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Close at Hand

A friend sent me a cartoon that, as she intended, gave me a good laugh. It was a drawing of a woman standing behind a table with the contents of her purse strewn across its surface. She had a look of panic on her face and a cell phone stuck between her shoulder and ear.Continue reading “Close at Hand”

Front Toward Enemy

The corpsman whispered, “One of those terrorists is here.” I rounded the corner, expecting to see the face of evil. Young enough to be my son, you lay shackled on a gurney. Face ashen, body not yet man-sized, you looked like one of us. How had you become a threat? Had an elder seen youContinue reading “Front Toward Enemy”

Questions

My grandmother lived two doors away when I was seven. I loved to visit and did so often. One afternoon, on her way to town, my mother pulled up in front of Nana’s mailbox. “Get in,” she shouted. I walked to the passenger side of the car. “Wait, I forgot something.” I ran back toContinue reading “Questions”

Kuwaiti Exchange

The sign on the door reads, “Please keep closed. Air conditioning is on.” Entering, it hits me. A kiosk of keychains. We had not been inside a building for months. A shelf of sneakers. Many had lost legs, feet to IEDs and shrapnel. A carousel of chocolate. It’s 130 degrees. Watches. Only if they canContinue reading “Kuwaiti Exchange”

Facing the Philistines

In the Valley of Elah, two armies faced one another: the army of the Philistines, and the army of the living God. From among the Philistines, a booming voice raised a challenge: “Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me.” When the Israelites saw Goliath, the source of that challenge, theyContinue reading “Facing the Philistines”

War in Pieces

Thanks to David L. Robbins, the Mighty Pen, the Virginia War Memorial and the Virgina Repertory Theatre for the opportunity to see our plays produced. My play is called “Living on a Prayer.” Getting some publicity ahead of opening night! https://richmondmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/stage-screen/mighty-pen-project-war-in-pieces/ https://www.broadwayworld.com/norfolk/article/Virginia-War-Memorial-Foundation-and-Virginia-Repertory-Theatre-Co-Produce-Four-New-One-Act-Plays-Written-by-Veterans-20230223https://urbanviewsrva.com/2023/02/28/war-in-pieces-four-one-act-plays-written-by-veterans/ https://www.audacy.com/mix981richmond/latest/virginia-war-memorial-foundation-and-virginia-repertory https://va-rep.org/_war-in-pieces-va-war-memorial.html See website for tickets if you are near Richmond, Virginia: https://tickets.va-rep.org/events

The Guys

As the congregation finished singing the recessional hymn, I walked down the aisle toward the open sanctuary door and took my place just inside. I smoothed my white robe, adjusted the cincture, and made sure the stole hung evenly around my neck. This was my first Sunday as the associate pastor. I needed to lookContinue reading “The Guys”

The Living Nativity

“Finally, it’s started,” Adriane said to those gathered in a lean-to on the far side of the church building. “Good, ‘cause I’m freezing,” said Peter. He pulled his long robe tighter. Over the wind, the sounds of laughter, mingled with the somewhat in-tune singing of Sunday School classes, wafted through the cracked-open back door ofContinue reading “The Living Nativity”

The Right Time

Chronos Tick—6 am alarm Tock—56-minute commute Tick—2 pm staff meeting Tock—40-year career Shove feet into shoes without untying. Run. Kairos The hint of sunlight at the horizon. Trees blossoming on the roadside. The value of working together. A life that matters. Savor. Notice. Retie shoes for a comfortable fit. Walk. Wander. Wonder. Chronos Tick—calendarize Tock—prioritizeContinue reading “The Right Time”

If It’s Not One Thing, It’s Your Mother

I checked my watch. “She’s late.” “Careful,” Maria said, “or the auctioneer will think you’re bidding.” “Not on these kids.” Three gangly teenagers holding gardening tools stood on the stage. “Have hoe, will travel!” announced the auctioneer. “How much will you bid to have your garden tilled and ready for your homegrown tomatoes?” As handsContinue reading “If It’s Not One Thing, It’s Your Mother”

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