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Category: Comfort
The Bully In My Brain
This week I fell victim to the cold that claimed my son last week. While it did not keep me from regular obligations, it did steal my focus for writing. I offer you this in absence of something from this week. It’s a reflection I wrote a couple of weeks ago. Several friends are struggling…
Turning Toward the Sun, Firmly Rooted
A friend received more flowers and plants than she could count upon her husband’s death. Both of them have earned the love of many, and people wanted to show their respect during the week of his funeral. Roses, mums, mixed bouquets, and baskets overflowing with potted plants littered the double parlor, so much so that…
Showing Up for One Another: A Lenten Reflection
The story of Elijah’s ascension conjures a fantastic image of a chariot of fire with blazing horses swooping down from the heavens to carry him to God. Elisha remains where he stands, having had the chariot pass between him and his master as it took Elijah away. Remarkably, the scripture reports that Elijah watched the…
Better Than Happiness
This morning I needed to tackle dirty dishes and cluttered kitchen countertops. After an overindulgence in Christmas music, I chose to return to a favorite podcast instead to fill the silence. In less busy times, I love making podcasts the soundtrack to my work, as long as that work does not demand much mental capacity…
The First Year
Christian communities who follow the church calendar celebrated All Saints Sunday on November 5. On that day they remember loved ones who have died in the past year, sometimes by name during the service, and give thanks for all of the saints who have gone before us. We also step into a series of Sundays…
Facing Down Flying Fears
I sit on a plane for the first time in 17 years. I last flew to my brother’s second wedding on Sea Island, GA. We lived in Arlington, VA at the time where I served a large church as their Associate Rector for Youth and Young Adults. Within a year, my boss added “Families with…
Tears and strength
I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m crying. I’m sorry I can’t hold my tears. They just seem to come out of me and I have no control over them. I’m sorry. Do you have any tissues? I’m sorry I’m crying. I know I should be over this by now. I’m sorry. Women tend to…
All Will Be Well…And Hell.
During the COVID quarantine, my friend and I read some of Julian of Norwich’s work. My friend had heard the saying, “All shall be well,” but was unaware of its origins. I was more than happy to introduce her to St. Julian, which felt especially fitting during lockdown. Julian of Norwich’s most often quoted text…
Phe: Chapter 1
Hello, friends. I haven’t been posting as regularly but it doesn’t mean I haven’t been writing. This summer has kept me busy writing for a church I supplied for and other things. Over the past 2-3 years I’ve been writing a story and have decided to share some with you. It is a novella called…
Prayerful Kitchen 