She clutches a balled-up tissue, staring out of the window at the empty visitors parking lot. A tear slips down her cheek. No visitors allowed for…how long did they say? Did they mean family? I can’t remember. Will Julie bring my jellybeans and bananas and a new magazine? I’ve already read the last one. What if I run out of medicine? How many elderly folks confined in facilities or in their homes experience loneliness, fear, and isolation while the country practices social distancing? Do they understand the current news or are they confused about why no one is coming? Others,…
Blog
Stir Encouragement into Fellowship
Butterflies danced the rumba in my stomach. What will they think? This may be embarrassing. Do I even belong here? Have thoughts like mine ever pestered you? Two years ago, my friend, Robin Dance and I started a local chapter of Word Weavers International, a Christ-centered writing critique group. At the first meeting, I was excited until it was my turn. As per Word Weavers guidelines, after someone read my words aloud, the group critiqued my writing. Old patterns of people-pleasing surfaced as I wondered what the responses would be. Although I sat among kind women, I felt vulnerable instead…
Rescued from Fear and Worry
Pulled under by a powerful riptide, my thoughts dragged me from the peaceful shores of Truth. Efforts to control my thoughts buoyed me for quick gulps of air and the hope of escape. However, as quickly as I found relief, the black water of fear eclipsed the sunshine as I sank again. My strength was no match for this fearsome foe. The cruel undertow of my enemy was relentless. I lacked wisdom and strategy to fight and swim ashore to safety. Mental wrestling exposed the identity of my enemy—one whose strength and cunning far surpass mine. His lies tugged…
Ingredients for Successful Service
“Prepare this healthy, delicious meal in seventeen minutes,” the host of the television cooking show claims. Yeah, right. Why did it take me ninety minutes, and why did my meal lack the color and glamour of the one on the screen? Don’t you love to watch celebrity chefs produce picture-perfect entrees? And have you noticed they’re not standing on their heads retrieving a misplaced sifter or lamenting over the carrots they forgot to buy? How do they do it? Although I’m sure Emeril and Rachael have extensive training and experience, part of the answer lies in the preparation. Sous-chefs purchase,…
Sharing Joy in January
She plodded down the hall of the rehab hospital with the help of a walker, head bent downward, each step an effort. When she passed me, she looked up with a radiant smile and answered my greeting with a cheery “Good morning! How are you?” As my family would predict, I couldn’t leave it at that and go my merry way. You see, my “hobby” is meeting new people. Each person has a story, and I love to hear those tidbits tucked away in the memory banks of strangers. When spontaneous visits include a conversation about God, they are even…