Wrestling with Shifting Faith in a Restless World
I recently completed my First Basic Unit of Clinical Pastoral Education. Part of my work as a student spiritual care provider was to be present with both long-term care residents and subacute patients. The other part of my work was deep individual and group reflection. In our training, we were often told to “just be…
I haven’t had a break in nearly eight months. Last year I dove into full-time seminary studies as well as full-time work. The overtime I’d banked from working during the Fort McMurray fire evacuation allowed me that. It wasn’t the ideal decision, but it was the most expedient one. I made sure, however, that I…
It can be disquieting for me to hear that my belief systems have caused people deep and abiding damage to their cores. It can be so disquieting and disturbing that I cannot accept that what has brought me light and life has brought death and destruction to someone else. Thus, I blame the “victim” and…
Dear Jean, It’s been an age since I’ve written to you. I’ve been remiss. I listen to your talks and read your books, and I would love one day to meet you. I’m sure enough pilgrims wander towards L’Arche already, however, that you likely don’t need this reluctant mystic tugging at your sleeve. Still, I…
Matthew 6:25-34 (The Cotton Patch Gospel): 25. “Therefore, let me tell you all something: Don’t worry about making a living—what you’ll eat, what you’ll drink, what you’ll wear. Isn’t the life of a man more important than what he eats? Think for a moment about the birds of the sky. They don’t plant. They don’t…
Click here — I had to preach this morning. Only this time it was for credit — the first of four between the end of this semester and the end of spring semester. Knowing I had to send this audio file in for actual critical feedback added a new dimension of anxiety, but dem’s da…
My unflappable-guru-spiritually-calm-and-mature friend met me for coffee last week before I left for another week in Saskatoon. He practices mindfulness, centering prayer, yoga, and walks labyrinths. He is nurtured by all things mystical and it is great to chat with him knowing I can dive in deep immediately without silly small talk. This time, however,…
