As spring rain drizzles outside, I’m thinking about Easter worship and the increasing numbers of Christians (and pastors) who are leaving church. The statistics have become a modern fact of life and aren’t as shocking as they once were. For…
Museums are society’s stewards of culture, creativity and storytelling
Have you noticed how museum exhibitions, like everything else, have changed? As a creative person, I’ve quietly observed this for years while visiting museums on the West Coast. Big changes were a topic of conversation recently at Crocker Art Museum…
Living as pilgrims to know Jesus better
Being a pilgrim increasingly seems to fit many life chapters. I’m not speaking of “the” Pilgrims of Plymouth Rock, but as anyone who makes a journey, often to a foreign land, on a quest for spiritual renewal. Many who have…
Creating inner peace
Last week I heard “therapy” mentioned on Zoom meetings, but not for the usual life dilemmas. The reason was generalized anxiety, a lack of inner peace. “I just need to learn new skills to live in this chaotic world now,”…
A tough mind and a tender heart
Recently a pair of mourning doves chose a high shelf on the front of our home to build their nest. They flew back and forth for days, twigs in their beaks, cooing excitedly. When the delicate construction was complete, it…
Dr. Fortune’s vision of educational equality
In 2010, I arrived for my interview with an educator. Brushing raindrops off my tan trench coat, I was directed to a room where several folks were seated. This panel would determine if I’d be a good match as their…
Mending broken pieces and broken lives with kintsugi
Sometimes understanding other cultures’ artistic and spiritual perspectives brings greater meaning to our shared humanity. This article is about brokenness in my creative world. As 2022 came to a close, I designed a New Year’s card with one of my…
Gifts of the season
Can you imagine this season without light? Light is the essence of Christmas, illuminating the birth of Christ and drawing us into its message of hope, love, peace and joy. It’s no surprise that light is in many holiday traditions:…
Blessings of the pandemic
I know, what is she thinking?! In the season of giving thanks, let’s look back at the last two years and acknowledge that some of the changes, unbelievably, resulted in gratitude. The list will likely surprise us. I’ll go first…