Grief at the Crossroads
Smoke hangs heavy in the Spokane air. I try to block out the images the ash or smoke represent.
Read itFred & Jennifer Crowell · 1,563 articles since 2013
Practical wisdom for whatever you're facing.
Short, honest, Bible-rooted articles on parenting, marriage, grief, faith and leadership. Ask a question in your own words, or pick a topic.
Today's Word of Hope
The latest from Jennifer
Jennifer Crowell FerchHope or Optimism
Brene Brown shared a story of a POW survivor who said the first to die were the optimists. These were the “pie on the sky” people who believed freedom would happen by Christmas.
Jennifer Crowell FerchSolved by Walking
I found my dad’s journal where he is wrestling with what procedures to choose for cancer.
Jennifer Crowell FerchSinging Through the Sorrow
When I was young, my dad loved a song which began, “How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me, things so undeserved yet you proved to show your love for me.
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What's on your heart?
Parenting 97 articles Marriage 36 articles Grief & Loss 147 articles Fear, Worry & Anxiety 105 articles Faith & Trust in God 300 articles Forgiveness 94 articles Teens & Young Adults 48 articles Leadership 67 articles Emotional Intelligence 112 articles Gratitude & Contentment 217 articles Hard Times 191 articles Prayer 91 articles
A word for today
Just as the farmer cannot force the apple to grow but can merely by faith create the environment for the plant to bear fruit, so we come to God with open hearts.
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Meet the writers
A father's words, a daughter's voice
Fred Crowell
Founder of NBC Camps and Crowell University
Fred Crowell was a basketball coach, mentor and the founder of NBC Camps. He wrote Words of Hope most weekdays for years, sharing faith, emotional intelligence and practical wisdom with coaches, players and families, until his passing on August 11, 2021. His book, Words of Hope, gathers many of these messages.
Jennifer Crowell Ferch
Fred's daughter, carrying on Words of Hope
Jennifer Crowell Ferch is Fred Crowell's daughter and leads NBC Camps. After her Dad's passing in 2021 she took up Words of Hope, writing about faith, grief, family and the many lessons her Dad taught her.
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Timeless favorites
Jennifer Crowell FerchThick Skin
Dad and I struggled with thin skin at times. We love people and want to be loved. Dad often encouraged me to have tough skin with a soft heart. I wrote down his advice.
Jennifer Crowell FerchProof is in the Pudding
When we ask forgiveness without change, we commit further harm. Teresa was an angry parent.
Fred CrowellMaster the Skill of Selling You
Being the best you, is your best guarantee to success. Far too many people in business don’t realize the vast majority of business is based on relationships.
Fred CrowellThe Inside Story
Fred Rogers, the famous child inspirational television star, said, “There is an inside story for every outside behavior.” If every teacher, coach, and, most importantly, parents will understand every behavior a child exhibits has an inside story.
Fred CrowellWalking in Another’s Shoes
Often we say, “I know exactly how you feel!” But do we really? It takes much connecting with another person before really understanding him or her. That is what empathy is.
Fred CrowellDesperate Child Needs
The need to belong and to have something of value to belong to; the need to have success and be recognized for this success; the need to love and be loved.
Fred's daily devotional
Words of Hope, one day at a time
A 416-page daily devotional by Fred Crowell: a short reading, a scripture and a moment to reflect for each day. Keep it on the nightstand, or give it to someone who needs hope.
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