Setting up for a large event, there was still some last minute preparation needed before the participants arrived. As I looked over the room, I noticed two staff members. They held the same rank and had the same years of experience. And both were excellent leaders. But at that moment, there existed a very different … Continue reading Martha Got a Bad Rap!
The Less Traveled Road
When you were a child, did you dream of becoming a social worker? Ok, stop laughing. Most of us did not. Yet, here we are, protecting children, helping families and often to the very detriment of our own lives. We chose a path that was fraught with rocks, brambles and all manner of things that … Continue reading The Less Traveled Road
Silver and Gold have I None
What do Social Workers make? There is, in circulation, an article about all the good things social workers do for others : protect children and vulnerable adults; provide means for an impoverished family to have food and basic necessities; comfort the grieving; find treatment for the hurting and on and on and on. The article … Continue reading Silver and Gold have I None
The Art of Saying No
Many years ago, when I was a field worker, I had a friend name Della. As a social worker in child protective services, she investigated child abuse and neglect alongside me. She loved the challenge of the job, often expressing that she wouldn't be as happy anywhere else. It was common for us to be … Continue reading The Art of Saying No
Peace like a River
I've got peace like a river I've got peace like a river I've got peace like a river In my soul. Who remembers that old hymn? Peace like a river. But what does it mean? There are multiple rivers in the US. Some, like the Mississippi or the Missouri stretch for hundreds of miles, serving … Continue reading Peace like a River
Cornucopia
The cornucopia. It originated as a goat's horn, filled to overflowing with fruits and vegetables and used in feasts. Today, we typically use a horn shaped basket instead of a goat's horn and place it on the main table as a Thanksgiving centerpiece. However, symbolically, the cornucopia represents an abundance of good things! The … Continue reading Cornucopia
A Servant Heart
Today, I challenge you to develop a servant heart. I know I will get some quizzical looks and some furrowed brows. And yes, I said the word servant. Give me a chance to clarify. It is difficult to imagine willingly putting strangers before ourselves as a general principle. Especially if those strangers dont even want … Continue reading A Servant Heart
Hunger
We all need sustenance. Without it, we would not survive. And within us lives a survival instinct that tells us to eat when we are hungry and drink when we are thirsty. As a matter of fact, the longer we go without food or drink, the stronger the need grows. In the most dire circumstance, … Continue reading Hunger
Believe and Bloom
There is a parable about a sower, who plants seeds on different terrains. The sower planted one set of seeds in rocky soil. Those seeds sprouted quickly, producing small vibrant plants, because of the unprepared and shallow soil. But when the sun reached its apex, bearing down its scorching, unforgiving rays, the plants withered and … Continue reading Believe and Bloom
Who has your ear?
Do you know the children's story, The Emperor's New Clothes? The story tells the tale of a vain king who surrounded himself with people who only agreed with him. Two swindlers, knowing he exclusively wore the finest cloththing, told him of this exquisite magical cloth that only the brightest, most refined and truly regal people … Continue reading Who has your ear?
Water for Camels 