I grew up in a politically active home. My parents were strong Democrats who choose careers in the non-profit arena. They were on their own and together committed to being knowledgeable and engaged. A campaign poster declaring “For the People and the Environment: Merson for Congress” hung prominently as a piece of art in the…
Before we get started, I feel it necessary to make this disclaimer: These words I’m getting ready to share are for those in my life who would self-identify as “Christian” If you do not find yourself in that category, PLEASE KEEP READING, because there is a message in here for you too. The word the…
I can’t begin to tell you the number of times I have started to write this series of blog posts on my computer, on random scraps of paper, in the note section of my phone or just in my head. The need to speak has been like a burning fire in my soul. And yet…
One of the things I have picked up during this quarantine time that has been life blood for my soul has been contemplative prayer. Don’t get me wrong—I am still a total beginner in this, but it has been a very helpful practice for me. Being able to sit in quiet and stillness and mediate…
I attended seminary at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. Set a few miles from where my mom grew up, the campus is absolutely majestic. You enter through large pillars with beautiful signs showing its early historical roots. The winding road to the main part of campus takes you along well-manicured lawns, past…
It is July 4th. I am sitting here at my sister-in-laws house overlooking one of the most majestic lakes I have ever set my eyes on. My family is all here. We are enjoying this week together that is always one of the biggest highlights of the year. This lake is our happy place. And…
Does anyone else leave a session of newsfeed viewing these days feeling whiplashed? For me, watching all the recent back and forth on social media have been painful. In the months since the Corona virus lock down orders were put into place, the divisions that have always existed in this country just seem to be…
“If we go to the depths of anything, we will begin to knock upon something substantial, ‘real,’ and with a timeless quality to it. We will move from the starter kit of ‘belief’ to an actual inner knowing.” (Richard Rohr Falling Upward) Today I turn forty. And I want to let you in on a…
People all over the country are out marching. Peaceful protests demanding justice and change are happening everywhere. When I turn on the news and see people of all colors standing together my heart wants to leap out of my chest. There is something significant happening. Do you see it? Do you feel it? I know…
I have been so hesitant to “go there” with the issue of race within this blog and ironically have been even more hesitant to “go there” at this specific moment in time and in history. I’ll give you just a small sampling of the objections my inner critic has made to this detour: But there…
