My mama’s extended family usually meets every two or three years for a reunion in different cities where clusters of our cousins live. After four years of waiting because of the pandemic, this year we gathered in Detroit, Michigan where my mom was born. We weren’t sure how many would actually show up because of high travel costs, canceled flights, [...] Keep Reading
culture
Mosaic Voices: Why representation matters in children’s literature and beyond
This month I'm collaborating with fellow children's book authors and featuring a series called "Why Representation Matters in Children's Literature." Each week, I'll be sharing a guest essay by one of my favorite children's book authors on this topic culminating with a book giveaway. Please share and let us know your own thoughts on this topic in [...] Keep Reading
Be the bridge: How we are called to the ministry of reconciliation
Back in January, my husband and I took a trip to San Francisco to celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary. At the time, we didn’t know a global pandemic would follow just a few months later and this would be our last time enjoying the City by the Bay with such freedom. We are runners so our favorite way to explore is by checking out local trails. [...] Keep Reading
Redeeming Ruth: The Father’s Heart for the vulnerable
I was invited to share a message this Sunday at Action Community Church in Clovis for their summer series, "A Father's Heart: a series about things God cares about." I chose to share about God's heart for the vulnerable, specifically widows, orphans, immigrants/foreigners and the poor. In this message, I unpack the story of Ruth in the Bible [...] Keep Reading
Remembering Grandma Cora: Cooking Up a Legacy in the Kitchen
The second you walked into my Grandma Cora’s house you could smell the fragrance of onions, ginger, and garlic sautéing. She would swirl pancit noodles in her big pot and you could hear the music of the carrots and celery dancing as she added a splash of soy sauce.y No matter what time of day – morning, noon, or night – Grandma always had [...] Keep Reading
From homeless to hopeful: A story about the artisans of Street Hope
Caroline sits in a circle of plastic chairs pulled up to a rustic wood table. Her children play nearby. She holds together two pieces of felt in one hand. Her thumb and forefinger hold a needle threaded with black. She drives the needle through the red and green felt and pulls the thread gently through to the other side. Her fingers fly and the [...] Keep Reading
