I think we all have a mental scrapbook of moments in our lives when what we did, who we were with and what went on in that one moment changes all the rest of our moments. And I wonder . . . was there a risk involved in each of those moments? I suspect there [...]
Author Archive
Another stretch for me
Okay, another stretch for me. I’ve been asked to participate in the filming of a documentary on the grief journey of bereaved parents. Questions well up . . . “Is this parading my heart out there – commercializing our loss?” “Will they ask me something I don’t want to answer?” “Is this [...]
risk reframing the experience
I had driven this way before . . . when our son, Matt, was alive. He had brought me here because he thought it was beautiful country and hoped to make it his new home. He was so tired of living in the city and loved the hills surrounded by acres of natural beauty. So [...]
the poet’s voice
Poets speak with succinct phrases that are packed with meaning. And that is so very hard to do. Have you ever tried to put the whole of your life’s focus in a few words? Once I had a dream that seemed to me to be all I would ever need to know. I say it [...]
“the way it is with children”
Today I read an editorial on Anne Rice’s recent comment about no longer professing to be Christian. She claims to continue to be a “follower of Christ”, but rejects “being anti-gay, anti-feminist “. . . ultimately “anti-life.” . . . . her brief but brutal description of what Christianity has become. She refuses to allow the heart of her [...]
Clearing the Clutter
Not long ago my husband and I moved to a new town. Well, not “new” really. We had lived there when we were in high school and college, met each other there and married there. So, in a sense we were moving back home. Still, it was a big change because we had lived in [...]
Letting Go ???
There is a contemplative practice called The Welcome Prayer. The more I practice it, the more I realize its wisdom and gift. It goes like this . . . “I let go of my need for security. I let go of my need for affection and approval. I let go of my need for power [...]
The Surprise of Silence
I’ve heard it said that silence is God’s favorite language. Sort of a clever saying . . . but if you really think about it, what does it mean? I’ve taken myself to silent retreats in a variety of ways over the last few years. I’ve gone to national parks to hike alone, stay [...]
A Wider Way to Love
“Stop the words now. Open the window in the center of your chest, and let the spirits fly in and out.” (Rumi) I remember the day I was interviewed about starting a hospital visitation training program. I had been teaching for 6 years and prior to that coordinating an educational program at a church, so [...]
appropriate risks ?
I don’t know who wrote this short bit of wisdom, but it popped into my mind the first time Laura mentioned Risk-a-Day to me, so I searched until I found it. To laugh is to risk appearing a fool. To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. To reach out for another is to risk involvement. [...]
