Tag Archives: Esther Hizsa

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

Posted in Advent, Christmas, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in Advent, Christmas, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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

Posted in Advent, Christmas, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A Patch of Fog

“Turn on your lights and slow down,” Fred said. The fog on the road was so thick, we couldn’t see more that a few metres in front of us. I drove slowly, silently, looking for red tail lights and road signs … Continue reading

Posted in Reflections, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A Sense of God’s Presence

This month I returned to Bowen Island to spend a few days alone with God. I hoped it would help me get through the dark months ahead. I didn’t have much of a sense of God’s presence until I passed by a church and … Continue reading

Posted in Mystical, Prayer, Reflections, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The King of Kensington

“I have some sad news for you,” the minister said and paused. “Ken Ryan asked me to give you a call. He’s got lung cancer. Stage 4. He’d like to see you.” If you’ve read my book, you may recall Ken, … Continue reading

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

God Isn’t Always Trying to Teach Us Stuff

Sorry folks. No new piece of writing came together for me this week. I hope you enjoy this post, originally published in 2013.  God knows my thoughts even before I do.* And having heard all my thoughts, God must have a … Continue reading

Posted in Popular Posts, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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

Posted in Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in Helpful Images, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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

Posted in Mystical, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments