My last post was rather down in the dumps. Some might even call it an exercise in self pity, and maybe it is. I do realize, though, that I am one of the lucky ones. I have a job. Many people don’t, including many people in my profession. I think of this quite often givenContinue reading “One of the lucky ones”
Tag Archives: suffering
Endings and beginnings
My heart is heavy after learning that a lifelong family friend died last night from a short battle with cancer. She is free from suffering and pain and with her Savior, for which I give thanks. I still grieve for her and the family and friends left behind — I can’t help but feel —Continue reading “Endings and beginnings”
Let justice roll
But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! Amos 5:24 If I remember correctly, this verse was highlighted in a famous speech by Martin Luther King Jr. The words are stirring and evocative. What comes to my mind here is a mighty river like the Mississippi. Have you ever seenContinue reading “Let justice roll”
Secrets and lies and photographs
Fifty years ago, a split happened in the Christian fellowship that my family was a part of going back at least two generations. The split was catastrophic, literally and figuratively tearing apart and destroying families all over the world, separating husbands from wives, parents from children and grandchildren, siblings from siblings, frequently by force. InContinue reading “Secrets and lies and photographs”
Grieving
In addition to coping, I realized today that I am grieving. It is a natural and healthy thing although it can be overwhelming. As noted with my previous post on coping, grieving, too, can last a long time. Although readers may naturally wonder what I’m grieving about, I won’t go into specifics. Things I’ve learnedContinue reading “Grieving”
Devastated
I’m raw and unfocused today. Overnight, we learned some news that is hard to process and absorb. Think of the aphorism about ripping the bandage off of a deep wound that has not healed, and maybe never will. And then seeing that the wound is deeper, much deeper, than you ever realized before. I amContinue reading “Devastated”
Hurting those who love us
Something I have known and experienced my whole life is the truth of the statement that we often hurt those who love us the most. It’s a strange thing; maybe a basic part of our human condition. And the sad part is, there is no winner in it. The one doing the hurting is hurtContinue reading “Hurting those who love us”
I can’t breathe
“I can’t breathe.” This simple statement resonates around the world today, especially for people of color. It’s something that multiple people have said over and over again as they lay dying at the hands of police. It has rightfully become a rallying cry against injustice, oppression, and mistreatment. It resonates powerfully with me as well,Continue reading “I can’t breathe”
Jesus wept
Jesus wept (John 11:35 KJV). Known as the shortest one in the Bible, this verse has stuck with me all my life. Lately I have wept a lot, too. I’m learning how good it is to do so, even if the reasons for this emotion are mostly negative. We all have troubles, although many faceContinue reading “Jesus wept”
America doesn’t get a vote in the matter
As the United States convulses at the murder of yet another black person, my thoughts return to a recent opinion piece in the New York Times (“Ahmaud Arbery and the America That Doesn’t Exist”), written in response to the murder of Ahmaud Arbery earlier this year. Written by theology professor and minister, Dr. Esau McCaulley,Continue reading “America doesn’t get a vote in the matter”
The OW Factor 