When a dangerous undertow at our favorite childhood beach pulled my little brother, Ed, under the water and further from the shore, he almost drowned. Inside the vicious swirl of water, an older cousin fought relentlessly yet futilely to free Ed from the monster’s grasp. Nearby sunbathers and swimmers mocked…
Love Closes the Gap of Social Distancing
She clutches a balled-up tissue, staring out of the window at the empty visitors parking lot. A tear slips down her cheek. No visitors allowed for…how long did they say? Did they mean family? I can’t remember. Will Julie bring my jellybeans and bananas and a new magazine? I’ve already…
Stir Encouragement into Fellowship
Butterflies danced the rumba in my stomach. What will they think? This may be embarrassing. Do I even belong here? Have thoughts like mine ever pestered you? Two years ago, my friend, Robin Dance and I started a local chapter of Word Weavers International, a Christ-centered writing critique group. At…
Rescued from Fear and Worry
Pulled under by a powerful riptide, my thoughts dragged me from the peaceful shores of Truth. Efforts to control my thoughts buoyed me for quick gulps of air and the hope of escape. However, as quickly as I found relief, the black water of fear eclipsed the sunshine as I…
Ingredients for Successful Service
“Prepare this healthy, delicious meal in seventeen minutes,” the host of the television cooking show claims. Yeah, right. Why did it take me ninety minutes, and why did my meal lack the color and glamour of the one on the screen? Don’t you love to watch celebrity chefs produce picture-perfect…