An Unexpected Journey

In my rear view mirror I could see the rows of cotton melting in the distance.  The beauty of the dewy fields blurring from my tears.  It was one of the first times I sobbed audibly as an adult.  It was certainly not the last. I was 19 and I was leaving my hometown, Cairo, for the last time... I thought.  My dad had a new job and by the next time I had a school break, my family would have moved.  This little town was where I had grown up.  It's where I learned to roller skate and played with dolls much longer then my friends.  It's where I got braces and my first kiss.  Where i had slumber parties and got my drivers license.  Where I  learned to forge deep friendships and to dream about the future.  It is where I decided as a young teen that I would keep my childhood commitment to follow Jesus.  Even if it cost me. You can't believe how surprised I was four years later, when this good looking guy who asked me to dance at m...

Communion.   Rapport.  Oneness. The room is half lit.  Waves pound the shore outside.  The dishes piled high.  But our bellies are full and our hearts are more full.  Our laughter comes in bursts, and we are afraid we will wake the children already tucked in their beds.  We hold our breath and listen for a cry before the raucous laughter escapes from our lips again. This place is safe.  It feels like being home.  Even though we are all out of town.  We share each other and faith and the little ones.  Our faults and our strengths.  We are far from perfect and that is okay.  Because in our weakness He is made strong.  Because we are family. Communion .  An act or instance of sharing. A hush comes over the table and someone suggests we say why we are thankful.  For the cross.  Like popcorn the answers come.  Continual renewal.  Forgiveness for all our sins, past, present, and fu...