Theology Fuels a Broken Hallelujah
Last week we took a quick look at Paul and Silas singing at midnight. Acts 16 tells their story. They were arrested under false pretenses; they were severely beaten, thrown into the inner prison…
A Contemporary Broken Hallelujah
Several years after Mark’s death God seared into our souls a vivid image of the privilege of corporate worship within our covenant community…
Wrestling that Leads to a Broken Hallelujah
Our son Mark’s death stripped away all religious pretenses. I wanted, no I needed to know that everything I had taught, everything I said…
Will You Sing at Midnight?
“I know what the title of your next book should be,” our friend said as she greeted us after church. She continued, “Read Acts 16 where Paul…
A Hopeless Mess
Leonard Cohen, author of A Broken Hallelujah was Jewish. For a time he also practiced Buddhism. He was not a professing Christian and there is a dark…
Pushing Hallelujah into the Mundane
How often I have pushed back against this command to give thanks in all things, especially in the middle of great darkness. Perhaps one reason I push back is…
A Broken Hallelujah
I was asked to teach a workshop on the topic of grief in the context of ONE Annapolis, a women’s regional conference sponsored by our denomination. As I thought about how…
When the Lights Go Out
It’s likely that I have never walked where you are walking, but I do know what shattered dreams and broken hearts are all about. My husband Chuck and I experienced…
A Proper Diagnosis
Even though I’ve faithfully stretched and exercised throughout my adult years, I have stiff muscles. Various stressors, both…
I Love to Tell the Story
I spent most of my 30-year career working as a carpet stylist for a large fiber producer. I followed color trends, made samples using the fibers we…
Considering Others
Several years ago, my almost 3-year-old granddaughter Emma was napping peacefully when my daughter Mary arrived home…
Becoming Fluent
The church I attend began a small-group discipleship ministry for our women. As part of getting to know each other better, the …
Dust Moments
My mood was as gray as the rainy day. I thought I got up on the right side of the bed, but a series of minor frustrations throughout…
God’s Got This
In an effort to help a struggling friend, we might say something like, “God’s got this. You will be fine. Everything will be ok.” Comforting…
When Trouble Sets You Aside
Shadows from the morning sunlight danced across my bedroom ceiling and caught my eye as I awoke, but it was difficult…
Comfort in the Valleys
II associated the 23rd Psalm with death for most of my life. As a pastor’s daughter, I attended numerous funerals, and…
He Calls Me His Beloved
I hold a tattered index card in my hand and read the words scribbled across it. “You are my beloved daughter, Rosann. With you, I am…
A Melody of Love
I was slightly peeved the day I walked into the chapel at the retreat center. I came to this place on the mountain for a quiet…
He Lovingly Thinks of Me
I remember the first time I saw love with my eyes, held it in my arms, heard its cry, and smelled its wonder. It was…