Category: Suffering
Comments Off on Wrestling With Why in a World Full of Paradox
Wrestling With Why in a World Full of Paradox
As a child, I was naturally curious. I desired to understand my world and wasn’t shy about asking questions. Once I figured things out, I insisted on doing everything myself, even to the point of holding my own hand. My blatant sense of independence drove my mother crazy. This need…
Comments Off on Purpose Within the Pain
Purpose Within the Pain
I spend quite a lot of time trying to avoid trouble. I think the majority of us do the same. It’s self preservation. Maybe if I say and do all the right things then life will go along smoothly. I’ll somehow avoid all the problems I see others experiencing. However,…
Comments Off on Free to Flourish At Last
Free to Flourish At Last
I spent the early part of the morning pulling weeds in my flower beds. This mindless activity offered my brain some time to think … to process the events of the past eighteen months. Yesterday my sister took her last breath after a long, painful battle with cancer. It’s an…
Comments Off on There’s Always an Upside
There’s Always an Upside
Not many people want to admit their age as they get older. After about 3 decades, most of us avoid the big birthday celebration. We think: Let me stay 29 and holding as long as I can. Until recently, I felt the same. What’s to gain? Creaky joints, loose skin…
Comments Off on A Letter to God for Such a Time as This
A Letter to God for Such a Time as This
Dear God…I try to be brave to encourage others but it’s not easy. I try to write words of hope but somedays they just don’t come. Can I give myself permission to feel discouraged…to feel disappointed with the current situation? My sister remains in hospice at home with cancer and…
Comments Off on Best Laid Plans
Best Laid Plans
I’m a planner. All who know me well, can attest to this. It either drives them crazy or they see it as an asset. My husband falls in the first category. He looks at my ‘best laid plans’ and just shakes his head. From mapping a trip to writing a…
When Seasons Change
Change is in the air. Can you feel it coming? Even though the days remain warm, the evening brings with it a slight chill. Across the farm fields, the familiar green begins to turn yellow. At first, it’s barely perceptible, but then the soybeans transition into waves of undulating amber.…
Comments Off on Follow the Yellow Brick Road
Follow the Yellow Brick Road
In a few short weeks, we leave for the Land of Oz. I’ve always wanted to travel to this mysterious place since reading the series of Oz books as a child. Most people remember The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but this wasn’t L. Frank Baum’s only book. In fact, he…
