From the time I was in second grade till I left home for University in the U.S., we lived in the same house on the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS) campus. Perched on the foothills over-looking the Mediterranean Sea, ABTS was an ideal backdrop for childhood adventures, and I certainly had many!
I made the mistake of settling in a bit too comfortably in quarantine. In our little peaceful cocoon, I got used to our calming cadence so much so that I forgot about the angst of normal life. I was lulled into a nap.
Do you remember those WWJD bracelets that church youth groups passed out during the late 80s and early 90s? Their intention was to serve as an ever-present prompt for the young people to use to self-exam during questionable or difficult situations.
While harvesting larkspur seeds with me, a dear friend asked, “How do you abide with God?” I was initially startled by the question, but then at ease and quite forthcoming with my answer.
Do you feel imprisoned? Are you locked up by grief and pain?Read the story of Job again and figure out which character you are?
I’m on my second year of growing poppies. These majestic yet delicate flowers evoke so many memories for me, especially the profusions of them blanketing the terraces and meadows at the wake of springtime in Lebanon.