Elsa Anders Cook
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Twinkly Lights in Blue Days
Jan Richardson lost her beloved husband Gary during Advent. It was more sudden than the wars and rumors of war that the gospel Mark hints it could be. Nobody saw it coming and the grief lingered for many more seasons.… Continue reading
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Tell the Children
I sat there with my daughter in my lap turning the pages. Matt de la Pena’s book Love was sent to me by my cousin. She said it reminded her of me. So my heart was already in my throat… Continue reading
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A Simple Graveside Ritual
Graveside services are often very, very short. Some simple prayers are repeated by the presiding minister. Tears are shed, but there isn’t much else for the grieving family to do. There is nothing asked of them. There’s no action for… Continue reading
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Transforming Outside the Lines
It is more than ten years ago now. It doesn’t seem like it could be that long ago but it was over ten years ago that I found myself searching for my first call. Fresh out of seminary, I was… Continue reading
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Raising White Kids With Curious Questions and GIVEAWAY!!
It was only a few months ago that I found myself returning again and again to sort through the children’s books at Half Price Books. (Don’t get me started on the lack of independent booksellers in Texas. It’s beyond upsetting… Continue reading
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Ash Wednesday
My sister died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It’s a fact that has haunted these first few months of my own daughter’s life. She died before I was born but the memory is alive. I wake to hear my little… Continue reading
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What I’ll Tell My Daughter About Why I Didn’t March
I didn’t march yesterday. Our government shut down and I stayed home in my pajamas merely contemplating the state of the world rather than taking to the streets. There wasn’t actually a march in my area this year. There may… Continue reading
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Toward Transformation This Lent
The holy season of Lent begins in just a few short weeks on Valentines Day, if you can believe it. Even if you can’t quite fathom this holy and profane confusion, get ready. Easter will fall on April Fools Day… Continue reading
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To Be Regular in Worship (Or Not)
In the middle of Advent, I joined a church. It was important to me. I wanted to do it. I’m already a member of another church where I never get to attend worship, but I read their newsletter and pray… Continue reading
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Silent Prayers for All Saints Day
As #metoo trends on social media, and stories that have been kept as secrets are spoken aloud, I’m keenly feeling the hurt and trauma that has made so many quiet for so many years. The resounding chorus that seems to lash… Continue reading
