Dearest Friends of Caring Hands, I was working on an overdue reply to our treasurer when I realized it wouldn't be a bad idea to give a mid-summer shout-out. Besides it's hot, and this is a good excuse to stay on the cool mountain and use the computer at home. The one in the…Read more Mid Summer Shout Out: Gratitude and Grace in a Hot Soup Kitchen
For John
The Lilacs In full bloom and fragrance, the lilacs sang an irresistible opus, and I reached out to pull one closer to my nose. “Smell your own damn lilacs!” my neighbor yelled, and I struggled to laugh and breathe deeply at the same time. Like a snarky, stand-up comic, John inspired laughter with his satire.…Read more For John
For Bell Hooks and Baltimore
“Individual heterosexual women came to the movement from relationships where men were cruel, unkind, violent, unfaithful. Many of these men were radical thinkers who participated in movements for social justice, speaking out on behalf of the workers, the poor, speaking out on behalf of racial justice. However when it came to the issue of gender…Read more For Bell Hooks and Baltimore
Eunice
“Eunice is to apple pie what Michelangelo is to the Sistine Chapel,” Rob called out one Sunday morning during the “Joys & Concerns” part of church. And the congregation voiced its approval with chuckles and murmurs, applause and Amen. Eunice’s baking skills were well known. She was the secret weapon of the United Methodist Women’s…Read more Eunice
Cracks
I suspect my cracked rib is God’s way of telling me to sit down and be still. The 46th Psalm gives it to us straight: Be still, and know that I am God. With a broken rib, still is the only choice. I don’t believe in accidents really, so I figure I fell down the…Read more Cracks
White Perch
Amid the unrest and unease and all the talk of race, on the week leading up to the celebration of Dr. King, I experience a timely epiphany and know that somehow I am not as white as I used to be. I used to be pretty white. Maybe not as white as some, but still…Read more White Perch
For Birdie & Christopher
“Never bet against the Steelers.” That’s one of the things my friend, Owen, taught me. I don’t work in a bar anymore, and I’m not a huge football fan, but I’ll always put Owen and the Steelers together. If they ever win a Super Bowl, I’ll think, “Owen must be pleased.” After the Steelers, my…Read more For Birdie & Christopher
Bobby Fitzpatrick
Bobby Fitzpatrick drowned last night in less than two inches of water. That was the shocker, not that Bobby Fitzpatrick was dead, but that he’d drowned in a puddle. To be honest, no one actually measured the depth of the water, but when he arrived on the scene one of the Sheriff’s deputies exclaimed, “Look…Read more Bobby Fitzpatrick
How To Lose Weight and Some Theological Stuff
For two cents, I’d write a little something about menopause, but I’m not sure anyone would read it—not even if I paid them the two cents. All the women’s magazines on the rack feature articles about weight loss. If you want a woman to open her wallet and toss you a few bucks, you’d better…Read more How To Lose Weight and Some Theological Stuff
A Moment In a Prison
“Remember Alex? He believes now.” “It’s true. I started reading this book, and suddenly it all made sense. Before, there was always something wrong, always some uneasiness. Now I know why. I was following the religion of the oppressor. Now that I’ve found liberation theology, I have something to believe in.” The wedding…Read more A Moment In a Prison
Methodist to Her Madness 