Category Archives: helping others

When You Don’t Want to Smile

Posted on June 16, 2016 by

            March 12, 1963–Cumberland River Flood, Harlan County, Kentucky  I left for the airport in plenty of time, but I wasn’t looking forward to this trip. After I had accepted the speaking assignment, the town … Continue reading →

Posted in God's presence, helping others, humor, prayer

Trusting in Another’s Help

Posted on July 30, 2015 by

As a friend lamented her estranged son’s absence, I remembered a time when I had protected someone else’s child. I promised to pray for the same help for my friend’s son. Years ago I was in Jerusalem’s Old City, marveling at the … Continue reading →

Posted in children, helping others, Jerusalem, prayer, rescue

This Is Not the Life I Asked For

Posted on January 21, 2015 by

I’m a transplanted Kentucky woman who was raised to take care of a husband and children, be a good cook and a gracious hostess. In addition to those accomplishments, I earned a master’s degree and taught at a Detroit suburb … Continue reading →

Posted in appreciation, encouragement, God's presence, grief, helping others, single mothers, single parenting, single-parent families, widows

Thank you, Doris Schumacher

Posted on October 1, 2014 by

Has someone ever changed your life with just a few words? Years ago, that happened to me. In fact, a three-minute conversation gave me the vision to get an education. The summer before I entered seventh grade, I met Doris … Continue reading →

Posted in children, confidence, education, encouragement, helping others, mentors, perseverance, self-esteem, self-talk

A Good Lesson on a Grumpy Morning

Posted on August 5, 2014 by

Ever notice how the best lessons often come from unexpected sources? I learned that when I met a women who appeared to offer only an empty seat in her breakfast booth. That New York day, my mirror had revealed more … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, appreciation, confidence, encouragement, helping others, self-talk, widows | 2 Comments

The Warmest Gift

Posted on December 23, 2013 by

As a veteran widow, I thought weepy moments during church services were behind me. But during the recent Christmas program, I wiped my eyes often. It was time to draw upon the lesson I learned years ago. The first Christmas … Continue reading →

Posted in grief, helping others, single mothers, widows | 6 Comments

Ready If Needed

Posted on November 19, 2013 by

Do you ever wonder how much help you should offer those who go from crisis to crisis? After all, Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Does that mean … Continue reading →

Posted in encouragement, helping others, rescue | Leave a comment

Just Spare Parts

Posted on November 10, 2012 by

What do you think about folks who decide to be major organ donors upon their death? I’m not asking about just cornea transplants or even specifying a major organ such as the heart. I’m talking about bequeathing the entire body–organs, … Continue reading →

Posted in cornea transplant, helping others, organ donor | 2 Comments

Weathering the Storms

Posted on October 26, 2012 by

The subtitle of my blog today should be “Thoughts from an Appalachian Woman” instead of “Encouragement.” Because as I write this, I’m watching the Weather Channel’s tracking of Hurricane Sandy and the anticipated journey up the East Coast. Government officials … Continue reading →

Posted in courage, God's presence, helping others, storms, tornado | 2 Comments