The healing power of a listening ear
“Our job is to listen.” That’s how Margaret Johnston-Jones summarizes the role of the chaplain in the hospital. It’s not about preaching to people or trying to convert them.
Living mindfully
I’ve noticed one of the popular themes lately is something called “mindful eating.” The idea is that rather than absent-mindedly jamming food into one’s mouth, we take the time to unplug from our assorted electronics, sit down and actually pay attention to the food we’re consuming.
Why I changed my mind about yoga
A yoga studio is about as common as a Starbucks in New York City. When I moved to New York to fulfill my call as a Minister of Word and Sacrament, I passed each studio with some skepticism for two reasons.
Hope and compassion for the ‘No Casserole’ illness
Do you ever feel like no one understands you? Does it seem as if the minister is always praying for those who have physical struggles and forgets about mental illness?
Hospital morality plays
In November I had an overnight hospital stay (I’m fine, nothing serious, thanks for asking.) By evening visiting hours, my light was already dimmed for the night, my curtain partially drawn. After a very early surgery that morning, I was ready for sleep. But instead, inescapably, I was front row centre to a discomfiting succession of spectacles. And an applause-worthy finale!
Cataracts and the gift of sight
Jesus had just spat in the blind man’s eyes and laid his hands on him. So Jesus lays his hands on him again. Now he sees clearly – but it required two treatments. Vision is a central concern in many of the miracles done by Jesus.
Funding research with integrity
All of us at one point or another need to go to a drug store, pick up some pills that our doctor prescribed and ingest them to treat a medical problem.
The cornerstone of healthy adult development
Q. For three years now I have been telling myself I need to see a therapist, but I cannot seem to make an appointment. I feel shut down, numb and flat and I am beginning to wonder if there is something wrong with me.
What the ugliest woman taught me about beauty
It’s Saturday. I’m still in my pajamas at three in the afternoon, fresh bread on the counter, the boys down for a nap. I’m scrolling through my news feed on Facebook when I discover a TED Talk featuring “the Ugliest Woman in the World” and how she’s found happiness.
To those who diet after Christmas
There’s no doubt, Christmas hurts the waistline.
A more helpful response?
I think life has finally caught up to me and I have to face reality. My mother had a stroke and needs care. I understand that. What I do not understand is my fear of pain and suffering, something I never shared with anyone.
Of pain and purpose
All afternoon I thought about that dear woman. I wished I could tell her that her daughter has it wrong, that she is still a lovely woman, still a worthwhile human being; that her suffering has only revealed who she really is and given her something truly valuable to offer her daughter and the rest of the world – an example of courage and perseverance in the face adversity. That would be too easy for me to say, wouldn’t it?
