Russellings of the Spirit

mercy

  • The Heart of the Matter

    After experiencing a somewhat fraught relationship with it for too many years, I finally can say with confidence that I LOVE the Bible. Whether I am diving into accounts of the trials of God’s people, being seared by the white-hot… Continue reading

  • Ideal vs. Real

    I flew my American flag every day last week. No… I did not fly my flag because of some sudden, Fourth-of-July-inspired outburst of patriotism. I flew my flag because that’s just what I do. Flying the American flag is a… Continue reading

  • Child of Privilege

    I remember the interview very well, even though it happened more than 30 years ago. It was an excellent job and I really wanted it. I had some of the necessary qualifications, but certainly not all. And yet, at the… Continue reading

  • This Side of the Desk

    I just finished reading the book When Breath Becomes Air. I am still drying my eyes. It is the story of a brilliant, gifted neurosurgeon named Paul Kalanithi. Kalanithi seems to be on his way to an illustrious career as… Continue reading

  • A Cracked Shell

    Something seems to be leaking… and I can’t help but believe that’s a good thing. In fact, I hope you are starting to leak a little, too. When you and I first come into the world as babies, we have… Continue reading

  • CHANGE

    What moves the world? What kind of force does it take To cause even the tiniest shudder? And alter – even microscopically – the unflinching orbit Of lives? Of fates? Of destinies? Of kingdoms? Of stars? Is it great beauty?… Continue reading

  • Unreasonable

    She was such a sweet lady. Petite. Probably in her late 70s. Pretty pink knit hat and matching sweater. Cheerful, smiling disposition. I’ll call her Gladys. And the way she phrased her request as just as sweet as she was.… Continue reading

  • Christmas Blessings to YOU!

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  • “Nope. Not you.”

    Rejection hurts. “Don’t take it personally,” they say. But sometimes personally is the only way you can take it. It’s like the time I was cut from the eighth-grade basketball team. The first three practices were the tryouts. The day after… Continue reading

  • The Overmow

    “… outdo one another in showing honor.”                                    Romans 12:10, NRSV My next-door neighbor and I are in a competition. Not that I’m keeping score or anything, but I think I just went ahead by one earlier today. (Self… Continue reading