Search Results for: Why Giving Up

Eyes downcast, Jamé exhales slowly. Pain flickers across her countenance.  It's ten  in the morning, and she's been laboring steadily for three hours. Never is a woman more vulnerable--  or more powerful -- than she is during childbirth. Sam kisses her forehead, laces his fingers through hers, murmurs encouragement. Never does a man feel more helpless than when his beloved gives birth -- and never is he more helpful, simply by being at her side. It's the being, not the doing. The power of presence. This is his gift to her. The two are becoming three, another holy family Continue Reading

Let’s play a quick game of work association. When I say “thanksgiving,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Probably a table laden with a juicy roast turkey surrounded by all the fixings, right? I enjoy poultry of all kinds, and I’m looking forward to another turkey feast this year. It might be smoked or brined or plain-old roasted, but however the bird is prepared, you won’t hear me referring to Thanksgiving Day as “turkey day.” Why? Because taking “thanks” out of the holiday’s name shifts our focus away from gratitude toward consumerism. It distracts our already Continue Reading

It’s Thanksgiving. Time to gather with loved ones, consume a lavish feast and count our blessings—and yet some of us can’t look forward to the celebration. The holidays can represent the bleakest time of year for many people, precisely because of our hopes and expectations about what this season should bring us. What if life doesn’t look like a Hallmark special right now? What if the feast is nothing more than canned soup? Or the turkey tastes like ashes in your mouth because a recent death or divorce has left you reeling? What if you’re too sick to get together with your loved Continue Reading

It's almost Christmas, the season where we focus on Jesus as a helpless babe lying in a manger, gentle, meek and mild.   But Jesus isn't a magic baby. He's our living Lord. And truth be told, he isn't so very meek and mild.   I've been reading Luke this month, a chapter a day. I want to remind myself again of who Jesus really is.   I want to listen to his words, life-giving and soul-shredding all at once.   It's one thing to live by the Golden Rule. How about some of Jesus' more difficult words? Here are some in Luke's gospel:   Jesus said we should Continue Reading