When sorrow is your constant companion darkness has its own beauty. Glimmers of light appreciated differently than can be experienced in a cloud free, cerulean sky. We are taught to fear the dark. To watch leery for dangers that lurk in the night. Alone in darkness is frightening. Fear we believe in. We live in. … More chase joy
“First her feet were plunged into hot water, and her toenails clipped short.”* A 10th century court dancer, Yao Yang, mesmerized China’s Emperor Li Yu by dancing on her toes inside a 6-foot golden lotus. Yao Yang bound her feet into the shape of a new moon. Emperor Li Yu smitten with Yang, the national … More blame God
For the past few years, I’ve taken the opportunity to reflect during the last weeks of December. With the robust colors of the holiday season whirling by I speculate on a single word to encapsulate my goal for the 12 months ahead. I am driven by nature, the fact that I select action verbs is … More rest awhile
My friend stopped looking in the mirror as she became addicted to narcotics. It wasn’t being an alcoholic that broke her. It was the combination of valium, percocet, and opiates washed down with vodka cocktails. The mixer changing to fit the time of day. Orange juice more appropriate for the am tumbler. I walked beside … More sinking deep
Those three words freak me out. The phrase used in a prison to announce the death row inmate’s walk to the execution chamber. If you’re old enough, this may bring to mind a soulful Sean Penn advancing down a cold, grey hall while Susan Sarandon, as the dedicated nun, grieves. At work years ago, I … More Dead Man Walking
Values shift. What once was indisposable becomes irrelevant as circumstances change. When I was in the car accident, I grew anxious when it seemed I would be hospitalized during the Thanksgiving holiday. I was despondent at the thought I’d be in the hospital on Christmas Day. I could not fathom being away from my small … More you are more
7 x 7 How many times? 49? He can not be serious! It has been years. Whatever the road – east or west, curvy or straight, sloped or flat. It is exhausting. The scenery differs, but the hard thump heralding the atomic destination feels identical. Painful. Sorrow filled. Anger fueled. I’m so tired. … More peace is sticky
My Dad is in ICU. I need my Dad to live forever so us together here is outside of the scope of any future I want to see. He broke bones in his foot and was undergoing surgery last Thursday. There were complications with the intubation. The surgery was halted. Instead, he’s been healing medically … More wake up
Moses committed murder and fled. In terror. Alone. Saul hounded Christians to their death. Blinded he shed his righteousness. Became Paul. David lusted after a woman not his wife. Slaughtered to have her. Yet, the Lord led him beside still waters. Restored his soul. Between these three flawed, broken men we have one sea parted … More broken hallelujah
Julia, you don’t know me, but your life has touched many in these brief 18 years you’ve journeyed through. Yesterday two people from two completely separate circles in my life sent messages about you, the accident and requests for prayer and God’s healing grace. Your touch and reach in this world, though so young, says … More a note for julia
purelyjoyous living 