Stories, Strategies and Surprises

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My latest

Story

One Question Changed Everything

February 16, 2026

When my daughter was in eighth grade, she and her Girl Scout troop were beginning to explore ideas for their individual Silver Award projects. Around our dinner table, we tossed around possibilities. Nothing landed. Nothing stirred real interest. So we encouraged her to do what we have always trusted. Stay open. Listen. Pay attention to what people are talking about in the world.

Stories

are like Magic Carpets.

They transport you to worlds filled with new perspectives, powerful insights, and heartwarming connection. Stories are unpredictable modes of transport, thank goodness, as they open doors to the hidden places within and around you. The wisest ones approach storytelling with a child’s delight and curiosity. Eager to discover the treasure within that is ready to emerge.

Recent

Stories

Care within the Cold Dark Winter

Driving into Soul Sanctuary last weekend, I noticed the trees were engaged in a wild dance. I should have paid closer attention as I got out of the car, because the wind nearly took me with it. Walking to the door, I had to lean in and brace myself for a moment just to stay upright. The cold whipped through my clothes and found every uncovered space, sharing its bone-numbing chill.

Milo, the Snowstorm, and a Small Lie

We recently had a big snow in my neck of the woods. Everyone was hunkered down. The fridge was full, chicken soup was bubbling on the stove, and my book pile sat patiently on the coffee table. As the snow covered the neighborhood and the plows dumped fresh mounds over our carefully shoveled walk, we took turns peeking outside. As a kid, snowstorms were pure joy.

Name Brands

“I think we need to be friends.” Those were the first words out of my mouth when I introduced myself to Rev. Hilda Covington. We’d just finished a county meeting of nonprofit mental health and social service agencies. She was the presenter that month. We almost didn’t meet because Hilda arrived an hour and a half late to a two-hour meeting.