reframing femininity
“If Christmas is for the joy, then Advent is for the longing.” – Sarah Bessey Only two minutes into the first song of the concert, and I feel my tears building. “Uh-oh,” I think, as the lyrics rouse my slumbering heart and provoke an ache in my chest.
Read More
“Rest doesn’t improve restlessness because you’re not tired, you’re weary.” – Jody McPhearson It’s the Monday after Thanksgiving and I’m back to the grind at work. I just had 6 days off from work and…I’m uneasy. Exhausted. Simultaneously bored and overwhelmed and my motivation is waning. There’s less room in my chest for my lungs…
Read More
A Voxer notification appeared from my friend Mike: Hi Rachel, I’ve been thinking about you and wondering what you would think of spending a half a day or a whole day on a silent retreat away from social media and family and friends. We would be happy to help with your kids to make this…
Read More
The angels broke into the atmosphere, announcing good news that seemed too late. But, they broke in anyway….
Read More
My life took an abrupt turn on July 8, 2011, when my friend Jim had a seizure and was diagnosed with a very aggressive brain cancer. After surgery, he moved into my home, and I cared for him until he died nine months later.
Read More
Out the window, tiny flakes hang suspended in the air before rushing to the earth with a strong gust of wind. I watch the process repeat over and over again, my heartbeat getting caught up in the swirling rhythm outside.
Read More
Once a year my body succumbs to illness. I shouldn’t complain; I have a strong immune system. I am grateful. But the timing is always off.
Read More
When a person experiences trauma, parts of the heart feel ripped loose, shattered, and blotted out.
Read More
If I were asked to pick a single image that captures my heart concerning Christmas, I would pick a scene from one of my earliest holidays—you know, something that really set the tone for how I’ve held Christmas throughout my life.
Read More
It started the Monday after the election. My oldest daughter, Tessa, and I were lying in her bed, talking and listening to music before she went to sleep.
Read More