Life's stories connect lives
“The themes of the short story “Marigolds” by Eugenia Collier include poverty, maturity and the relationship between innocence and compassion. These themes are realized through the main character, Lizabeth, and her relationship with an old woman, Ms. Lottie. The story is set in rural Maryland during the Great Depression” (“Marigolds”).
Mostly though, the story is about hope and the nerve of Ms. Lottie to hope in the midst of so much hopelessness. [Read more…]
“So I’ll cherish the old rugged Cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down…”
Margaret, a sweet, tiny lady in her mid-nineties, bears no hint today of the athlete she once was. [Read more…]
When I try getting our three-year-old grandson to sleep, I remove distraction and play soothing music: He especially loves piano concertos. Eventually, the music fades into the background as he no longer notices the soft runs and crescendos. His eyes grow heavy, and then he’s out. The music doesn’t matter anymore. [Read more…]
Nothing says I care like taking food over when someone’s sick or has passed away. The practical application of our love for others plays out in the casseroles and pies adorning folding tables in fellowship halls as we comfort those left behind, or the overstuffed refrigerators of mothers too sick to cook for their broods. [Read more…]
“A beautifully messy reality is better than the most perfect dream,” so went my nephew’s Facebook post this week. Admittedly, I still think of him as the toddler who could not resist a flower off my wedding cake before we served the guests, but in reality, he’s a burly grown man now–with obvious wisdom. [Read more…]