A part of our job here has always been to explore our little bit of the island we call home, engaging with culture, connecting with communities doing similar work, and listening and learning from those who know more than us. Thankfully, that kind of posture brings about a good bit of writing (and a whole lot of soul-stirring).
So, into the breach, with the fruits of that labour:
At VOX, my two most recent columns: one, on Ireland's increasingly urgent conversation on abortion, and the way we can talk about it, in the land of "the before."
From where I sat, an American trying to keep her mouth shut, the safety of that room and the unity of the Spirit allowed such a discussion to take place without the casting of stones. I’m sure some left the evening disheartened and maybe even a little bit frustrated, but I left in awe: we were talking about the hard things. We were listening. The dye had not yet been cast. Read more...
And another for Mental Health Awareness Month, with a small plea:
I would like the Church to be that safe haven - dare I say, sanctuary: a place of comfort and rest for those suffering with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and crisis of faith. I would like those conversations to not only focus on healing and prayer, but on support and companionship. May this month be the month we check in on one another, unafraid to open the floodgates of personal pain. Read more...
Two articles for Influence Magazine, a sister publication of my dearly departed Vital. Both focused on family and ministry: first, on margin.
This freedom to follow God’s call together as equals is a Christ-ordained blessing (Galatians 3:28; 5:1). But if we’re honest, it can also be a curse. When your ministry is naturally a part of your family’s lifestyle, the line between work and home will quickly get blurred. If we’re not careful, those lines can fade into an unrecognizable mess of unmet expectations and crossed wires. Read more...
Then, on when (or when not to) include your kids in your work.
Does your child feel safe and secure in body (what is the environment like), mind (does your child understand), and spirit (do you recognize God’s presence)? Are they giving you cautionary non-verbal cues? Pay attention to your child’s boundaries, be consistent with those you’ve already put in place, and have an “open door policy” to adjust them when necessary. Read more...
For Velvet Ashes, on my relentless power struggle with change, and how I cope (spoiler alert: NOT WELL).
Behind my questions is the insecurity I feel in leaving the place we’ve called home for nearly five years, the only home held in the memories of our youngest child, a home we longed for since the birth of our eldest. Even though I know it’s a part of the overseas ministry package, though I know God has asked me to give it up to Him over and over again, the idea of leaving even for a few months breaks my heart into pebbledash pieces. Read more...
And finally, my first article for Religion News Service, reporting on the Irish Catholic landscape, and the turning tide - or maybe, finally, just an honest acknowledgment - of its secularism and a potential abortion about-face. I studied newswriting ages ago, and did a good bit as web editor for Vital, but this piece was good hard work, and I'm actually pretty proud of it. Hopefully, there will be many more to come...
Throughout the relatively short history of the Irish Republic, church and state have governed private, public and spiritual spheres hand in hand. More than 90 percent of national schools are run by a local parish. A twice-daily call to prayer can still be heard on television and radio. And Good Friday remains the holiest of holy days, with a (much-disputed) nationwide ban on the purchase of alcohol. But in recent years, chinks in the armor of Catholic Ireland have begun to appear. Read more...
Bonus feature: I've been harvesting these written fruits (and eating a lot of scones) at some fabulous cafes: Laine, My Love (pictured above,) Coffee Works (our new village coffee shop) and my usual favourite KC Peaches. Soundtracks include Sandra McCracken's Psalms, Sufjan Stevens Carrie & Lowell LIVE, and The Swell Season's Strict Joy.
Where have you been hanging out lately? Read, written, watched anything good?