flitted away, a new bird dove in. Each bird plunged its wings and beak … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin My foot pressed steady on the brake. While waiting at the light, my eyes scanned the traffic. Lawn signs and billboards crowded the street like fans at a holiday parade. Election ads echoed between songs on the radio. The tension hovered in the air like a dense fog. For those of us … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Autumn leaves twirl to the ground signaling the curtain call. In that final moment before taking a bow, the withering foliage announces the close of one season. By God’s wondrous design, the fall leaves also prepare for the next as they release nourishment into the earth for future growth. If you live … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin God of eternity, Brilliance of heaven, Blazing shimmers of transcendent spark, Unrestrained flashes, swirling flames, eclipsing Northern lights. For time immemorial, Generation upon generation, Basked in celestial wonders of endless rippling, Yesterday, today, and a thousand tomorrows. You are untouched, Unmarred, Untarnished, By creaking bones, rusty corrosion, or decay’s malodorous stench. Undiminished … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin He heaved and thrust the shovel into the earth. With a sudden jerk, it lurched from his hands. The landscaper had arrived to plant a new tree in our front yard. Though the lush grass appeared soft on the surface, a few inches below lay the stump of an old oak tree. … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin My gut wrenched. Tears spilled from my eyes. I was overcome as I scanned pictures of recent hurricane damage in the southeast U.S. Piles of rubble and jagged tree roots dotted the landscape where homes once stood. Roads had collapsed as the earth gave way underneath. The devastation looked surreal. Further, the … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin I love reading the Psalms. Every human emotion is captured in poetic song. In addition, the Psalms are packed with God’s wisdom, truth, and prophetic word. During a recent study of Psalm 1, I was overwhelmed by the depth and breadth of this chapter. I must have read this Psalm a thousand … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin “That’s not how we play the game! You broke the rules,” he chided. “Who made you boss?” she glared back. As an elementary teacher, I witnessed countless arguments on the playground. Many of these clashes resulted from one child striving to rule over another or someone breaking an agreed-upon boundary. All too … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin After a quick scan of the headlines, my soul ached. “How much longer, Lord? How much longer until Jesus returns? Why are You waiting so long?” As we gaze across the landscape of humanity, it seems each new day ushers in greater depths of mankind’s sin. We witness violence, hatred, division, and … Read more