Compassion and Peace in a Confusing World
Just over one year ago – November 16, 2020 to be exact, I started this blog...At Peace. The first blog post coincided with the U.S. approaching 250,000 pandemic deaths. I listed seven major losses that people were experiencing at that time... a significant number of additional people still are. I wrote that many people were… Continue reading One Year Old
I watched a recent newscast which reported on the following issues: Congress, airplane travel, Earth care, elections, and vaccination mandates. Each story explained angry confrontations occurring with each issue. We have a long way to go to find middle ground. The newscast prompted me to share some thoughts about anger associated with the death of… Continue reading Today’s Anger
I read a newspaper article this week that reminded me of Mexico’s Sunday (November 1) commemoration of The Day of the Dead, the traditional visits to graveyards. Last year they had to forgo the Day because of the pandemic. The Day of the Dead provides symbolic means to outwardly honor the lives of their deceased loved… Continue reading Dia De Los Muertos
Last week President Biden spoke before the United Nations. His speech addressed, among other issues, the urgency related to the pandemic and the climate. This quote was featured in the Wall Street Journal: “Our shared grief is a poignant reminder that our collective future will hinge on our ability to recognize our common humanity and to… Continue reading Common Humanity
“Pay attention to the things that bring a tear to your eye or a lump in your throat because they are signs that the holy is drawing near.” Frederick Buechner A fellow church member and friend of mine approached me with a question a few years ago that I still think about. He was in… Continue reading Healing Tears
“Life must be lived forward, but can only be understood backward.” Soren Kierkegaard When writing about grief and loss, I often refer to the work of my mentor, Dr. Alan Wolfelt. Alan developed The Six Reconciliation Needs of Mourners which I used regularly when speaking with the bereaved. Recently, I’ve been thinking about the importance of one… Continue reading Memories
Our family had a wonderful Memorial Day celebration this week. My day started with preparing two large slabs of pork ribs, cutting-up strawberries for dessert, running to the store for extra ice, washing last night’s dishes, and cleaning the back yard and deck. I’m tired just typing about it. I did a lot of thinking about… Continue reading Remembering
The past year was unforgettable. Last March, I was wrapping up my job as Parish Visitor at my church and trying to say goodbye to many of the church’s seniors in my last week. I hoped to visit seven seniors. Two were in lockdown. I visited with four of the remaining five. Two of these four… Continue reading Things We Can’t Forget
The church I attend has introduced parking lot fellowship as an idea of easing into personal interaction. The gatherings are in the form of a drive-in where we get together for a meal outdoors, listen to music and play games. The most recent event was a blend of social distancing and masks, and an occasional… Continue reading Re-Entry
I just read an article in the Washington Post which I would offer as assistance in the midst of the pandemic. Here is the link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/cry-stress-pandemic-advice-coping/2021/01/22/d508f86c-575a-11eb-a817-e5e7f8a406d6_story.html A warning: the article is about crying. So, I can probably rule out approximately one half of all potential readers - - the men! Our culture still insists that men should not… Continue reading A Pandemic Response
At Peace 