Speaking of Spirit

By Internet Archive Book Images  [No restrictions], via Wikimedia Commons After sixty odd years of life, I have come to realize that friendship is a treasure that blesses us in ways we often can't imagine. Friends, especially those who are lifelong , bring affirmation, acceptance, laughter, and much love into our lives. Lifelong friends know us better than most. They have often seen us at our lowest moments as well as our best and still love us. They are those dear hearts, who we can call on in a moment of crisis, knowing that they will do what they can. They are those who, the moment we hear their voices, bring us to a calmer, happier and more hopeful place.  I have been blessed with several such friends. Some are blood related, others are soul related. Time spent with them is rich in laughter, healing, silliness, more laughter and tons of love. There isn't a subject that we can't discuss. There is always good food thrown into the mix, as well as l...

Franz Stuck [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons COME TO THE CIRCLE by Linda M. Rhinehart Neas Mother, You rock to a lullaby beat.   Nurturing, loving,   Guardian Angel to those   Whose tiny hands leave prints upon your heart. Come to the Circle. Woman, You stiletto march your route.   Scorned, abused,   Necessary evil to those   Whose eyes see not your soul. Come to the Circle. Daughter, You run headlong into Life.   Laughing, singing,   Radiant hope to those   Whose hands guided you along the path. Come to the Circle. Woman, You climb the corporate ladder.   Aggressive, determined,   Amazon warrior to those   Whose fears scorn the beauty of your mind. Come to the Circle. Grandma, You sit in aging silence.   Feeble, forgotten,   An empty shell to those   Whose lives fa...

As we entered the New Year, I meditated upon my one word for the year.  What came to me was "fearless." Given the state of the world and the constant battle I have been doing with fear, this word felt Heaven-sent. During the past five days, I have felt like the women of the scripture who are told, "Be not afraid." Over and over, I have been reminded that I can be fearless as I teach, as I write, as I minister. Good people will continue to do good things. God will provide for my needs, as always. My one concern is to continue shining the Light that has been given me to share - the Light of Love, the Light of Peace and the Light of Acceptance. In my searches for quotes by women who exemplify fearlessness, I have found the following: We realize the importance of our voices only when they are silenced.  ~ Malala Yousafzai We can do no great things, only small things with great love.  ~ Mother Theresa Our deepest wishes are whispers of our authentic sel...

Photo Credit (c) 2014 Linda M. Rhinehart Neas Whitefriar Street Church  In the heart of Dublin, we found it -  a sanctuary for saints –  from Bernadette – patroness of the sick and  the name Momma had chosen  but Dad couldn’t spell, thereby  giving me the nom of popular song –  to Valentine, patron of sweethearts,   martyred for Love.    Wandering through the nooks  filtered in stained-glass light  I find my old friends, Anthony,  patron of all things lost -  Theresa, the Little Flower,  gentle soul of small acts of kindness and  Michael, protector of those who serve –  police, firefighters, military.   To my surprise, Edith Stein, her portrait painted as Saint Theresa Benedicta of the Cross,  converted philosopher of loving wisdom,  meets me beside the smiling statue of  Blessed Titus Brandsma, a fellow journalist,  who gave himself joyfully to t...