With Me In The Rain by Ramone Romero “…I guess I have no other way to go Lead me on, then, through it all Be my comfort in the rain…” Read the the painting’s full poem here. About The Artist Ramone Romero believes that God is real, personal, and still speaks today – often through visions, […]
The Secret Grief of Miscarriage (survivor songs #15)
Today, in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, my friend Holly spills oceans of courage as she shares words that remember her children Pearl and Valentine, words that remind us that grieving is healing. “…the moment I allowed myself to open up, be vulnerable, talk, and truly mourn over the lives of my precious little ones I […]
The Lie That Fell Like A Curse (survivor songs # 13)
A story about comfort, part one. Comfort: I hear the word and I think thick, cheesy casseroles, warm sweaters, my husband’s arms. I think steaming chai on a rainy day in Oregon. I think conversation – companionship – with friends. But when I consider the concept of comfort, a completely different image comes to […]
Oh God, You Have Betrayed Us (survivor songs #12)
Another look at vulnerability. Why? Why do we shy away from our own mourning and back off from the mourning of others? Why does vulnerability make us squirm, make us want to flee? Why does it feel so unsafe? Vulnerability does feel unsafe. What semblance of strength does it have to hide behind? Something wounded in us says, “vulnerability caused […]
Joy Forged Through Mourning (survivor songs #11)
:: a guest post by Heather Lee :: Mourning. Wow. That’s a pretty wide topic. The scope is so wide in fact that it’s hard to know where to start. I mourn over industrialism. I mourn over the loss of green spaces. I mourn over our polarity. I mourn over the existence of hate. […]
Earthed In Jesus (survivor songs #9)
If you haven’t read Rachel Kathrine’s post “The Widow,” well, it really is very good. I think perhaps I’m enamored with her peek at Jesus and the Widow because writing Survivor Songs has so far been for me an exercise in sacrifice. I perceive poverty; I feel as though I have so little to give. In a temple filled with rich writers […]
Vulnerability in Real Time (survivor songs #8)
In the wee bits of down time I can carve out of normal life (‘wee’ being the key word) I have been trying to check out the writings of other 31 Day-ers. The following posts share a common theme of vulnerability (and good writing!). They’re worth your peak. 🙂 ::: the following are all links…so click, click, […]
Mourning Requires Vulnerability (survivor songs #7)
In the following post I am using the word ‘vulnerability’ in both the traditional negative sense (one who is unprotected and susceptible to harm, a victim) and in the more modern, positive, relationship-building sense (one who is purposefully letting down their guard in an effort to be soft-hearted and approachable; in Biblical terms: gentle, meek, compassionate, tenderhearted). […]
Just With Me (survivor songs, #3)
Just With Me by Ramone Romero About The Artist Ramone Romero believes that God is real, personal, and still speaks today – often through visions, pictures and impressions in our spirits. Ramone’s art can be found at his artist’s portfolio and Facebook feed. His stunning paintings inspired by the First Nations Version Project […]
The Survivor Comes Home
The following is a story from a year ago, an experience that kicked off an intense year of “coming home” in my own heart and mind. ___________________ “He’s a wonderful man,” the woman smilingly assures. Her mind is working, and compassion dawns in her eyes. “He’s a chaplain. My husband and I are very close friends with […]