If you grew up going to Sunday School, you know the story of David and Goliath. If you didn't; the story summary is thus. In a battle between warring factions, one side had recruited a Giant. Each morning this massive warrior would lumber to the front lines, taunting the other side with jeers and accusations … Continue reading Taking on the Giant
The Pain Doesn’t Stop When The Abuse Ends.
Beth and Michael Barns, brand new foster parents, were excited when their first child, Brad was placed with them. They knew his basic story. They knew he had been hurt. They knew he had been removed from his family. He was shy at first, but polite and obedient... In the beginning. They decided that they … Continue reading The Pain Doesn’t Stop When The Abuse Ends.
Fitting In
Photo by Betsy Biddle Lange I love looking at rock patterns in the natural. Without pre-purposed design, a group of stones, all different colors, shapes and sizes fit together as a composition of balance that would not be possible if all of the rocks were identical. They would not fit. During my middle to high … Continue reading Fitting In
Trial by Fire
When I was a very young girl, I had my first experience with Fire. And my family has never let me live it down. While visiting family in New Orleans, my brothers and I had spent the night with my step-grandmother and my two aunts. Interestingly, my two aunts were the same age as my … Continue reading Trial by Fire
Give Thanks
Many people in America revere the holiday known as Thanksgiving. It's been fed to us (literally) since our birth. If you grew up in the US, it is unlikely that you escaped a role in the inevitable Thanksgiving play performed on the Elementary School stage by a cast of pilgrims, turkeys, and Native Americans. After … Continue reading Give Thanks
Waiting for the Rain to end
For the past two weeks, the heavens have fractured, spilling forth a deluge of rain. Like a faulty spigot, some days the water gushed torrentially and other days the water slowed to a steady dripping. The temperature, as if confused like the rest of us, rose and dropped randomly according to its whim. But the … Continue reading Waiting for the Rain to end
Packing Light
As a social worker, I attend several conferences a year. Bowing to an underlying fear of not having the right outfit, I used to grossly over-pack.. For example, if I were attending a two day conference, my suitcase would likely contain: Dresses for 2 days; Pants for 2 days in case It rained or was … Continue reading Packing Light
When it all Comes Crashing In
What an exciting day you've had! It has been one of those days that kept you running from crisis to crisis. Your adrenaline valve wide open, you're operating on a combination of energy drinks and determination to save the world! Each averted crisis fuels you on to the next until the waves of urgency subside … Continue reading When it all Comes Crashing In
The Sins of the Father
Why do people hurt the ones they love? After 31 years in the Human Services field, I am no closer to the answer than I was when I started. The speculation differs from person to person based on the narrative in their head. From working in both Mississippi and Alabama, I have heard all of … Continue reading The Sins of the Father
One Starfish at a Time
Beverly was only hours old when her mother plodded into the emergency room: sick, tired and covered in sweat. Like a cobbled horse, she limped towards the triage nurse whose eyes were focused on the clipboard in her hands. "Please" The whisper, fierce with pain, caught the nurse's attention. Nurse Anna put down the clipboard … Continue reading One Starfish at a Time
Water for Camels 