You can build a wall with words;brick by brick, stack up fear and hate.Sir, the wall you seek?It’s already standing. Here is the ugly truth: this nation was built through genocide, on the backs of slaves, upon the false principle whiteness reigns supreme. Here is another truth: my family is no different than those at … Continue reading A word about walls
This year, I want to be brave
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” he asked, looking at me in the mirror. From height of my salon chair, I studied myself. Some iteration of long hair has been my look the majority of my adult life. My senior year of college I received a poorly executed shorter cut that left me emotionally … Continue reading This year, I want to be brave
Gets better with age
In my early twenties, I worked for a large, progressive Presbyterian church on Chicago’s Gold Coast. I’d graduated in 2008 with dreams of working for a magazine or newspaper, but this was the year of the financial crisis and although unpaid internships beckoned, I could not afford to take them. I needed a paying job. … Continue reading Gets better with age
Looks like surrender, feels like home
I open the door and see him dead center in a sea of toddlers, tears streaming down his tiny, flushed face. “Mommy!” he sobs. “Oh poor buddy,” I say, rushing forward, folding him in my arms. His teacher tried to reach me earlier, but I missed her calls. That Tuesday, while I sat in meetings, … Continue reading Looks like surrender, feels like home
What I mean when I talk about living gratefully
It’s been a difficult year for our family. So difficult some of our stories have been too painful to share here. My husband is healthy again, but inside we’re still healing from the trauma. Reflecting back on it all, however, my heart remains full. I’m deeply grateful for the blessings God has placed in my … Continue reading What I mean when I talk about living gratefully
A wave of love
Two years ago, I sobbed when America didn’t elect her. And I continue to lament the way his presidency’s built walls in our nation. His words and actions have fostered hate for those who look or worship or love or vote differently than us; cruelty at our borders; distrust of the truth — of journalists … Continue reading A wave of love
Keep watch
"I see cars!” my son says, his face pressed against the window. “Good. Jack, what else do you see?” I ask. “It’s sunny! It’s sunny!” he declares with a grin. We discuss the clouds and the wing and the plane’s descent; he’s testing his growing vocabulary, a tiny reporter riveted by the world around us. … Continue reading Keep watch
