Category Archives: Poverty of Spirit
Loving Certain People
“I love mankind. It’s people I can’t stand,” exclaimed Linus Van Pelt decades ago in the cartoon strip Peanuts. Perhaps it’s more accurate to say, “It’s certain people I can’t stand.” When I see certain people do things that annoy … Continue reading →
In the Flow
“Have you found a job yet?” I asked “Kyle” (not his real name) who has been sober for three months now. Kyle’s been through treatment and recovery a few times in the past seventeen years and never lasted more than six … Continue reading →
From Weakness to Weakness
There is a dog in Loyola House that soothes the aching soul. Perhaps you’ve heard of the “balm in Gilead that makes the wounded whole”? Apparently someone at Loyola House in Guelph, Ontario has a dog who does the same thing. People who go there for … Continue reading →
Weakness: The Heart of Belonging
My old friend, Insecurity, showed up again when I attended a two-day SoulStream board meeting. Even though I was among people who are open, accepting, and kind, I felt uneasy. Someone mentioned a book I hadn’t read or music I hadn’t … Continue reading →
The God We Got
God could have come with battle lines drawn, an army of trumpeting archangels, and a legion of patriarchs. But God came in vulnerability, a baby without a home . . . –from “The Arrival” by Ann Siddall Why did God … Continue reading →
God Became Weak
“O come, o come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,” we sing. We too “mourn in lowly exile here” until the Son of God appears. We long for God to come in power and right our injustice, heal our ills, dispel our confusion, and … Continue reading →
When We Find No Rest
“How was your weekend?” I asked “Bonnie” when I visited her again. With a pained expression, she confessed that it hadn’t been easy. Her fears were having a heyday with her, and she felt defenceless against them. Once again she was on the cross … Continue reading →
God’s Salvific Love
“This helplessness, what’s it like?” asked my spiritual director. It took me a few minutes to let the feeling return to my body. It’s how I felt the night I was driving to a friend’s house in the rain. I … Continue reading →
Keeping Vigil
I’m awake in the middle of the night again. A sadness dogs me until I get up and listen to it. In the silence I hear a regret that I was not present. That evening I had a meal with friends. I conversed … Continue reading →
The Dance of a Loving Community
“We find it difficult to admit our faults and failings,” Doug Schroeder, SoulStream‘s director, said in a reflection entitled “The Gift of My Imperfect Self.” I read that while I was away co-facilitating a Living from the Heart intensive. During that week, I also noticed that I … Continue reading →
