After the horror of Jesus’s crucifixion, suffering, and death, as the disciples huddled in fear and disbelief, imagine how they felt when they first heard the joyful cry, “He’s Alive!” From abject fear to utter joy and liberation Our churches don’t often dwell on the awful time between the suffering and death of Jesus on […]
Faith
It Is Finished… The Profound Last Words Of Christ
Last words matter As a physician, my husband was sometimes present during that sacred moment when a patient passed from life to death. Often there were no “last words,” because the patient was already unconscious, but when a patient spoke at this time, everyone in the room strained to hear, because “last words” can be […]
Book Review: On The Brink Of Everything by Parker J. Palmer
On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity, and Getting Old by Parker J. Palmer Reviewed by Elizabeth H. Cottrell Published 2018 240 pages (Hardcover edition) 5 stars out of 5 Parker J. Palmer is among my favorite authors because he writes beautifully and honestly about the questions, challenges, and paradoxes of life. His writing explores, […]
Let The Spirit Of St. Patrick Feed Your Heart And Soul
Collect for Saint Patrick The Feast of Saint Patrick honors the venerated bishop/missionary who walked the green hills of Ireland in the fifth century. It is celebrated as both a liturgical and nonliturgical holiday on March 17 and has become a celebration of Ireland itself. Almighty God, in your providence you chose your servant Patrick […]
Should Christians Forgive AND Forget?
Christians struggle with Jesus’s teaching about forgiveness: we are commanded to forgive over and over. But do we have to forgive AND forget? Maybe not… This post originally appeared on the blog in 2014, where it stimulated quite a bit of emotion and conversation. The question has come up so often lately, however, especially […]
Are You A Faithful Writer?
You might be surprised to realize you’re not only a writer, but you’re a faithful writer. Do you find inspiration in strange places? Have you ever awakened in the middle of the night with someone on your mind or something you feel compelled to do? Have you ever had an idea bubble up in your […]
How I Plan To Make 2019 My Best Year Yet
I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. I’m after something more positive, more empowering and more liberating! Sleepless in Virginia Less than two weeks ago—not long after all my holiday guests had left to go home—I woke up in the wee hours of the morning in a cold sweat. Tossing and turning, my mind […]
Does Stewardship Get A Bad Rap?
Stewardship is our management of time, talent, and treasure. Does the word “stewardship” get a bad rap in our culture today? If so, let’s redeem it! I spoke recently to our church congregations during the annual stewardship campaign. I share my comments here because I am convinced that our attitudes about money, giving, and generosity […]