I asked my patient, “How are you, my friend?” As his tired hand rested in mine. We have a history of many visits, Many hours, Many thoughtful words… “I’m dying, you know,” he said softly, His voice rough with the years Of hard work and prayer. “But it’s Ok. It’s Ok.” We sat in a … More A heart to heart talk
Just in front of my parking space yesterday was this mossy trunk of a stately oak tree. The grass wasn’t sprouting yet. The branches were bare, and last year’s leaves blew around on the ground beneath her. No sign of spring anywhere… I had a moment of familiarity. The cold, dark, and windy days we’re … More Tired and Mossy
Offered to the people of God at Bethesda United Church of Christ Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 ESV) Thank you, my new friends, for the warm welcome to your church and your pulpit. I have enjoyed my friendship … More Who’s Calling? A sermon on Genesis 22:1-14
It’s Saturday. I have laundry to do, correspondence to send out, books to read and a sermon to write. I also have a head-pounding allergy headache. And what I really want to do is nap. Or garden. Mostly I’m just wondering how I’m going to fit everything in my day into my day. Wondering where I’ll … More Wondering Woman
Note: This is a reposting and expanded version of a Facebook post on a private page. It retells some of my own story to ordained ministry. (If you’re a regular blog reader, you can move on now…) I share this story because RevGalBlogPals is a small, grassroots 501(c)(3) organization and can use your support. Why do I … More Crossposting: Why I Need RevGalBlogPals
In my work as a chaplain, I am privileged to listen and reflect with those who are brought into my circle of care. I am not the only one who listens to these patients. Nurses. Social workers. Physicians. Nursing assistants. Even the food service and environmental service staff! We all are part of the patient’s journey … More I Will Hold Your Story
It was quite a shock to run into this man. I was getting some charting done with an eye on the clock, hoping to squeeze in one last patient for the day. I did not expect to see a nemesis from my past in a nursing home’s administrative suite! At first I didn’t know for sure… … More Forgiveness and Alligator Shoes
