She could be bitter. She has every right to be. Much has been taken from her, much expected. She sometimes feels so little seen, so little known and valued in her small domain. She knows within her lives a power that she can use. She can rise up. She can be loud. She can make … Continue reading She

What if you stopped holding so hard to wholeness what if you stilled to the sundering like a beam of light bent scattering color like joy like a buried seed cracked bursting up to new life like a prized metal melted burnished in bright fire like a loaf of bread, broken and given, piece by … Continue reading Broken

Dear You, The one who feels invisible. The one who wonders if anyone cares enough to look closely yet is terrified that someone might. The one who stares at the ceiling in the dark, replaying the moments of imperfection, the mistakes and failures that now lie heavier than any blanket. The who makes the lists … Continue reading Possible

1. to withdraw or retreat from: leave behind. as in the step from paradise to poverty, the long journey from throne to execution, the willing voyage into hell.     to voluntarily cease to keep or claim: to give up. as in the surrender of the right to be served, powerful, esteemed, or comfortable. as … Continue reading relinquish

Five Minute Friday: Observant   I’ve been camped out in the book of Mark for a while. I love its fast-paced action, the way the author zips from one powerful miracle to another, from one convicting parable to the next. It reads like a comic book, the superhero Christ performing amazing feats and saying unheard-of … Continue reading More than observant

I slip from bed and dress quickly in the dark, tiptoe down the stairs, pour some coffee to go, and walk into the Florida dark. I hurry to the sandy path that winds into the thick brush, guided by the sound of the sea. I never tire of the sight of that ocean stretching away … Continue reading Sunrise

Courage, beloved.  Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. Do you not remember what He said?  “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart. I have overcome the world.” We were told to expect this.  Our comforts have lulled us to … Continue reading How to think about the time you’re in

When this year began, there were many allusions to 20/20 vision, the mark of perfect sight. How hopeful we were! As we look back now, how do we see the events of this year? Maybe 20/20 vision is too clear. Too painful. Maybe we mark the year with cynicism, anger, sorrow, despair. We can’t help … Continue reading Conclusions about 2020?

for words in the dark. for the feel of the path beneath             my feet. for the sound of Your breath,             unseen. for the sunrise that does not             end the exile,             but reminds me             to remember. for the memory             of the long thirst             in the desert,             of kingly … Continue reading Grateful