Compassion
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Body Image
I feel fat today–unattractive, dumpy.Like those gray, formless cloud-lumps hanging over the foothills.Like that bulbous row of resource-sucking cottonwoods along the river.Like that annoying crow that caws, caws, caws to keep everyone away from its road-kill dinner. Text and image ©… Continue reading
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Sanctuary
"Sanctuary!" I cry.A small door in an infinite wall opens.As the dark trees crowd behind me,I crawl through.The door creaks shut.Now I am an immigrant in the kingdom of the ineffable,small, grateful, safe. Text and image © 2011 by Dirk… Continue reading
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What Did Jesus Do?
oh, a womana woman is a personI'll talk to hereven though I'm not supposed to oh, a lepera leper is a personI'll touch himeven though I'm not supposed to oh, a childa child is a personI'll hold hereven though I'm… Continue reading
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Self-Doubt/Self-Care
When I struggle with self-doubt, the appropriate response is self-care. I can defer the doubt with the promise of self-appraisal later, when the doubt has subsided (which it always does) and any self-appraisal, therefore, can be clearer, cleaner. How to… Continue reading
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Another Day of Healing
That day–a busy one, as healing ministries go–a leper, two crippled gals and several menfolk born blind(three at least–some days he lost count). And, when the disciples weren't looking,the mangled wing of a dun-colored bird,the runny, infected eye of a… Continue reading
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Happy Year That Is New
New year; new design. I began blogging on August 31, 2009, with the hope of posting both text and a photo every day. So far, I've accomplished that, and I'm grateful. It's been four months of sacred play. I'm grateful that… Continue reading
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Unsolicited Advice
There is a Japanese proverb that suggests, "Don't give others what they don't want." How often haven't I done this? I recall the sermons I've preached, the classes I've taught, the workshops I've lead, the articles I've written… In retrospect,… Continue reading
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Quick Storm
I'm walking homeat the end of a my work daythrough the frozen streets of the city.Snow starts,then the wind.Within the space of a few blocks,it becomes a storm. I come to the park's edgeand the the vast openness–a quarter-mile crossingunsheltered… Continue reading
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Core Word #8: Humility
Hello, humility. Did you know you're one of my favorite words? In case you're wondering, I didn't choose you as a core word because I believe I embody you. I don't, and I know that. I truly aspire to, but… Continue reading
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Core Word #7: Awareness
Anthony de Mello wrote a potent little book titled Awareness. Do not read this book. If you read this book, you will be picked up, shaken out, and dropped several feet from where you started. You will most certainly be… Continue reading