Sloth
I’m a generally content person. Considering my debilitating disease, that’s a very good thing. Except when it isn’t. Looking Back When I was 11 years old, I stopped physically attending … Continue Reading Sloth
Wrath
I’m being tested. These past weeks have been difficult. Don’t think that this examination of conscience has just been a way for a writer to write something appealing for her … Continue Reading Wrath
Envy
It was naptime in the church basement kindergarten, and I was lying on my little mat looking through the spokes of my wheelchair at the dimly lit figures of Julie … Continue Reading Envy
Greed
“I don’t care too much for money, money can’t buy me love.”[i] But it can buy a lot of nice stuff. Knowing that love is more valuable than any possession … Continue Reading Greed
Gluttony
Weighing all of 70 pounds, I doubt that anyone would accuse me of the sin of gluttony. But I don’t have to overeat to be a glutton. Looking Back When … Continue Reading Gluttony
Pride
I don’t think I’ve ever suffered from low self-esteem. As the smiling girl in the wheelchair, I’ve experienced much praise and extra complementary attention from childhood onward. Although I have … Continue Reading Pride
Way of the Cross
I want to read something to you … a reminder that, even in the worst times, it’s good to be here. Concluding my Lenten series, this is an intimate meditation … Continue Reading Way of the Cross
Stripped
“I am poor and needy.”[i] Since I was a baby, and throughout my life, I have been slowly and relentlessly stripped of strength and abilities by progressive motorneuron disease. Crawling, … Continue Reading Stripped
Heartache
“Son, why have you done this to us?”[i] Okay. I’m just going to say it. I don’t want to contract covid–19 and die. I don’t want any of my loved … Continue Reading Heartache
Abandonment
“Remain here and keep watch with me.”[i] I’m quite helpless. And I’m afraid. This Lent, as I continue to examine my struggles and weaknesses in the light of Christ, I … Continue Reading Abandonment
Pain
“It was our pain that he bore, our sufferings he endured.”[i] I love being alive, body and soul. Sometimes, though, I think that my diseased, crippled body looks like it’s … Continue Reading Pain
Agony
“Not my will.” How many times have I desperately longed for my life of progressive disability to be different? For countless hours upon hours I have agonized, with teenaged hormones … Continue Reading Agony
Ashes
I’ve never felt betrayal, but I have known loss and change. The world in which we live is terribly beautiful: here is where we experience blossoms and sunlight, as well … Continue Reading Ashes
Approaching Lent
How do you deal with suffering? This is a question that I have been asked more often than usual lately, and there really is no quick answer. Because I’m a … Continue Reading Approaching Lent
Lenten Reflections
My deepest fears, my worst pain, the agony of being human — all explored with intimate meditations upon the Passion of Christ that will be posted here weekly through Lent. … Continue Reading Lenten Reflections
Holy Week
It’s that time of year again. The time of year when I regret not having been harder on myself, when I’m disappointed that the season of subdued quiet and intense … Continue Reading Holy Week
