The Easter people
Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.—Pope John Paul II (1920–2005) What happens when a Christian dies is not a matte... »
Articles
Beyond wishful thinking
I was eight years old when I lost my grandfather at the age of 65. My family is very close knit and this was a big blow to all of us. I remember kissing Nanu’s cold cheek... »
Discovering faith
I grew up in a Christian family, but at 13 I declared that I was an atheist. When I was 18, I left my hometown of Rio de Janeiro with a backpack and set off to see the wo... »
Being with God
If there is anything that Easter reminds us, it is that “salvation”—God’s wonderful gift of peace with Him in this life and in the life to come—is not something we achiev... »
The trying of hearts
I understand the trying of men's hearts, the depths of despair, discouragement, and desperation. I understand forsaking, for I had to forsake My Father to go to earth, an... »
A tale of two riddles
The other day, someone sent me a list of riddles, which led to the realization that I’m not very good at riddles. I figure I need practice, so I’ve been testing the patie... »
Picnic lunch
On one of those glorious spring days that make your heart sing, our family went on a day’s outing to Bodnant, a famous botanical garden in North Wales. We spent hours exp... »
Practicing gratitude
Each of us is a recipient of God’s love and care. Developing an attitude of gratefulness to God builds within us an attitude of gratefulness for life and for all that it... »
The jasmine bush
My brother’s death hit me hard, perhaps because it was so unexpected. John died of a heart attack at only 51. Until then, he had seemed strong, healthy, and in the prime... »
Passion rekindled
I don't remember the first time we met; he just always seemed to be around when I was growing up. My parents made a point of inviting him to join us on summer vacations a... »
A man among men
It looked like a small settlement—rows of matching buildings on one side and neat vegetable gardens on the other. In the distance was a basketball court. Further yet, a v... »
God never lets go
Quite a few years ago, when I had barely begun my journey as a volunteer missionary, I was faced with a big decision. I was fretting and fearful and ended up struggling f... »
Reserved for Him
Some of the loneliest people are surrounded by others, yet they feel that no one understands them.—That is, the real person that they are. They long for someone to share... »