Mouths move without vision — without regard for consequences Eyes fill with memories poisoned by intimate knowledge of failure to love Sometimes, sometimes, doesn’t the light seem to move so far away? You help your sisters, you help your old lovers, you help me but who do you cry to? ‘Cause isn’t it hard ToContinue reading “Isn’t It Hard?”
Category Archives: Comforting the Brokenhearted
Another Look: The Bible Does Not Speak to That
Originally posted in March 2011. Edited and updated. The other day I was reading a blog that will remain unnamed. I’m not interested in interacting personally with the author or “answering” his post. I simply want to use his take on a particular subject as an illustration to make a point here today. That pointContinue reading “Another Look: The Bible Does Not Speak to That”
“I remember it as dark”
Today, as part of my hospice duties, I will be with a family whose ten-month old child died. I will have to come up with some words for the parents, the other children, the extended family and friends, and members of our care team. Mostly I will go to be with them, to mourn withContinue reading ““I remember it as dark””
Adam McHugh: Thank You and Goodnight – My Farewell to Hospice
Note from CM: What a privilege to have Adam McHugh writing monthly for us here at IM. When I first read today’s article, I told Adam that I would be filing it away for the day when I too take the step he describes here. I’m not sure anyone could say it any better. *Continue reading “Adam McHugh: Thank You and Goodnight – My Farewell to Hospice”
Another Look: Always a Neighbor
First posted in September, 2011 A friend of mine told me of an experience he had recently. He was feeling quite sick one day, and so he went to the clinic for what turned out to be an upper respiratory infection. He couldn’t see the regular doctor, who was booked up, so the office staffContinue reading “Another Look: Always a Neighbor”
Being the Church
Three and a a half weeks ago my college roommate from nearly 30 years ago went missing. Two weeks later he was found in his vehicle. Suicide. (I have withheld his name for privacy reasons.) I wish I could write a flowery tribute to him. I can’t. I had lost touch with him for manyContinue reading “Being the Church”
Reconsider Jesus – The Compassionate Healer
The following is an excerpt from Michael Spencer’s upcoming book: Reconsider Jesus – A fresh look at Jesus from the Gospel of Mark. For the next number of Fridays, we will be giving you a “sneak peek” into this devotional commentary. Your thoughts and comments are welcome. (Note: There are some edits still to come,Continue reading “Reconsider Jesus – The Compassionate Healer”
Michael Newnham: God and Disaster
Note from CM: We will give the last word on this stormy week to one of our friends. One of the blogs in our Blogroll that I go to regularly is Phoenix Preacher, Michael Newnham’s simple yet provocative and readable site. He is the author of Make Your Own Application. In the aftermath of theContinue reading “Michael Newnham: God and Disaster”
John Piper, Miserable Comforter
@JohnPiper: “Your sons and daughters were eating and a great wind struck the house, and it fell upon them, and they are dead.” Job 1:19 @JohnPiper: “Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.” Job 1:20 * * * As expected, John Piper, retired pastor of BethlehemContinue reading “John Piper, Miserable Comforter”
Pastoral Resources for Visiting the Sick and Dying
After this morning’s post, some have asked questions about resources for pastoral care, especially when it comes to visiting and ministering to the sick and dying. Let me give a few suggestions. First, the mainline and historic traditions usually have excellent resources for ministers. The contents of the best of these prayer books and pastor’sContinue reading “Pastoral Resources for Visiting the Sick and Dying”
The Internet Monk Archives 