Photo by Gotta Be Worth It on Pexels.com I saw his determined face on every screen, today. I wonder if I have a clue. I'm far removed from dark scars on backs, and Souls that bellowed gospel songs in groans. I have no idea how it feels to be beaten for drinking from the "whites … Continue reading Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Author: Sheila Dougal
What I wrote in 2021 and what I dream about writing in 2022
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com I spent the morning thinking about what I value. I asked myself what the why is behind what I write. I came to the conclusion that I value peace in relationships, overcoming conflict and trouble and helping others overcome conflict and trouble. I value honoring the Imago Dei in people … Continue reading What I wrote in 2021 and what I dream about writing in 2022
Redemption is better than resolution
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Every year we resolve to do better. To loose weight. To exercise more. To use less screens and get outside more. And I love this time of year. I love the idea of fresh starts and clean slates, as though magically when the clock strikes 12 on New Year's Eve, … Continue reading Redemption is better than resolution
A Long Repentance In The Same Direction
Photo by Serkan Bayraktar on Pexels.com Eugene Peterson's A Long Obedience In The Same Direction, is a favorite of mine. The title has served as sort of mantra for me over the years. But today, thinking and talking to God as I do my errands, it hit me that a better motto for my life … Continue reading A Long Repentance In The Same Direction
Learning to garden: A repentance from laziness
A couple weeks ago, while listening to Wendell Berry, I decided to stop waiting for the ideal situation and start planting a garden. I’ve realized something about myself since that day. I like to do simple things. Tasks that require hands on practice. And not much research or technical skill. Gardening seems like it should … Continue reading Learning to garden: A repentance from laziness
The gift of conversation between generations
Photo by Edu Carvalho on Pexels.com When I was little, pre-school, I would hop off the wooden pews every Sunday to make my way over to the place where Clarice Lemley sat. Clarice, was in my mind, exactly Aunt Bee from The Andy Griffith show. She was plump and grey headed and wore flowered dresses. … Continue reading The gift of conversation between generations
How one American suburbanite is trying to foster a healthy local economy
This is my neighborhood. We are people trying to get away from the city just enough to escape the rules and regulations, but not so much that we have drive too far to get to Target. We’re American consumers, blue-collar workers, homemakers, nurses, police officers, small business owners, veterans and retirees. Listening to Wendell Berry … Continue reading How one American suburbanite is trying to foster a healthy local economy
Accepting silence
Photo by Adil on Pexels.com I took a long walk with my German Shephard, Lukas, this evening. The sun is setting earlier. The sky glows with shades of orange and pink and the world seems to cover itself with a honey-kissed filter. I'm drawn out of the house easily on these fall evenings in the … Continue reading Accepting silence
Lessons from my marriage: Three practices to build compassion when we disagree
Photo by Tim Douglas on Pexels.com I listened to Ashley Hales podcast, Finding Holy, the other day. Tish Warren Harrison, the guest, shared her desire to help the Church find a way, "...between capitulation and combativeness," in relating to those who see the world differently than they do. I'm always drawn to discussions about how … Continue reading Lessons from my marriage: Three practices to build compassion when we disagree
Remember the hope of glory
I'm pretty sure I'm one of the most forgetful people on the planet. I joke that I think I have early dementia, but it might not be a joke. I forget the names of people I've known for a long time. I forget what I was doing when I walk into a room, and have … Continue reading Remember the hope of glory
Sheila Dougal 