Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Grace is Messy

Home
Meet Steve Austin
About Messy Grace
Books
Speaker
Contact
Categories
- Faith
- Family
  - Marriage
  - Parenting
- Mental Health
- Recovery
- Writing Help
Best of Messy Grace
Support
Supporters
Affirming Churches
ASK STEVE!
Press
The Podcast

Home
Progressive Christian

2016-11-14T18:44:22-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

5 Ways Self-Care Saved My Life

Last updated on: November 14, 2016 at 6:44 pm By Steve Austin

Those who found me thought it was a murder scene. Apparently the pink Benadryl pills, along with the tens of thousands of other milligrams of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications I took, made it look like blood. They thought I was dead and I should have been. I wanted to be. I had been unconscious nearly twelve hours. The one flash I have of coming to was being transferred by the medical personnel from the gurney to the hospital bed. Everything was colored white except the navy of the nurse's scrubs. I’m assuming it was in the ER. I remember them cutting my clothes off and it was all like a nightmare. I couldn’t respond but I remember them counting, 1…2…3… before lifting me up and over. And what emotion do I remember from that? Shame. Ashamed of being naked. I had never been more vulnerable. Read more

Mental Health

Recovery

Recovery from a Suicide Attempt

2016-11-11T11:03:26-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Shame: A Big Gulp of Shut Up Juice

Last updated on: November 11, 2016 at 11:03 am By Steve Austin

Join me today for a conversation about shame with Todd Littleton. And check out this post for a HUGE sale on my books, THIS WEEKEND ONLY! Read more

Recovery from a Suicide Attempt

Recovery from Abuse

Recovery from Porn Addiction

2016-11-09T15:22:42-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

President Trump’s America: A Lament

Last updated on: November 9, 2016 at 3:22 pm By Steve Austin

I fear what our nation will become in the years of a Trump Presidency. I pray this nightmare only lasts four years. But I cannot live the next four years, hating the man who holds the highest office in the land. So, I refuse to hate. And it’s really hard to hate someone you are actively praying for; therefore, I will pray for Donald J. Trump. And I will pray for America. Read more

2016-10-27T13:52:18-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

On Faith, Fear, and American Politics

Last updated on: October 27, 2016 at 1:52 pm By Steve Austin

Politicians and pundits are using stronger language than ever, and who knows if they ever mean what they say or if it’s just a brazen attempt to put their sound byte at the top of another news cycle. I want to be an informed citizen, but the news seems to be growing more dim by the day. As a result, our world seems more fearful than ever. So what should a Christian do? Read more

Presidential election 2016

refugees

2016-11-04T13:03:39-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

What Happens When Your First Memory is Rape?

Last updated on: November 4, 2016 at 1:03 pm By Steve Austin

A culture that diminishes sexual violence is indelibly linked to my experience. I still have days when I find myself thinking, at least it was only once. While I am thankful I was only raped one time, the truth is it’s never only once. I’ve been haunted by the memories of that moment my entire life. The effects of abuse ripple out to impact relationships, decisions, habits, and my sense of self every single day. Read more

Best of Messy Grace

Recovery

Recovery from Abuse

Recovery from Porn Addiction

childhood sexual abuse

2016-11-03T08:45:47-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Readers’ Favorite Review of “From Pastor to a Psych Ward”

Last updated on: November 3, 2016 at 8:45 am By Steve Austin

From Pastor to Psych Ward: Recovery from a Suicide Attempt is Possible by Steve Austin is a testimonial about one man's life struggles, dealing with abuse and recovery from a suicide attempt. This is a touching book that deals with a topic most people don't admit. The author shares tidbits from his past to declare the power of forgiveness that only comes through trusting God. We will all go through diverse temptations and trials as we live this life of faith. Read more

Recovery

Recovery from a Suicide Attempt

2016-11-02T11:01:12-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

To All the Tired Dads Out There…

Last updated on: November 2, 2016 at 11:01 am By Steve Austin

Fatherhood is the greatest gift in the world. And some very hard work. But I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Read more

2016-11-01T08:36:24-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

How to Order “Self-Care for the Wounded Soul”

Last updated on: November 1, 2016 at 8:36 am By Steve Austin

I'm thrilled to tell you that my brand-new book, co-authored with Kate Pieper, LMFT, is now available on Amazon! Self-Care for the Wounded Soul has been called a gift that keeps on giving. Read more

2016-10-31T11:40:36-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Funerals and Fireflies: Chapter One

Last updated on: October 31, 2016 at 11:40 am By Steve Austin

Every step took more energy than he had ever realized before. Grief is that way: it creates a temporary laziness that cannot be explained or immediately defeated. Luke closed the bathroom door behind him and exhaled as he listened for the comforting click of the lock. Whew. He just couldn’t deal with his dad yet. He needed a few minutes to decompress. Why was I wearing my All Stars, he thought. And what were all those voices? And a table saw? Who builds next to a grave? Read more

Best of Messy Grace

Fiction

fiction

funerals and fireflies

novel

short story

steve austin

2016-10-30T21:37:15-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

5 Ways to Practice Self-Care During a Scary Political Season

Last updated on: October 30, 2016 at 9:37 pm By Steve Austin

Good news, friends: we’re almost done with the worst of the political shenanigans. But the fat lady hasn’t sung yet. What do you do when you can’t turn on any form of media without being smacked by slinging mud? You take good care of yourself. Here are 5 simple ways to practice self-care during the most volatile election season in recent memory. Read more

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

How many times did Elijah stretch over dead child?

Select your answer to see how you score.

4 3 2 5

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Anxiety Best of Messy Grace Current Events Depression Faith Family Featured Fiction lgbtq Marriage Mental Health Messy Grace Millennials Parenting Recovery Recovery from a Suicide Attempt Recovery from Abuse Recovery from Porn Addiction Religious Recovery Self Care The Struggle With Church This is My Story (series) Uncategorized Writing Help

Select a Month January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 June 2015 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 June 2013 April 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 September 2011 August 2011 May 2011 July 2010

TRENDING AT PATHEOS Progressive Christian