Exclusive Content:

Are You Guilty of Using any of These 10 Christian Cliches?

While "ask Jesus into your heart" conveys a choice to follow Jesus, it the phrase itself causes confusion. Stop using this and other top 10 cliches in the Christian church.

Identity in Christ Verses: Discovering Your True Worth and Purpose Through Scripture

Uncover your true worth and purpose with powerful identity in Christ verses. Learn how Scripture affirms who you are in Christ and how to live out this identity daily.

Mom “Cries 1,000 Tears” Watching Autistic Son Fall in Love With Snow White at Disney

When he met Snow White, something changed. Enamored with her beauty and gentleness, Amanda Coley's toddler started smiling and playfully cuddling with the princess as his mom caught the mesmerizing encounter on tape.

To the Nurses Who Cared for My Dying Wife: “How Many Times Did You Check on Me? How Many Times Did You Hug Me?”

And one special evening, you gave me full control to usher into the I.C.U. more than 50 people in Laura’s life, from friends to co-workers to college alums to family members. It was an outpouring of love that included guitar playing and opera singing and dancing and new revelations to me about just how deeply my wife touched people. It was the last great night of our marriage together, for both of us, and it wouldn’t have happened without your support.

There is another moment — actually, a single hour — that I will never forget.

On the final day, as we waited for Laura’s organ donor surgery, all I wanted was to be alone with her. But family and friends kept coming to say their goodbyes, and the clock ticked away. About 4 p.m., finally, everyone had gone, and I was emotionally and physically exhausted, in need of a nap. So I asked her nurses, Donna and Jen, if they could help me set up the recliner, which was so uncomfortable, but all I had, next to Laura again. They had a better idea.

They asked me to leave the room for a moment, and when I returned, they had shifted Laura to the right side of her bed, leaving just enough room for me to crawl in with her one last time. I asked if they could give us one hour without a single interruption, and they nodded, closing the curtains and the doors, and shutting off the lights.

I nestled my body against hers. She looked so beautiful, and I told her so, stroking her hair and face. Pulling her gown down slightly, I kissed her breasts, and laid my head on her chest, feeling it rise and fall with each breath, her heartbeat in my ear. It was our last tender moment as a husband and a wife, and it was more natural and pure and comforting than anything I’ve ever felt. And then I fell asleep.

I will remember that last hour together for the rest of my life. It was a gift beyond gifts, and I have Donna and Jen to thank for it.

Really, I have all of you to thank for it.

With my eternal gratitude and love,

Peter DeMarco”

Peter’s story and gratitude along with the support of the hospital staff has gone on to inspire people everywhere. The letter now hangs next to a photo of Laura in the hospital’s ICU, as an important reminder to all of the staff of what a difference they make in people’s lives.

Kelsey Straeter
Kelsey Straeter
Kelsey is an editor at Outreach. She’s passionate about fear fighting, freedom writing, and the pursuit of excellence in the name of crucifying perfectionism. Glitter is her favorite color, 2nd only to pink, and 3rd only to pink glitter.

Are You Guilty of Using any of These 10 Christian Cliches?

While "ask Jesus into your heart" conveys a choice to follow Jesus, it the phrase itself causes confusion. Stop using this and other top 10 cliches in the Christian church.

Identity in Christ Verses: Discovering Your True Worth and Purpose Through Scripture

Uncover your true worth and purpose with powerful identity in Christ verses. Learn how Scripture affirms who you are in Christ and how to live out this identity daily.

Mom “Cries 1,000 Tears” Watching Autistic Son Fall in Love With Snow White at Disney

When he met Snow White, something changed. Enamored with her beauty and gentleness, Amanda Coley's toddler started smiling and playfully cuddling with the princess as his mom caught the mesmerizing encounter on tape.