Category Archives: Stories

Our Darkest Hour

Posted on December 20, 2013 by Esther Hizsa

Tomorrow is the first day of summer in the southern hemisphere. But for those of us on the other side of the world, winter begins with the longest night of the year.  Advent comes to a climax in our darkest … Continue reading →

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A Mysterious Place of Meeting

Posted on December 6, 2013 by Esther Hizsa

I spent three days on Bowen Island walking, praying, and watching the seagulls.  I noticed that when one or two birds landed on the calm sea others followed. God seemed to be telling me that as I rest in him, others … Continue reading →

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Feeding a Fragile Desire

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Esther Hizsa

I guess it’s time, I thought as I biked along. And in my spirit I knew I was ready to face my shame about overeating. I meet with Karen, my spiritual director, regularly. The sacred space we share allows me … Continue reading →

Posted in Mystical, Popular Posts, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

All She Wants Is a Door

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Esther Hizsa

“You know what’s making me mad right now? I’ll tell you,” Paul* said looking me in the eye. We were standing outside the entrance to the Greenhouse, a renovated house on the church property, waiting for the soup to heat … Continue reading →

Posted in Homelessness, Popular Posts, Stories, Wednesday Lunch Club | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

The Parable of the Simple E-mail

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Esther Hizsa

Has this ever happened to you? You get an e-mail that explains a situation and then asks for a response. It seems simple and straightforward and you reply. But as soon as you press “send” you realize you didn’t read … Continue reading →

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Will I Open My Heart to God?

Posted on October 25, 2013 by Esther Hizsa

 Blessed Trinity, I receive your love, your presence and this day as a gift from you. I open my heart to you. Please lead me deeper into your transforming love as we live these next hours together. Amen. Every morning, along with others … Continue reading →

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Praying in the Cracks

Posted on October 18, 2013 by Esther Hizsa

I went to my first spiritual director a dozen years ago while I was studying at Regent College. After a few sessions my director said gently, “You have a lot of noisy, discouraging tapes playing in your head. I can’t compete with … Continue reading →

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In This Precise Location

Posted on October 11, 2013 by Esther Hizsa

Howard, Leonard, Penny, Sheldon, and Raj in the TV series Big Bang Theory I’m into the second week of my cold with little energy to do more than watch Big Bang Theory. I borrowed Season Three from the library and put … Continue reading →

Posted in Humour, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Opening Doors, Dropping Keys, and Setting Prisoners Free

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Esther Hizsa

Sunday morning the new guy preaches again. He jokes and sings. He’s not afraid to say what’s true. He’s not afraid. He sees the stressed look on my face and winks. The man reminds me of Hafiz—the way he goes about humming and opening doors. I take a … Continue reading →

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Settling Accounts With My Fears

Posted on September 27, 2013 by Esther Hizsa

I hang up the phone and bite my lip. Did I say too much? Push too hard? Why did she have to hang up so suddenly? I took a risk and challenged her perspective; now I fear the worst. I’m … Continue reading →

Posted in Poverty of Spirit, Prayer, Stories | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment