Some mornings I wake up, longing for another human to hug me, squeeze my hand, or even just put their hand on my shoulder This deprivation of touch makes me feel alien, sub-human. And there’s no end in sight. These are the days in this pandemic – how is this word my reality? – when […]
Faith & Formation
Pastoring in a Pandemic
Thoughts on pastoring in the midst of a pandemic.
Clare and I on Fathom Magazine
In the past month I’ve had a realization that while I am called to pastor, I am also called to write. My book is at a pause for now, so I’ve been leaning into writing shorter pieces for publication and specifically articles that are not about the Camino. I sent a few out and as […]
What the F- Am I Doing, and Other Prayers for the Camino
I’ve entered an interesting rhythm as I have been training for my Camino. On one day, I am excited and thrilled at the thought of my pilgrimage. On the other days, I am pure fear. I worry about whether or not I can walk the entire 500 plus miles. I wonder if health issues will […]
Wonder
won·der a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable. “Wow, we’re starting to fly! Woah!!!” I was on a flight recently and overhead two little boys behind me. They had never flown before and couldn’t contain their excitement as the plane began to take off. Their […]
Leaning into Lent
Lent falls on Valentine’s Day this year and I couldn’t be more excited. I have mixed thoughts on Valentine’s Day, which I won’t get into here, so I am glad for a day that can be focused on seeking God and considering my mortality. I found this online the other day and loved how perfectly […]
People Who Need People
I love being around people, but it is easy for me to forget how much I need them in my life. I have become adept at filling in my perceived gaps on my own. In some ways, this has served me well. However, this self-reliance is often my biggest detriment. Because when I am in […]
Is Forgiveness Possible?
I forgive you. I used to believe that forgiveness was possible, but over the past few years, my hope has been disappointed. My experience of forgiveness in the past has been hopeful. When I was in high school I had a falling out with a close group of friends. Years later, I reconnected with one […]
Stuck in the Middle of Change
This past November I made my first trip to Washington, D.C. It was a lovely experience and helped to bring the history of this country alive in new ways. Two of the most meaningful museums for me were the African American Museum and the Holocaust Museum. It was painful and humbling to witness evidence for […]
A Retreat for the New Year
Happy New Year! At this time of year, many of us have a desire to reflect on our lives and make new intentions. I created a personal retreat for this very purpose and it is currently posted on my good friend Amy Simpson’s blog. (Note: Amy is a fantastic writer and life coach. If you’re […]
Ash
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Beth spoke these words over me as she painted the dust on my forehead, in the shape of a cross. I cried quietly, overcome by both emotion and the anesthesia leaving my system. I was not fully aware of the depth of this moment, […]
Manchester by the Sea and Sticky Grief
Recently I have been thinking about my Aunt Linda. When I was little, she would take me out for my birthday – it was always such a special day. We would start at McDonald’s, make our way to the movies for the latest Disney film, and then make a final stop at a toy store, […]