Category: Adoption
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Do you trust me?
I asked my dad, when I borrowed the car to drive mama to church one Sunday morning. He was reluctant to give me the keys. I had just gotten my license. The way to church was a straight shot, and I used to take that route with my driving instructor all the time. He always…
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Raw
This last month, cleaning away the dirt, the dust, the unnecessary crud, I felt light, and present, and clear. But this nakedness of mind and of soul brings on a raw sensitivity to light, to pain, to hope and reality. I have a vivid imagination when it comes to danger. I always did. But I’ve…
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Conversation about sweets
Bye! I’m going to Bunica downstairs. Don’t come after me. I’ll return home at the perfect hour for lunch. Jackie, I have one request. No sweets today. Not even one bite. Yesterday you had chocolate and candy. Not one taste today. Ok. If Bunica offers, I’ll say “I’m not eating nothing!” Off she goes and…
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New chapters
A few months ago I started praying that God would show me clearly where He wants me. Because, as it stands, I don’t know. And I feel a burning desire to do more. What makes me come alive? – a good old question I stumbled upon in an old blog. I don’t want to waste…
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Conversation with a 5 year old while hiking
Jackie, there are consequences to your defiance and disrespect. You are old enough to reason with, so [for disobedience, lying or disrespect] we start taking away privileges: like the occasional cartoons or games, shopping sprees, sleepovers, sweets, independent play outside. I’m trying to teach you what’s good, and how to distinguish it from the bad. …
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Standing out
I had just transferred to an elite high school. The teachers were sharp and ruthless. The first year is a very humbling experience for anyone. And apparently this strategy worked for them. My 1st to 4th grade teacher, in his rough style, unpredictable, impatient and unkind, taught me to not rely on teacher approval. 8th…
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Screens and addiction
That awkwardness when someone pulls out their phone and you sit like a dumb next to them. Resisting. A decade and a half ago I was that person. An introvert. I had bought an iPod nano after my summer in Silicon Valley, and as I came back to college, I would listen to music a…
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It’s Monday
Prayer warriors, join me. The battle is on. This week, the much awaited file is opened by the case manager, for review, for completion. I pray for a willing heart. Not a slighted one. I pray for open doors of their own. To find the people they need, to get the answers they’ve been waiting…
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integrity
When you live a life of integrityDon’t expect recognitionDon’t expect applause.But be ready to stand alone. When you speak upFor the orphansExpect rebukeAnd prepare for the mocking. To recognize The right side up Quiet your spiritAnd close your eyes. Find your balance.Listen to God’s whisper. As elbows will poke youAnd hands will shoveFeet will kickAnd the rebuke…
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What is my Theology?
One day, my daughters may look back at my life, and be strengthened in their faith. Yesterday Jackie joined me in my quest to stir things up, to inquire, to move stones out of the less traveled path. What do I have to give to these girls? Not much by the standards of this world.…
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A season of clarity
The more time I spend reading the Bible, the easier it becomes to discern God’s voice. Yet I don’t do it enough. I get distracted like a little child, enjoying the scenery, enjoying the simplicity of life. And maybe, in the grand scheme of things, that’s not a bad thing either. So, I was laying…