Charis M Rooks

  Everyone has seen popular game shows like the Price is Right—ever wonder why they look out into the audience asking the person they came with if they should spin again even though they have 90 points already? In everyday situations, most people would not spin again, but in these cases, most do try for that slim 10 points, on the off chance that they can win big. Divorce is somewhat like that final spin of the wheel. Even though it may not be the smartest thing to get out there and start spinning that wheel again, many people are pushed to it by feelings of loneliness, ineptitude, or just not being good enough. In this case, most people do not have someone in the audience telling them to spin again or stick with what they have got. Instead, they have a pit in their stomach that tells them they do not want to be alone. In my early days after the divorce, the voice of loneliness was calling my name. It was telling me “spin the wheel again, come on you can do it.” So how did I respond? Y

No, I'm Not Okay  As a mother watching anyone cry out for their mother as they struggle to breathe does something to you. I remember when my friend called and asked me to watch the video of George Floyd. It was disgusting, inhumane, and sadly not the first video I have seen like it. Yet for for me this video took me to another place mentally.  The fact that this keeps happening and on  top of that it could have been my husband, brothers, or grandson infuriates me. Also knowing this could happen to any woman in my family, including myself, reminded me no one is safe in my family that includes man, woman, or child.  So I tried really hard to distance myself from the media outlets to take time to process this, and to be honest I'm still at a loss and I can't process this. I can handle many things but this I cant and sadly this isn't the first time. It keeps happening over and over again. Sadly, I have had to process other stories like this one for some time now, and I

Words have the power to change lives.  With a single word we have the power to change the lives of those around us, do more for good, and completely alter the course of human events. That being said, your personal testimony is so much more powerful than you could ever imagine. It can be hard to open up but it can also be so incredibly rewarding and freeing. How often have you been lifted up by the story of the trials and tribulations of another? How often have you wished to find someone that has been through what you have been through? Sharing personal testimony helps to guide others in their time of strife, to help them through difficult times that they might not feel like they can handle, and to inspire them to do more and to persevere. Personal testimony also has the ability to free our own minds and spirits from things that we may have been struggling with. Keeping things inside, keeping your story to yourself has the potential to cause turmoil within yourself. Sharing

I asked God a few weeks ago to show me and teach me where my faith is lacking especially where I do not see or recognize it. A couple days later I jumped in my car and drove to the store to get some items for dinner. This particular day I was searching for items everywhere but I could not find what I needed to make a basic pot of chili. This was the day God showed me where my faith was lacking.   While driving home I remembered the scriptures that speak about how God told the Israelites, through Moses, to only gather enough for the day and not to save for the next day. Unfortunately they did not listen.  They hoarded selfishly because they thought they would not have enough or run out. When they did that, their food rotted.  God wanted to teach a lesson on provision through faith. Their lack of faith and dependence on God was exposed. This is where God answered my prayer regarding my lack of faith.  I have several things I'm asking God to provide for bu

    Divorce is something that more and more people are being faced with each day. Each case is fundamentally similar and worlds different so finding a way to cope with the daily struggle is essential. For many, there is a real struggle to see the benefits of prayer in a time when you feel like everyone and everything has let you down. Feeling lost and alone is typical following a major life change like a divorce and as such something as simple as prayer can be incredibly powerful and moving. It is not an uncommon feeling to be bitter and feel as if God let you down and allowed your divorce to happen, there is another way of approaching this, however. For most, the feelings of bitterness only deepen as the days go on and many feel that they cannot approach God because God allowed divorce to shake their lives to the very foundation. Though these feelings of bitterness are common, they do not have to rule your life or rule your recovery and personal journey to

While travelling recently I looked out the window on my flight and the view was breath taking. I started to think about the times I prayed to fly to different places when I didn’t even have transportation to get me to and from work. God answered that prayer and now I’m struggling with being grateful for God answering my prayers. I have found myself being agitated with flying because  I long to be at home with my family and not in airport security checks, delays, and yes, I despise waiting. On this particular trip I was irritable about how many times the plane was delayed. I was tired and just wanted to get home to my family and my bed. In my mind I felt as if the airport was holding me hostage and did not have a valid enough reason to do so. So, I made the decision that I would personally walk up to the counter and demand a better reason if I heard one more unexpected delay over the intercom. Well another delay was announced and as I prepared to stand and complain some