Tag Archives: recovery
Growth hog.
On a short walk in the woods, my friend Nancee expanded my vocabulary when she called me this: Growth hog. It made me laugh, even snort a little, and otherwise delighted me. I love this term. It speaks to that … Continue reading
The gift of the shadow of death.
This morning I saw my friend Abe for the first time in weeks. He looked bright-eyed and well-tended. As we spoke, I noticed a body brace peeking out from his windbreaker and asked him what had happened. “I got beaten … Continue reading
The desire to please.
Each time I facilitate a spiritual journaling workshop for women, it is different. Some women repeat the workshop, but there are always new folks coming in so that the group dynamic is never the same. There have been as few as … Continue reading
To begin again.
In my back yard, there are four sago palms that the previous owner for some reason planted together in a very tight space. Periodically the heavy fronds must be cut back at the base. It is not possible to do … Continue reading
Spring cleaning.
“Writing is not so much building a building as it is clearing out a space.” -C. C. These words were spoken by a striking young woman named C.C., when I asked if any in our gathering had experience with journaling. … Continue reading
“I am thirsty.”
This reflection was offered this afternoon as part of a series of reflections on The Last Seven Words of Christ at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, Jacksonville, FL. After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in … Continue reading
The holy “no.”
As we journey this last week toward Christmas, we celebrate the young girl Mary, who without respect to personal cost, said “yes” to the invitation to become the mother of Jesus. “Let it be with me according to your word … Continue reading
Without walls.
Below is a sermon I was privileged to share at St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville, FL, on Thanksgiving Day. I share it here because it helps describe and capture the spirit of new urban ministry as we strive to “build a … Continue reading
A program of action.
Last Thursday afternoon, the folks who planned to show up for a devotional time at a local shelter didn’t. That is not particularly unusual. My job is to show up, I remind myself, and then to adjust accordingly. So, after … Continue reading
To thee all angels cry aloud.
I met a man recently whose bangs and forehead were laced with a silvery dust. At first glance, you might think he’d been sprinkled with fairy dust or brushed by the wings of an angel. But such benevolent thoughts are … Continue reading
