Originally published December 17, 2016. The other morning as I sat nestled in my easy chair with the New York Times harrumphing at the latest outrageous headline, I heard a high-pitched squeal coming from the dining room.  I bounded out of my chair to see what was going on. There was Marsha, bent over, examining one of her many plants. “Come see my new baby,” … Continue reading Sometimes It’s the Little Stuff that Matters »

I recently visited the cemeteries and grave sites of my family.  Each soul is sacred and with each grave stone there is a story.  Taken together they represent my ancestral identity.  I do not inhabit this world alone; my family was assigned to me without my consent.  My ancestral identity surrounds me, and there is no escaping their presence. At Holyrood Cemetery lies my father’s father, … Continue reading The Power of Ancestors »

Like many of you, I’ve become traumatized by the plight of the growing refugee population.  By some accounts, they number over 65 million, 48 million of whom are children.  The global response to this crisis has been appalling.  Tens of millions have been left stranded in makeshift way stations, refugee camps or drifting at sea.  Refugees are being treated as the enemy, and since most … Continue reading In Search of Inspiration »

  I have noticed recently that I often feel trapped in a sordid and negative news loop that drags even the heartiest of souls into the gutter.  When this happens It is all to easy to lapse into cynicism and despair.  I find it helpful to turn to stories and illustrations that remind me that humans can have another path. Here is one such story of … Continue reading Devotion »