As summer gives way to fall, I’m reminded of the transitions that occur in both nature and life. On my recent journey to Yellowstone National Park, I witnessed the striking shifts in the landscape—from forested, rugged mountains to the deep, glacier-carved valleys, all within minutes. These dramatic transitions in the terrain reflected the changes we experience in life—often unpredictable yet breathtaking in their own way.
Stories
An Encouragement for August
We’ve come a long way since the days of Sheerah. However, it is still difficult for women to receive the credit they deserve in the workplace and even within our churches. Women are doing the building and the rebuilding even now – within our families, our churches, and our governments!
An Encouragement for July
A few weeks ago, the ACLAMEN Association (Asociación de Clérigas Latinas Metodistas Nacional) organized an online webinar for clergywomen featuring Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño and Bishop Lizette Gabriel Montalvo. They shared valuable advice on practicing self-care while holding demanding leadership positions. They emphasized the importance of having a community of siblings in Christ who journey with us, taking regular retreats, prioritizing family, maintaining a prayer life, practicing meditation, exercising, and eating healthily. They also addressed the challenge of managing people’s expectations, advising us to consider God’s expectations in each situation.
An Encouragement for May
After spending a couple of days as an observer during the second week of General Conference, I arrived back home to the high-pitched, high-decibel buzz of the cicadapocalypse. The emergence of the Brood XIX nymphs from their 13-year maturation period underground had begun, and the newly hatched adult cicadas were singing in the sun. I was struck by the parallel of this phenomenon to the historic events unfolding at General Conference.
An Encouragement for April
The #MeToo movement that began across social media platforms in 2017 raised awareness of the many ways women have been silenced throughout history. In Mark’s account of the resurrection narrative, we see the women flee the empty tomb in fear and they do not tell anyone about what they have encountered. I have to wonder if this is because women have been silenced for so long and are usually not believed.
An Encouragement for March
One of my most formative spiritual moments as a youth was entering a Catholic church for the first time with a dear lady (friend of the family) attending mass. Our families were on vacation
together. My family is Protestant. Her family is Catholic. Devout in her faith, Saturday night mass was on her schedule, even on this trip away. I had not been to mass much outside of first communion celebrations or weddings. I didn’t typically attend church on Saturday night. I was told I wouldn’t have to dress up, so I tagged along willingly.