Deep. Beautiful. Real.
Being a mother is complex and to summarize it through one lens of experience does not do it justice. But here is an attempt to validate the challenges and dignity of mothering, done through a haiku with multiple stanzas. Happy Mother's Day. - The art of walking in all directions at once holding the loose... Continue Reading →
I wrote this 9 years ago on the first Easter after our son Asa died. As we anticipate Easter this year, I am reminded how Easter takes on fuller and truer meaning in the shadow of sorrow. Living through the death of my own son introduced me anew to the death of God's son. It was a moment of conversion for me. It showed me that...
My favorite gifts I received for Christmas this year were Every Moment Holy volumes 1 & 2. These are beautiful collections of liturgies and prayers that give holy words to both the everyday and the grand moments of life, cultivating a posture of belief that all of life is indeed sacred. With these prayers ebbing... Continue Reading →
Our Jesus? Hanging on a tree From a distance we see The Infinity reduced to finality The Emblem of our collective hostility Hanging on a tree For all to see our misplaced hope Our ill-placed means to cope with our fate, enwrapped in darkness’ cloak The future; fractured. Cut off from hope Like Judas: desperately... Continue Reading →
October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. Around the world, families commemorate the day by lighting a candle at 7pm local time to create a "wave of light" around the globe. In honor of today and our son Asa, I (Jo) am sharing a poem I wrote in the months after Asa was... Continue Reading →
"Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?"Matthew 7:9 Jesus’ words are an appeal to common sense. None of us in our right minds would consider filling our kid’s lunchbox with rocks. Rocks are antithetical to nourishment and thriving. They are lifeless. They coincide with the landscape of desolation. If... Continue Reading →
We had the honor of speaking on Justin and Amy Raby's podcast. They are the "Preacher and Poet." These friends have been with us through the twists and turns of the last several years....And now, even through a podcast! We encourage you to check out their entire site, which includes a whole host of great... Continue Reading →
"Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings to a heavy heart." Proverbs 25:20, NIV I remember the heaviness of those early days of grief. When the loss of our newborn son was an open wound, fresh and tender, and I... Continue Reading →
Do we see them? Do we hear the protests of the broken and marginalized? Or do we dismiss their pain? Oh, Christians. Do we see them? Do we hear the protests of the broken and marginalized? Or do we dismiss their pain? Oh, do we see Him? Do we see His brokenness and marginalization? Or... Continue Reading →
Fellow human traveler, I see you. Carrying your hopes and heading up towards the warmth of the sun. You glow in its reflection. The youth and optimism in your eyes is captivating. You remind me of myself when I first set out. Do you see me? Look further down, into the shadows. You might have... Continue Reading →
In Written Form 