May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI) in the United States. In May, we celebrate the histories of Americans hailing from across the Asian continent and from the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. The legislation to annually designate May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month was instigated by two [...] Keep Reading
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A trip to the garbage dump: when God enlarged my heart for mercy
The back of my brown legs stuck to the squishy seat. The air was heavy, ominous perhaps. I was with a collective of Christian college students from across the United States, studying in Central America. We had no idea what we would encounter on this field trip of sorts. Before we could see anything, a putrid smell wafted through the windows [...] Keep Reading
10 unique, multicultural goodies for your Easter baskets
When I was a little girl, my mama was very intentional to find unique gifts and treats to include in my brother and my Easter baskets. She was a teacher so she always incorporated educational and creative gifts we could use, in addition to the usual chocolate bunnies and jelly beans. When I had kids of my own, I also tried to look for unique [...] Keep Reading
Create in Me a Heart of Hope: Navigating stormy waters
Bedtime was always a struggle. On a normal day, putting three rambunctious kids to bed can be challenging. After my husband died from cancer, I was left as a young widow with three daughters ages two, five, and eight. Bedtime often broke me. It was like a neon yellow highlighter stroke, a reminder that Ericlee was no longer there to help me. I [...] Keep Reading
Feasting or fasting: Learning to rejoice through Lent
The guitar and piano notes weaved together with the voices of our church family as we lifted the generations-old lines to heaven. “O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear . . . ” I heard my youngest daughter’s voice rising next to me -- full of volume and unbridled joy. [...] Keep Reading
Walking toward healing: Rehab for the broken hearted
Pam and I are both writers who are part of a group called Hopewriters. We met in person several years ago at the World Conference for the American Association of Christian Counselors. I sat in on her workshop and listened intently as she shared her story and suggestions on how to help widows navigate grief. I resonated with so many of her personal [...] Keep Reading
