The Secret Of Hope
Good morning... As we hosted a prayer vigil for Audrey DeShelter on Sunday and we gathered to celebrate the unique life of Mary Lynne Hamilton on Monday, one thing that repeated itself again and again was the word hope. Between the two powerful experiences of Christian community, a friend tucked into my day a little poem. When we are anxious or lonely or scared, might we [...]
Light On Our Wall
Good morning... Yesterday upon waking, I stepped out of our bedroom door to find God's creative light decorating our wall. To a few who are processing loss, I sent this photo with a text: "I wake this morning with God's light on our wall. Thinking of each of you and your family on this first anniversary of Scott's passing, as we prepare for Mary Lynne's service tomorrow. May resurrection power somehow break into [...]
Update On Audrey
Good morning... It is rare for me to create a blog post on Sunday, normally my day of rest from writing. Yet the update I need to share with you today is both sacred and time sensitive. Urgent prayers are needed on behalf of Audrey DeShelter, our dear nineteen year old friend who has journeyed with cancer since she was five. As a church family and as a caring group of friends, we [...]
From All That Is Broken
Good morning... I was thinking about all of those who have lost loved ones this holiday season. Husbands. Wives. Sons. Daughters. Siblings. Parents. Friends. One person told me, "It feels like whiplash. I was expecting a joyful Christmas, and we had a funeral instead." Then I opened an email that supported my prayerful pondering. "I came across this blessing in Jan Richardson’s, Sanctuary of Women," wrote a longtime member of our Northside Church [...]
Audrey’s Highs & Lows
Good morning... Notre Dame 27. Penn State 24. Having fallen asleep last night watching the game, I just woke to check the final score. Amazing! Audrey DeShetler's team won. Having reserved a $150 student ticket, Audrey will be going to the National Championship game to cheer on her Fighting Irish. It was certainly a high for Audrey in October when coach Marcus Freeman and some of the Notre Dame players visited with her [...]
Each Human Life
Good morning... This photo of my friend's grandson was taken by an Associated Press photographer at the Carter Center on Sunday. It pairs so perfectly with words written by Edmond MacDonald. The great events of this world are not battles or elections, earthquakes or thunderbolts. The great events are children, for each child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged with humanity, but is still expecting goodwill to become incarnate [...]
Getting Out Of Bed
Good morning... As a retired english teacher, he said, "Every year, I would share with the kids my favorite Hemingway quote." The greatest act of courage is getting out of bed each morning. Right now, my prayers are with the courageous ones who are facing the difficulty of illness, Alzheimers, powerlessness. The courageous ones who are experiencing the danger of hatred, depression, addiction. The courageous ones dealing with the pain of grief, estrangement, [...]
When I Can’t Feel You
Good morning... "I am blessed to own the original of this wonderful painting by a very special artist," wrote my friend. "The painting is entitled, 'Even When I Can’t Feel You' by Elizabeth Londen." Then she shared her intimate thoughts from yesterday. ****** Epiphany 2025 by Vilda Stone Brannen, January 6, 2025 There is a sadness that comes across this Epiphany day. The spaces once filled with lights, stars, angels and bells Have [...]
What An Epiphany!
Good morning... Today, January 6th, we celebrate Epiphany. As I treasure hunt in these early morning hours, I learn some interesting things. The term Epiphany, based on the Greek word meaning “manifestation” or “revelation,” is a time to celebrate Christ’s revelation to the world. In the Bible, the Epiphany is Jesus' visit from the Magi, aristocratic men from the east (often referred to as kings or wise men, non-Jewish Gentiles, for sure) who [...]
A Heartbreaking Loss
Good morning... After receiving word of the heartbreaking loss, I immediately texted my friend, "I just heard the horrible news. Please know that Steve and I are with you in Spirit, lifting you in prayer. Let us know how we might come close to support." "Thank you, Sue," came her quiet response. The next morning, I texted. "I have made your family a chicken pesto Stromboli, easy to slice off a piece, heat [...]
Beautiful/Terrible Holidays
Good morning... Her text came in after I had climbed in bed last night. Now I wake in the middle of the night to read her words. "Happy New Year, Sue!" she wrote. "It has been a whirlwind with joys and sorrows, once again, at the same time. We are blessed with so many loving family members. The beautiful/terrible days of the holidays this year have been really hard. God got us through [...]
How To Love A Broken World
Good morning... In retrospect, we learned a terrible truth. Around 3:15 am on New Year's Day, a terrorist mowed down innocent people with a speeding pick-up truck in the celebratory streets of New Orleans. At the very same time, I was up writing yesterday's blog post, Practice Falling In Love. I was guided by the Spirit to share these sentences: “Let me not forget how to be stirred by beauty, remade by it, [...]