This Explosive Week
Good morning... She emailed me after yesterday's post, Imagine Something Better. "So crazy, Sue," she wrote, "my husband and I were having a similar conversation yesterday over coffee after I mentioned a quote I’d recently read that said in previous generations people used to naturally seek and focus on what we have in common with one another, but now it’s the differences that get the focus and immediately separate people and damage community. [...]
Imagine Something Better
Good morning... As we enjoyed a candid discussion on the porch, my husband Steve read aloud yesterday's meditation from Richard Rohr. By request, he forwarded it to me. Now I share the wisdom with you. ****** Imagine Something Better - Author Sarah Bessey names the need to be “for” something good, not merely “against” what is wrong: Imagining and contending for what you hope for in this world is one of the hardest [...]
Death. Dementia. Division.
Good morning... Last week, she shared the tumultuous story of her own grief. "I think I shared this after my Dad passed away last year," she wrote. "It was two days after Dad had passed, and I was managing very difficult family dynamics with my siblings and a painful dementia diagnosis for my mom. I was exhausted and speechless. I genuinely was feeling chest pains, and my friend texted to check on me. [...]
Who Will Save Our Nation?
Good morning... We blink our eyes awake on a very significant day in American history. We celebrate the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted (July 4, 1776) and the United States officially became its own nation. Today is flag. Family. Friends. Freedom. Fireworks. Fashioning with God a fabulous future. The Eternal’s purposes will last to the end of time; the thoughts of His heart will awaken and stir all generations. The nation whose True [...]
Sadness Brings Healing
Good morning... Preparing to see Inside Out 2 in the theatre, I re-watched the original 2015 version of Inside Out. Inside Out tracks the inner workings of the mind of Riley, a young girl who struggles to adapt to her family's move, as five personified emotions guide her thoughts and her actions. One of my favorite parts of the movie is captured in the clip below. After the wooden rocket holding all future [...]
For Those Facing Loss
Good morning... "I shared this on Facebook on Wednesday," emailed a longtime friend. ****** For those facing loss today . . LOVE CAME FIRST "You don’t move on after loss, but you must move with. You must shake hands with grief, welcome her in, for she lives with you now. Pull her a chair at the table and offer her comfort. She is not the monster you first thought her to be. She [...]
I Saw Elizabeth
Good morning... "Can't help but think Elizabeth is the cause of this incredible sunset," texted a friend. "I am in Key West fishing, and I saw her (whom I have never met, but obviously heard a lot about) in a lot of beauty yesterday (Thursday). Praying for the family." "Elizabeth loves the ocean," I explained. "As a family, they recently went to the beach house of a generous friend. We prayed that she [...]
Not Healed But Held
Good morning... "Oh Sue," she wrote from Florida yesterday, "sending so many continued prayers for the loved ones of Elizabeth. So very heartbreaking. I just read Dr. Jim Denison, and the quote below struck a chord - we live a faith that says death is not the final answer, thank you Jesus. This truth is the hope and assurance for all those hurting in these very, very hard days." ****** Joni Eareckson Tada, [...]
Elizabeth Went To Heaven
Good morning... After writing yesterday's post, A Prayer For Elizabeth, I went back to bed for my second sleep, setting my alarm to wake for an 8:00 am walk-and-talk. Upon waking, I checked my phone immediately and savored these loving words written by my special friend Dr. Cathy Snapp, co-author of my favorite book The Hidden Life Awakened. Cathy wrote: ****** Dearest Sue, I sit holding this dear friend Elizabeth in my heart [...]
A Prayer For Elizabeth
Good morning... Up in the middle of this late June night, I water our thirsty plants and I take pictures of the waning moon. At age 39, at home in the care of hospice, saturated with the love of family and friends, the vibrant life of Elizabeth is also waning away from this world. Elizabeth's mother-in-law, Joan, is a beloved member of our Friday [...]
Processing A Shark Attack
Good morning... My friend's text came in at 3:09 am. Now it's 4:04. Whatever I thought I might write about evaporates, leaving space to ponder these thoughts. "I'm not sure if u heard about the people who were bit by sharks near seaside and rosemary beach a few weeks ago," she wrote about a beloved section of the Florida coast where many of us enjoy vacationing. "One of the victims was a 15 [...]
Stand Where I Am
Good morning... During the summer months, my work commitment as Women's Ministry Director at Northside Church reduces down to roughly eight hours each week, and this unique summer my husband Steve is gearing up for his new role as Chaplain Emeritus at The Lovett School. (Retiring from the Head Chaplain position after 29 years, Steve will now develop and lead a global travel program for adults, will offer pastoral care and counseling, and [...]