Hands folded in prayer outside.

How I Pray

Most days, I start my day with a morning walk, and as I walk, I usually work through this reflection. It’s a nice way to focus my attention outside myself, to remember and pray for those around me, to foster joy and gratitude, and to look for where God is active in my life.

photo of a stone church with a cross on top and a belltower to the side

Spiritual and Also Religious

I do not identify as spiritual but not religious. I do think organized religion is the most valuable means of furthering spiritual growth. For me, however, the problem comes in the next step: which religion?

a person's hands folded in prayer holding a rosary

A Modification to the Hail Mary

About two years ago, I ended up accompanying a friend of mine to the hospital. Once the paramedics showed up, there really wasn’t anything for me to do other than hang around, wait, and pray.

White flower on human hands

No Hands but Mine

Once my JV year ended, I found unexpected reinforcements of the prayer that Christ has no hands but mine. Good can be done, if I do something about it with my very hands.

A burning candle resting on a brown table

Light a Candle & Say a Prayer for Someone

It’s painful to think back on all the people I’ve loved and lost touch with, but it’s important that I do this, that we do this. All these people were important pieces of the social fabric of my life.

What Are the Elements of Your Spirituality?

Reflecting a year removed from a retreat I took myself on, I ponder what it looks like to create retreats for myself in “the real world” and how I can use my natural gifts to enter more deeply into relationship with God, myself, and the world.

a yellow mosque with a huge open space in front of it

We Need to Talk About China

Right now, in Xinjiang, China’s far western province, roughly one million people are being detained in extralegal internment camps (the state calls them “re-education centers”). Those detained are mostly Uyghers, a mostly-Muslim Turkic ethnic group.

brown pencil on white book beside black eyeglasses

Becoming an Artist, Again

My experiment in regaining a sense of curiosity, creativity, and playfulness not just in the times I set aside to indulge my wannabe artist but, in my life overall.

a doctor smiling at a patient sitting on a bed with a blanket on her lap

Guest Post: Advent Birthing

I love the imagery and symbolism of pregnancy and birth during this time of Advent, because it is so rich with meanings and also of course because I love accompanying women as they prepare and work to bring new life into the world.