Comforting the Brokenhearted – Page 7 – The Internet Monk Archives

The Cruelest of Teachings

Kate Bowler is an assistant professor of the history of Christianity in North America at Duke Divinity School. She has written an informative book which has put a lot in perspective for me about the origins and development of the “prosperity gospel” in the U.S. I highly recommend it; it’s called Blessed: A History of the American ProsperityContinue reading “The Cruelest of Teachings”

Richard

This is Middle America. This is the generation of “older people” that I grew up respecting, the people who ran or worked for local businesses, tended to their families, and were involved in their communities. This is the group of people who essentially built the world as I have known it. They fought in WorldContinue reading “Richard”

Epiphany II: Grief and Fear

Epiphany II Grief and Fear In the small country church where I am preaching this morning, I will face a congregation filled with grief. A young woman in the congregation died of cancer this week, leaving a husband and family behind. In addition, the pastor lost a relative this week and has been away tending to hisContinue reading “Epiphany II: Grief and Fear”

Lottie

Lottie When first we met in summer it seemed as though that fall would be her last, one final Christmas if by strength. But she from tough Kentucky stock and hills that had withstood the mines and stills and feuds, determined, spoke of other plans: I’ll plant my flowers in spring, outlast the winter and getContinue reading “Lottie”

Jan Richardson: This Luminous Darkness – Searching for Solace in Advent and Christmas

Note from CM: One of my favorite sites on our blogroll (listed as “J Richardson”) is Jan Richardson’s The Painted Prayerbook. Her art is evocative and profound, her love for the seasons of the Christian Year instructive, and her writing talent remarkable. She maintains several different sites, including a blog for Advent called, “The Advent Door: EnteringContinue reading “Jan Richardson: This Luminous Darkness – Searching for Solace in Advent and Christmas”

Beverly

“I had a dream about not long ago,” she said. “My sister and I were at the roller rink, skating together to that wonderful music. I never did get very good, but she could really skate. In fact, we all saved up and bought her skates and then later we even got her a case.Continue reading “Beverly”

Nathaniel

“So, would you like to meet Nathaniel?” she asked. “Of course, I’d be honored.” We left the living room, where the hospice nurse was talking with the woman’s husband and doing her assessment. She led me down a narrow hall to a back bedroom. “Please excuse the mess,” she apologized, “I’ve been using his roomContinue reading “Nathaniel”

You don’t have to “do grief right”

Note from CM: I will closely moderate this post. Please be respectful and serious and stick to the subject today. If things get out of hand, I will not hesitate to shut down discussion. • • • Talk to me about the truth of religion and I’ll listen gladly. Talk to me about the dutyContinue reading “You don’t have to “do grief right””

The communion of saints

I believe . . . in the communion of saints • The Apostles’ Creed • • • One of the basic teachings of Christianity that I turn to often in my work as a hospice chaplain is that of the communion of saints. It comes to mind often at this time of year, with All SaintsContinue reading “The communion of saints”

Open Mic: Calling all caregivers

Note from CM: Thank you all so much for sharing your stories and experiences. As thankless as it may seem some time, caregivers are doing God’s work, the “cup of water” work that Jesus assures us our Father sees and rewards. • • • Calling all caregivers! I am currently working on the third book inContinue reading “Open Mic: Calling all caregivers”