New Year Every morning after I get out of bed and feed the cats who are clamoring for breakfast, I step outside. Whatever the conditions—cold, warm, dark, sunny, cloudy, rainy, clear—a few moments out in the new morning wakes my mind and centers my spirit. The Sun is still burning, the Earth is still turning, [...]
“Faith Based Approaches to Cultivate Healthier Communities”, HMA’s 30th anniversary conference and celebration, is a happy memory. What an uplifting gathering of learning from each other and from guest speakers, of good food and fellowship, of singing and dancing (yes, there was a conga line jiving during the gala evening!), of prayer and meditation, of [...]
Not so long ago I was writing a special letter to and on behalf of Health Ministries Association, expressing sorrow and encouragement after the mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA. I’m compelled today to write another such letter, moved by grief, pain, and yes, anger. We have witnessed, or experienced, [...]
The work we do in our health ministries, wherever we offer them, is rooted in relationships. We connect with people whom we serve and help them connect their faith and their health. As we share information to help people make healthy choices, as we refer people to resources that can support their health, as we [...]
LIFE - AFFIRMING CONVERSATIONS Life is an astounding gift! Have you marveled at a sunset lately? Or been amazed that the sun still burns, giving us light and heat and energy? Or been wrapped in the arms of a loved one? Or felt your spirit soar with magnificent music? Or given thanks for/to all who make [...]
SEASON OF DARKNESS, SEASON OF LIFE As I write this column, the year’s longest night is approaching. In a couple of days, the tilt of Earth’s axis as the planet rotates will turn the northern hemisphere its furthest distance from the Sun. The hours of darkness outnumber the hours of daylight on this midwinter day. [...]
Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. -Martin Luther King Jr. I’m in love with my job. As I sit at my desk this beautiful summer morning in the Midwest, I am smiling, and [...]
“There isn’t time – so brief is life – for bickerings, apologies, callings to account. There is only time for loving - & but an instant, so to speak, for that.” - Mark Twain It is that time of the year again, time for New Year resolutions. People are indulging in retrospection [...]
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” —Zig Ziglar Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. And though I try to practice gratitude all year, I find November the month when [...]
“Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! And then things start to happen, Don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too. OH! THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!” I received a copy of this wonderfully wise book by Dr. Seuss from a friend upon completion of [...]
