Then Mary said, “Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” — Luke 1:38 At this point in our nativity story, Mary is likely beyond “miserable” and bordering on “contemplating divine divorce.” She has been trekking across rocky, unforgiving terrain for days. She is alternating between…
The Faith That Refuses To Retreat
The Letter to the Hebrews concludes its tenth chapter with a line of demarcation: “But we are not among those who shrink back and are lost, but among those who have faith and so are saved” (Hebrews 10:39). This is not a passive statement of identity; it is a call to a rugged, resilient form…
Winter Solstice — Here Comes The Sun
Today, December 21, marks the Winter Solstice. It has long been one of Suzy’s favorite days, and over the years, I have grown to love it too. The reasons are simple. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year and the longest night. When Suzy was a little girl, she was quite small…
For I Was Hungry
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. — Matthew 25:35. As the season of Advent unfolds, it invites us into a space of paradox. We surround ourselves with the warmth of lights, the abundance of shared meals, and…
Conversations With Oneself
When my grandson Will was a small boy, he used to stand in front of the full-length mirror in their front hall and talk to his reflection. These were not short greetings, but long dissertations—especially for a three-year-old. His parents, Suzy, and I were always fascinated to overhear the discussions, but we were careful not…