Compassion and Peace in a Confusing World
Last week I was finishing the next post for At Peace, and then, I learned a close friend died. This news stopped me in my tracks and I decided to write about his loss. I spoke with my friend at church every week. I will call him, Jim... because that is his name. Jim was a very interesting… Continue reading And Then…
Next Tuesday, August 30 is National Grief Awareness Day. I was reminded by my professional organization, the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC), that on that day we might (1): support a grieving friend and/or (2) engage in self-care on this day of appreciation and respect. I had forgotten there is a day devoted to these… Continue reading Did You Know?
I have been writing blog posts for the past year and a half, many focused on the coronavirus pandemic impact on families following a loved one’s death. I sincerely hope that my thoughts have helped folks begin to reconcile tragic circumstances. Today’s blog shifts the focus to myself and my family. Last week I became… Continue reading Living Life
Years ago, I decided to leave the human resources management field but had no idea where I would end up working. Someone suggested I meet with a recruiting professional, sometimes called a “head hunter.” I was somewhat leery, but having no other ideas, I called the recommended person and scheduled a meeting. The meeting date… Continue reading Too Nice?
I participate in a group called Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, an organization and community focusing on contemplative spirituality. Along with their teachings, the group spends a great deal of time in contemplative prayer including intercessory prayer for others. Richard Foster, in his book Prayer, defines intercession as “shifting our center of gravity from our own needs… Continue reading Life’s Mysteries
I still feel as if we all are isolated. A few days ago, I needed to visit a drug store. I was thinking two or three times about going – will it be crowded, which mask do I have in the car... the one my sister-in-law made – not safe but comfortable, or the N-95… Continue reading The Good in Our Life
During the Christmas season, Christians reflect on the word “peace.” In the faith tradition, Christ is the Messiah and the Prince of Peace. We sing of sleeping in “heavenly peace,” and wish “Peace on earth, good will to all” in the hymn, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. The advantage of using this word for the blog… Continue reading Thoughts for a New Year
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
The past few weeks have been troubling as we reflect about the heavy-duty challenges before us as a country, as a world, and as individuals. These include: The Coronavirus Resurgence: In the U.S. deaths are rapidly growing toward 1,000 per day. I watch the chart turn up each day and has not been at this… Continue reading World Losses
At Peace 