The hard, beautiful stories of always
Lenten offerings for you and the ones you love
Stumbled upon this lovely story about Mary Oliver: “a moment of exquisite, unforgettable kindness.” Attention is the Beginning of Devotion from Kathleen Fisher.
David Brooks wrote an astonishing and beautiful piece about depression: How Do You Serve a Friend in Despair? I’ve read few things that describe this darkness with more truth, or what it’s like to love someone who’s suffering in this way. (CW: suicide, but written with tenderness and love.)
A reminder of the goodness we can give to each other and the importance of quiet generosity: A Farmer Secretly Paid for His Neighbors’ Prescriptions for Years.
Amber Haines’ essay is a must-read right now. When she sent it to me, I settled into what I thought was going to be an endearing piece about the joys of watching teens grow. In an instant it turned into a jaw-dropping reflection on the impossibility of parenting in times like these. Please read this, if you read nothing else here today: Ferocious Motherlove.
Today is the birthday of our youngest baby (who is not a baby anymore). While wandering down memory lane, I revisited the sacred story around his scary birth and the Myrrhbearer who ministered to me during those weeks in the hospital. It’s here.
My spiritual director shared this inviting poem, and I offer it to you as a gift for your own waiting: Prayer for the Waiting Time by Nicola Slee.
This essay on Lent is hard-edged and haunting, an examination of conscience. But I can’t ignore it, so that feels right: “Living Lent” By Barbara Cawthorne Crafton.
Gathering Lenten resources for Mothering Spirit reminded me of a wonderful book I’m picking up again: Simplifying the Soul: Lenten Practices to Renew Your Spirit by Paula Huston. I’ve never cleaned out my desk drawers with such prayerful intention before.
If you’re local to Minnesota, I’ll be speaking at the BREAD talk offered by the Diocese of St. Cloud at Back Shed Brewing in Waite Park on March 9th (details here). Cannot tell you how much I adore the idea of sharing Eucharistic love stories in a bar.
A final Lenten offering for you
Want to pray together this Lent?
I’ll be leading a free virtual retreat from the Church in the 21st Century Center at Boston College. “Befriending Jesus” will come to you on March 9-10 from 12:30-1:45 pm EST, but you can register to watch the sessions later if you can’t join live.
We’ll be diving into the stories of Jesus’ friendship with Peter and Mary Magdalene to learn what they teach us about our own relationships—and ultimately our friendship with God. This is a brand-new retreat, so I’m delighted to share it with you!
This post contains affiliate links.
The Living Lent essay… 🤯 and 😭!!!