Encouragement
Hope’s Demise: A Parable
There was a day when Hope no longer answered the door when Pain came knocking. Pain was a persistent visitor who’d come calling every morning once Consciousness arose, opened the eyelids and filled the world with light. Often times, Pain brought his closest companions: Self Pity, Depression, Fear, Anger or Discouragement. On days when his […]
The Best Way to Stretch Out
Coffee has been rendered inoperative this morning. Even at higher doses, there is only so much a person can imbibe without crossing the line and fulfilling the definition of an “addict.” Nevertheless, after a few quick “dozes” through prayer, I opened the Word and found the Lord waiting. He didn’t mind the fog that permeated […]
Disney’s Revelations Three Feet High
You know how little kids are. They can crack through any curmudgeon’s scowl when they use over-sized words or misapply vocabulary. Then, if it’s a pastor’s kid, Bible stories, interpretations of God and explanations of the world should be recorded for future laughs or blackmail when they get older. One morning, a conversation with my […]
Praying for Chronic Possibilities
A television in the far corner of the waiting room adequately occupied most of the people. The remainder thumb-punched their cell phones quietly. The weatherman said wind chill temperatures were dangerously below zero and echoed obligatory warnings that come with such a forecast. I looked out the window and watched a woman make her way […]
“Be Thankful It Hurts”
“Can you feel this?” The surgeon took a needle and pricked each of my finger tips. “Only my thumb. Ouch, by the way.” I scooted closer to the edge of the examination table and crinkled the paper lining. “Well Shannon,” Dr. Maxwell replied. “After seeing both the MRI and how quickly you’ve lost feeling in […]
Does Your Christmas List Need a Lift?
Where in the world is a good, hydraulic couch cushion when you need one? I’ve finished my devotions and I can’t get up. I can envision my Christmas list in a couple of years: Replacement batteries for all seeing, hearing, and walking devices. A memo pad that sticks to the refrigerator…bathroom mirror…kitchen counter…my kid…and all […]
