Two years ago I had the privilege to join a group of Morgantown, WV area women on a bus trip to Washington DC for the first Women's March. I went, not really knowing what to expect. I knew the numbers of those intending to come were exceeding the initial estimation. I knew that there was... Continue Reading →
Tuesday evening, my heart broke twice. First, it broke when I received the news that Pat, a beloved parishioner, had passed away. Pat was a wonderful woman who will leave behind a legacy of riotous laughter and chaotic family gatherings. I've only known her for the past two years, and she's been battling one health... Continue Reading →
"Jane" had just learned that her niece, "Leslie", had begun living with her long-time boyfriend. Leslie, knowing her Aunt Janie would take offense to her decision, had debated long and hard about whether or not she should tell her about the decision they had made. Ultimately, Leslie decided honesty was the most important component of... Continue Reading →
Dear "Unchurched" Friends, I don't blame you. I don't blame you at all for not wanting to go to church. In fact, there are times when I think that if the circumstances of my life had been different--if I didn't have a calling to the ministry, if I hadn't been raised in a strong church-going... Continue Reading →
There I was, minding my own business. I had my nose in a book (surprise! surprise!) I had my usual seat at Starbucks--camped out at my favorite table with access to an electrical outlet for my battery-challenged computer... and he walked in. He got all of our attention. The place practically stopped in its tracks. The guy... Continue Reading →
I have noticed a number of blogs I follow creating posts about the things Christians should stop saying. I've read (or at least skimmed) through most of them and find myself overwhelmingly in agreement. Most of the things these posts are encouraging us to stop saying are nothing more than Christian platitudes, a sort of... Continue Reading →
One day I'm going to write a book about Rhoda. No, scratch that--I can't possibly write a book about Rhoda. Only she can write that... but one day I will write a book about what Rhoda taught me about faith and salvation. And trust me, volumes could be filled with what I learned from her. When... Continue Reading →
"Jay" (that's what I'll call you)--we grew up together. We lived in the same neighborhood. Our mothers had also been school mates growing up in this same neighborhood together. You would think we'd have gotten along a bit better. But for the most part we just seemed oblivious of each other. We were often in the... Continue Reading →
Get A(nother) Job! --Part 1 of a 3 Part Series-- Mary and her husband married young. They were idealistic and certain that their love could carry them through just about anything. They were fresh out of high school and were suddenly setting up house and playing grown up. At first things went well. They needed... Continue Reading →
Here's the easiest way to break it down: Introverts make energy and extroverts take energy. When I retreat to quiet space in my home, put on earphones in a public place even though I'm not listening to anything, or slip away from the crowd, I'm not being a loner. I'm simply slipping away to recharge the energy reserves... Continue Reading →
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