The sound of a secret is a whisper. Even if it's good news. Even if no one else is around. A secret needs quiet to be heard. The space of a secret is small. Even if told in the open. Even if spoken in a crowd. A secret needs nearness to be shared. The heart of a secret is trust. Even if there is history. Even if there are only words on a screen. A secret needs confidence to be experienced.   This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you … [Read more...]

I thought that forgiving you would be a one time event. We would embrace and I would softly whisper in your ear, "You're forgiven." Then we would shed a few tears and share a few laughs and things would be normal. We would be okay. But it's not been like that. Oh, we had that moment. But it didn't really change things. At least not the way that I hoped. I knew that your words had cut deep but I had no idea that the bleeding just. wouldn't. stop. And I heard opposing stories. Forgiveness isn't a feeling, it's an action! and If you still think about it, you haven't forgiven! and Forgiveness doesn't mean you open yourself to abuse! and How can you forgive and hold someone at arm's length! I twisted and turned to try to figure out if I'd actually … [Read more...]

Conversations that sound more of argument than discussion; Sobs that rack shoulders and soak shirts; Laughter that rings in ears long after it has left the throat; I rest in this loud quiet. … [Read more...]

The web is stretched. Clinging to the railing, held fast by barely visible threads. There is beauty there in the intricate, delicate design, highlighted by the morning dew. Beauty, but not perfection. Ragged bits, torn apart by bugs providing sustenance; by sticks blown in by the wind; by careless people walking past. Beauty marred by daily life. Awaiting its creator to repair it; to make it whole.   … [Read more...]