Tag Archives: Jessie Wilcox Smith

When Love Happens

Posted on November 19, 2025 by Esther Hizsa

To loveand be loved.We were made for this.Love created the earth, the stars, the seas.Everything and everyone was made of You,from Loveby Love,for Love. Love is the one thing needed,the command that keeps all others. To see what love does–there … Continue reading →

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Keep Watching

Posted on July 15, 2022 by Esther Hizsa

I lean my head against Love’s chest,match the rhythm of Her breath,and enter the darkness. The light hurts my eyes. I see what others have done thatI haven’t.I notice habits I have thatthey don’t.I watch myself lose myselfdisappearand want a world with … Continue reading →

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Holding My Tender Heart

Posted on February 11, 2022 by Esther Hizsa

I’ve been afraid of rejectionmy whole life. Then I got rejectedtwicein one day. My head told me not to take it personally.It doesn’t reflect badly on them or me.It’s for the best. I continued on, but when I looked backmy … Continue reading →

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Fear and Grace

Posted on July 3, 2020 by Esther Hizsa

As soon as we gathered on the screen, I felt nervous. Insecurity jumbled my words and hid others. The twelve faces in front of me belonged to the facilitators of Living from the Heart, and I was in charge of … Continue reading →

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Turn to Wonder

Posted on November 15, 2019 by Esther Hizsa

Everything belongs: God uses everything. There are no dead ends. There is no wasted energy. Everything is recycled. –Richard Rohr, Everything Belongs Saturday morning of the opening weekend of Living from the Heart in Abbotsford, we gathered for morning prayers … Continue reading →

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Shame’s Spell

Posted on October 19, 2018 by Esther Hizsa

Jesus pushes me out of uncomfortable places and pulls me into them. –Steve Garnaas-Holmes I almost said no to co-facilitating Living from the Heart next year because it makes me uncomfortable at times. I’ve told you how it tosses me … Continue reading →

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DIY Retreat #8: God: Almighty Gentleness

Posted on January 5, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

Here is another one-day prayer/silent retreat outline prepared by my friend Joy Richardson, a spiritual director in Coquitlam. You’ll find the introduction to DIY group prayer retreats here and other outlines under resources. GOD: ALMIGHTY GENTLENESS After people have gathered, begin with a time of … Continue reading →

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What a Good Person Looks Like

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

I left my outer robe at the bottom of the sycamore and climbed into its branches. I had heard Jesus was coming this way and wanted to see what a good person looked like. Up in the tree with my bare … Continue reading →

Posted in Homelessness, Ignatian Spirituality, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Just Be Still

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Esther Hizsa

“Be still, and know that I am God,” says the psalmist. Nearly every Thursday evening, our contemplative group gathers to do just that. Of course there is time for fellowship, reflection and songs, but we also pray in silence for … 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 →

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