Before you stop reading this blog merely because you think during a time of pandemic and flu, earthquakes, hurricanes and wildfires, political division and racial strife there is nothing to be grateful for — take heart! Modern life often forces us to focus on...
There are a lot of ways to say goodbye, to bid farewell to family, friends and even mere acquaintances. Every language has at least one and many have multiple ways to express this sentiment given the situation and circumstances. Adios, adieu, ciao, au revoir,...
This summer, every Monday morning, I woke up early to complete my weekly long run. Physiologists and running coaches have long touted the value of a weekly long run for every serious training program. For reasons, I don’t understand, the magic number is 70 minutes....
Friends, I want to begin with gratitude to the PNC for their incredible work during a season that brought unique challenges. Their graciousness, humor and humility throughout all our encounters truly inspired and encouraged me these past months. I also want to thank...
I am tired of Zoom. And I am tired of Livestream. And I am tired of working from my couch. And I am tired of getting notifications from my calendar that remind me of important events that have now been canceled. I know that I am not alone in these sentiments. But in...
About a month ago a dog showed up at our farm in Patrick County, Va. She stayed under a tractor left out in a pasture. We started feeding her and eventually she moved her home to a hay shed. She never growls and always wags her tail, but she is very afraid. Skittish...
This passage from Romans 5:1-5 has been a part of my daily prayers these past 6 months: Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast...
Genesis 1:27 27: So God created humankind in God’s own image. Imago Dei. We are all created in the image of God. That is such a beautiful idea. Do you believe it? Do you believe you are created in the image of God? With all of your (my) imperfections, flaws and...
Just a few days ago, I heard on the news a report about successful Black women entrepreneurs in Detroit. The woman being interviewed said that an entrepreneur is someone who can endure risk and bounce back from hardship. That strikes me as an excellent description of...
This past week, I helped to facilitate the September meeting of the Monday Book Club, and we discussed Barbara Brown Taylor’s 2009 book, An Altar in the World. When I think about the books that formed my faith in my teenage years, this book tops the list. Taylor’s...
