mercy – Cardinal Confidence: A Passion Project

Tailbone

Life has a way of making us feel grounded one second and completely heedless the next. I suppose it’s one of God’s many ways of reminding us about humility.

We sat in a crowded church on an uncrowded pew on Christmas Eve. The crowd triggered my anxiety but having a pew mostly to ourselves comforted me. At the end of the service, the pastor pointed out a small privilege we take for granted in this modern world – automatic street lights. As the sunContinue reading “Trail of Light”

Sweet as “Mom”

I grew up calling Shannon “Mom” because that’s what Daddy and all his siblings called her. That’s what we, all of her grandchildren, called her. She died this year as the leaves of October peaked. I didn’t get to say goodbye or hold her soft hands or thank her for loving me or to whisper,Continue reading “Sweet as “Mom””

What Side of History Am I On?

On February 14, 1992, I was sitting in my second-grade social studies class learning about Martin Luther King, Jr. and the 90-mile march from Selma to Birmingham when the infamous question preyed upon me. What side of history would I have been on? Today, in 2021, I cogitate why I didn’t interrogate my teachers more.Continue reading “What Side of History Am I On?”

To the Feet of Love

The sun had not risen yet as I drove to work one random morning about a month ago. My mind was busy with all the day-to-day worries that I should hand over to God but have trouble doing because I’m human and because I’m fearful of losing control and of the unknown.

Unapologetic

More of perspective than a story; ranting more than enlightening

Brave Heart

When the heart is full of pain life feels more tender. Or maybe when the heart is more tender life is full of pain. Grief is as complex as a sunflower like the seeds of its center one memory developing the next. The heart longing for the yellow blossoms of light. Sometimes the heart missesContinue reading “Brave Heart”

Pipedream Blessings

Like a kid wishing for a snow day, I was a teacher wishing for a pipedream – just enough severe weather to get us an e-learning day. Maybe some high winds so buses wouldn’t be able to operate. All the weather apps and news reports were warning of high winds, hail, and severe thunderstorms withContinue reading “Pipedream Blessings”

Naked

The school I teach at bought me lunch from Subway. A nice Friday offering. I ordered a six-inch veggie sub on wheat bread – no cheese, all the veggies, salt and pepper, and oil and vinegar. I wanted to keep it light and dairy-free seeing as the last time I ate a Subway veggie subContinue reading “Naked”