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