A Prayer for the Tired, the Poor, and the Yearning-to-Be-Free
Today I found myself reading the words etched into the Statue of Liberty — words I’ve known for years but suddenly felt in a deeper way. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…” That little poem, written by Emma Lazarus, wasn’t meant to be political. It was meant to…
I’m Being Followed
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”— Psalm 23:6 That’s quite a promise, isn’t it? Some days it feels like anxiety and fear are tailgating us while goodness and mercy got stuck at the last stoplight. But life has taught me something — goodness and mercy don’t always walk…
Sparks of Hope in the Flood
On July 4, 2025, a precious family from Kentfield, California, gathered at their river home in Hunt, Texas. None of us could have imagined that the fierce floods of the Guadalupe River would sweep away their cabin and take the lives of Sara, Mark, and their teenage son, Johnny. Only their 16-year-old daughter, Ellie, survived…
May Jesus Be Seen in Me — In Spite of Me
A dear friend shared words with me that stopped me in my tracks: “May Jesus be seen in me, in spite of me.” Isn’t that the truth? Because let’s be honest, sometimes “me” gets in the way. My impatience can flare up quicker than my smile. My opinion can jump out of my mouth before…
Staying Positive in a Negative World
Years ago when I lived in Tulsa, I walked out of the grocery store, minding my own business, when a TV reporter swooped in with a microphone and a cameraman in tow. Before I could say “no comment,” she was asking what I thought about all the new traffic in our area. Now, I hadn’t…
The Case of the Lost Driver’s License
A few days ago, I was a woman on a mission — a DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) mission. My sweet friend, recovering from back surgery, needed a new handicap placard – the others had expired. Easy enough. I headed to the Williamson County DMV, took a number, waited patiently, and voila — mission accomplished!…
Spiritual Doula: From Death to Life
A dear friend recently told me she had the privilege of standing backstage at our church as several precious souls — young and old — were preparing to be baptized. She said, “I felt like a spiritual doula… standing witness as they passed from death to life.” Her words stirred something deep in me. I’ve…
Pope Francis’ Trip to Heaven
On Easter Monday morning, Pope Francis made his final journey — this time, straight into the arms of the One he loved and served so faithfully. Just hours after offering his last Easter blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he stepped into glory. What timing! What triumph! I believe heaven rang with Hallelujahs,…
Boasting about Weakness
Here I go, stepping out from under my “mighty woman of God” rock. Confession: I have weaknesses. Wait, what? Who wants to hear that? Bear with me. I promise there’s a point. Let me remind you, the Apostle Paul himself bragged about his weaknesses. He wrote, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power…
The Day After the Inauguration
Yesterday I woke with fresh optimism about what our future holds for us. Was it because we hoped and prayed President Trump will make positive, healthy, morally, and biblically sound decisions that will unify and protect our country, turn our hearts to God, and “make us great again”? We can hope and pray, can’t we?…