Speaking of Spirit

  What is it about humans that we can be the very best when things are horrible? The posts on social media have shown so many brave, tenacious, compassionate people...ordinary people...doing extraordinary things.   In the midst of war, people who just weeks ago were living ordinary lives, are now facing horrors no one should ever have to face. Yet, these same people can find hope in simple things...carriages left on a train platform for mother's escaping the bombings...babies born in train tunnels...grandmothers handing out sunflower seeds to soldiers who have invaded their homes and lives with the message, "Put these in your pocket, so that something good will come of your death." One thing is for sure, I will never look at a sunflower again without thinking of the courage the Ukrainian people are showing the world. I will never look at the yellow and blue colors of their flag without seeing the Babushka's sitting in their colorful scarves while behind them bombs dro...

Once again, waves of hate and fear have hit upon the shores of our country. Once again, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, family and friends are doused with the waters of despair.   We hear people calling from prayer. We hear people calling for justice. Yet, nothing seems to change.  Today, as I listened to our pastor speak of being filled with peace, I wondered just how I, as a woman of pale color, could be filled with peace when my family - blood-related as well as "adopted" - of dark color struggle daily with the knowledge that their children, their spouse, or they themselves may be killed simply for being dark-skinned.   I will be honest.  I am horrified that we as a nation built on "Christian" morals - Thou shalt not kill! - still allow ourselves to find ways to condone the possession of weapons of war.  Let me make this clear - I am not talking about hunting weapons.  Many families still hunt for their food and that should be allowe...