Category Archives: compassion

Just Sit There and Let Me Love You

Posted on May 19, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

When my eyelid started twitching, I knew my body was stressed. “You can slow down,” I heard God say to me in a spiritual direction session. That week, with the same tender concern Pastor Ruth said, “You don’t have to … Continue reading →

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Notice Me

Posted on May 5, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

As soon as the participants started arriving at the retreat centreI noticed something in meelbowed to the front and shoved my self aside. She wanted a hug from everyone and pouted when she didn’t get it.At the dinner table,she told … Continue reading →

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The Unholy Three

Posted on April 28, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

Fear is a powerful ally.It curbs my behaviour, motivates me, and keeps me safe.Would I be as nice if I didn’t fear judgment?Would I prepare and work so hard if I didn’t fear failure?Would I watch what I eat and … Continue reading →

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My Suffering

Posted on April 21, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

Sadness crept closer with each chapter I read. Then it slipped in beside me when the father left too. It was still there the next day and the day after that. Sadness kept coming in through the tiny crack of … Continue reading →

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A Blessing for When You’re in the Wilderness

Posted on March 10, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. —Matthew 4:1 (NIV) On the day the Spirit leads you into the wilderness,may you know it was a Friend that led you thereand that … Continue reading →

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The Journey of Friendship

Posted on February 24, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

Recently, a friend let me know they were upset. As I listened, I learned how upset they were and that it was partly because of something I didn’t do. I was grateful that they told me. It was hard for … Continue reading →

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Before the Miracle

Posted on January 20, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

I close my eyes, enter into my imagination, and arrive at the wedding in Cana. I take it all in–joyful chatterolives and garlicky hummusdangling earrings and earnest facesfreshly baked bread and wafts of perfumethe earthen goblet in my hand. Who am … Continue reading →

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Let God Love You

Posted on January 13, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

“You can always come home to God, and God can always be found wherever you are, right at the centre of your soul.” I heard Danielle Shroyer say in this podcast while I was making dinner one evening. “The purpose … Continue reading →

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Arrows

Posted on January 6, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

“Have you had lunch yet?” I asked Fred, hoping he hadn’t eaten the leftover spaghetti. “Yes. I ate the spaghetti,” he said. “It was good.” Argh! Now I’d need to figure out something else to make for dinner. One more … Continue reading →

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Advent 4: Silence

Posted on December 16, 2022 by Esther Hizsa

As I began my four-day retreat last week, I became aware of how uncomfortable I was with the silence–especially in the evening when it was dark, and I couldn’t go for walk or gaze at the sea. I wanted something … Continue reading →

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