Category Hope
Wayfaring Strangers and Weary Pilgrims
Confession: Even with my strong Southern heritage, I’m not a what one would call a Dolly Parton fan, though I do heart her character in Steel Magnolias. However, I’ve found her lyrics to Travelin’ Thru (written in 2005 for the soundtrack of Transamerica) to be very helpful and comforting to families and patients who feel lost, or feel they’ve fallen and had to get […]
Southwest Sunrise Service
This morning’s very early flight started as ordinary as any other: Some folks looked hungover; some probably were. Some wore yoga pants in attempt to class it up a notch above the pajama pants wearers; others seemed to still be in their Saturday night getup. Then, at some point after the distribution of peanuts and […]
Just Breathe
Today, like every day, I noticed a scar on my chest as I was getting out of the shower, and was grateful, as I am every day, that nobody can see the scar once I put on a shirt. I have had the scar for over twenty years because I had pectus repair surgery as […]
World’s Flair
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra kicked off its Keys to the City Piano Festival this week, and the first night included the works of Gershwin, Mozart, and Ravel, and featured pianists Cyrus Chestnut and Orli Shaham. Some of the most talented musicians in the world accompanied each other on stage to share the common language of […]
Prescription for Popsicles
I received a page from a hospital room number I didn’t recognize. On my way to the room, I planned on giving my usual, “Hi, I’m one of the chaplains and this is just a routine visit,” spiel, hoping that my presence wouldn’t scare the family. Sometimes families hear “chaplain” and think, “Angel of Death […]
Gateway to Holy Ground
I’ve often found it to be an oxymoron that McDonald’s exists in many hospitals. While French fries, cheeseburgers, and McFlurries are great comfort food, they aren’t so much the healthiest option. However, in two of the hospitals where I’ve worked, I have found those “Golden Arches” to be the gateway to holy ground. During the […]
Mother’s Day
(A photo of my Mom and me in 1981) For as long as I can remember, Mother’s Day has always freaked me out. This is not because I had a traumatic childhood, have a bad relationship with my mother, or from any horrible life events that happened to occur on Mother’s Day. I currently have […]
Prayer for Parents and Those Who Want to Be
*You are welcome to use as a resource for Mother’s and Father’s Day services with permission © Ashley-Anne Masters. God of all life, we pray: For those who got pregnant right away and those who have been trying for years For those who entrust their babies to the care of another family For those who cannot wait […]
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