In honor of Native American Heritage Month, I wanted to share a book by Native poet and biologist, Robin Wall Kimmerer, titled Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. Her collection of essays focus on Indigenous knowledge that is most needed to bring healing and restoration between us and the earth. … Continue reading Reciprocity: Indigenous Wisdom
Reimagining the Story
Stories are significant, especially the ones that get retold each year. Riena Eisler writes, “we humans live by stores” and the Christmas holidays are a testament to that for it is hard not to see a nativity scene displayed in our neighbors’ lawns, in front of churches, or in all types of stores. The stories … Continue reading Reimagining the Story
Living in the Unknown
"Our life is a faint tracing on the surface of mystery." Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek I think it's fair to say we all had different expectations for 2020 than global pandemic. Quarantine and pandemic are new experiences for everyone and we are equally faced with an unknown future. We also share the experience of … Continue reading Living in the Unknown
The Complexity of the Magdalene: A Film Review of ‘Mary Magdalene’ by Elizabeth Schrader
When I told my mom that I was about to watch the new Mary Magdalene movie, the first question she asked was, “who’s playing Mary Magdalene?” I answered that Rooney Mara was playing the title role, and she gave her stamp of approval: “Well, they might as well get someone pretty!” Classic comment from Mom … Continue reading The Complexity of the Magdalene: A Film Review of ‘Mary Magdalene’ by Elizabeth Schrader
Book Recommendations
There are no faster or firmer friendships than those formed between people who love the same books. … Continue reading Book Recommendations
Educated: A Memoir
Tara Westover's recent memoir Educated is by far one of the best books I have read. Her story is unusal and unconventional. She was raised in the mountains of Idaho with fundamentalist, anti-government, Mormon parents who were preparing for the end times. Instead of attending public school, she worked for her father in the scrape yard … Continue reading Educated: A Memoir
Mistrusting Eve
While in California, Sam and I were able to sneak off on a date to Murphys where we ritually go wine tasting, visit friends and peruse the local bookstore. Unexpectedly, I came across The Bible According to Mark Twain and knew immediately that I had to buy it. I was not aware of Mark Twain's … Continue reading Mistrusting Eve
Mary, Did You Know…
I love Christmas, especially in New England because everyone gets into it. Decorations and lights adorn almost every home and the atmosphere feels festive from Thanksgiving forward. The holiday season boosts our spirits in a way that distracts us from the hard reality that winter is coming. There is no doubt that it will be … Continue reading Mary, Did You Know…
Hidden in the Background
I continue to ask myself, is Christianity good for women as I recollect some of the negative instances that I’ve had in my faith but also as I hear about other women’s degrading experiences. For example, a friend recently told me that her pastor said, from the pulpit, that whenever he sees a strong female … Continue reading Hidden in the Background
Danger in Absence
Another instance of child rape in the Catholic Church! We all know that this is a problem due to media coverage and recent movies like Spotlight and Calvary, which depict the systemic corruption in this area. But, we need to think further about why this continues to happen. Is there a connection between the recurrent abuse and the absence … Continue reading Danger in Absence
Are Women Human? 