I realize that I am a day late on this post, but a man such as Martin Luther King, Jr. warrants accolade and recognition on any given day. He was an architect of freedom and equality in America at a time when she was behind the veil of discrimination and prejudice. He fought the good fight, even unto death, and unveiled truth to this nation as a result. It is clear that all of us still have a long way to go to arrive at Dr. King’s ideal society,”the beloved community,”…
This Christmas will be a quiet one. As the youngest of five, I’m used to a gloriously hectic holiday and tend to crave the unquiet of tons of loved ones packed under one roof. But, this year I have the privilege of spending the day with just my husband, and our trusty dog, on this beautiful island in the middle of the Pacific.
In a most timely fashion, I just had a conversation with a beloved cousin who said,…
Today, I’ve been thinking about the wise men who traveled far and wide to bring gifts to baby Jesus. These men, sometimes called magi and sometimes called kings but never specified as only three in number, traveled from the east, probably Persia or Babylonia, and most likely belonged to a caste of priests who were well-versed in astronomy and astrology. To me, they are the quintessential story…
As Christmas hymns would go, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” is one that, to me, best evokes childlike peace and beautifully paints the scene of the night Jesus was born. Perhaps this is because the song’s writer, Episcopal priest Phillips Brooks, was inspired by a peace he experienced after a time of turmoil and this contrast contributed to the gravity of his message. Let’s take a closer look at the historical context in which this hymn found it’s genesis.…
Christmastime is here. In the midst of the magic, there is almost inevitably chaos, but this year I want to purpose to slow down and soak in the wonder of it all. While scurrying to buy gifts, let’s remember the greatest gift: God chose to send His only son to dwell among us bringing hope, redemption, and a love beyond comprehension. I invite you to celebrate the advent of the nativity of Jesus with me over the next few weeks through a variety of Christmas stories. Today, I felt inspired to start at the beginning; …
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It is the day when my extended family gather at our place in the “country” along the Alabama River for fellowship and feasting, but the most meaningful part of the day occurs before the blessing of the meal when my uncle calls on various family members, young and old alike, to state something that they’re thankful for. Now, this is often lighthearted with children blushing when called upon and responses that we all know as “go-to’s,” such as, “I’m thankful for my family,” but…
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Who is America to you? It is important, if not crucial, to evaluate the answer to this question. However, much of the rhetoric in mainstream media and even school books paints her in a negative light. While she’s not perfect, her heartbeat is being veiled by highlighting the wrongdoings of people who have lived and now live within her borders, making it difficult to ascertain a truly informed opinion.
One of my favorite quotes is “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” (Though this quote is difficult to trace exactly, it is most likely a Chinese proverb and was made famous in America when diplomat and politician Aldai Stevenson mentioned it at the passing of Eleanor Roosevelt through the words, “She would rather light candles than curse the darkness and her glow had warmed the world.”) So in this vein, I want to pull on your heartstrings by showing a couple video clips that demand an emotional response.
Even in this day and age where the national average of American history knowledge is embarrassingly low, I would assume, and desperately hope, that the overwhelming majority know that George Washington was our first president. Many too would know that he was the commander of the Continental Army and led the victory over the British in the American Revolution. But, where was Washington years before the great war for American independence?…
The air is charged.
I breathe in the fresh energy, and my exhale reacts with the cold in a cloud of vapor.
This simple sensation so-long-forgotten overwhelms me with gratitude; grateful for diversity, in seasons, in place, in people.
I thrive on this sort of shifting canvas; one where innovation and creativity is stimulated,where competition is encouraged,where each day presents the possibility of newness to be discovered.
Thank you for the friendly reminder, Seattle.