This is a time we will never forget. The impact of this worldwide pandemic has been catastrophic in countless ways. We’ve had a global wake-up call about the fragility of life, the illusion of financial security and the importance of relationships.
Who hasn’t heard heartbreaking stories about people perishing alone? I can hardly bear to imagine the agony of family members unable to be with dying loved ones or the fear experienced by critically ill patients, longing for comforting touches and words from those dearest to them. This is a tragedy of epic proportions.
Blog
Posted on 4.26.2020 by Jody Noland
Posted on 3.29.2020 by Jody Noland
Guest Post by Alyssa Silva
Note from Jody: Fear is universal, especially in these uncertain times. So what better way to fortify our courage than to learn from someone who has a black belt in confronting fear?
Posted on 3.23.2020 by Jody Noland
We all want answers: “How long will this pandemic last?” “How many will die?” “Will I get it?” “Will my loved ones stay safe?” “Will I lose everything?” “What will life look like on the other side?”
The sad and hard truth is that no one really knows the answers to any of these questions.
Maybe that’s why some of us are drawn to diversions like assembling jigsaw puzzles where the pieces do eventually fit together.
Posted on 3.15.2020 by Jody Noland
“Social distancing.” It’s a new and unwelcomed term that we’ve all been recently forced to learn and, now, to practice. As COVID-19 spreads like wildfire around the world, medical authorities tell us it’s time to physically distance ourselves from others and to avoid all large public gatherings. Since this highly contagious virus can be spread by individuals with no apparent symptoms, the only way to attempt containment is for all of us to keep a “safe” physical distance of six feet from non-family members.
Posted on 3.08.2020 by Jody Noland
The recent Daytona 500 is an example of what we don’t want to have happen. As Driver Ryan Newman approached the finish line, going all out to win the prestigious race, he ended up in a horrific crash yet miraculously survived.
In life, unlike in a race, we each have a different finish line. And none of us knows when our finish line might arrive. In our race of life, we’re not competing against anyone other than ourselves.
Posted on 2.02.2020 by Jody Noland
Do you ever feel like George Bailey in It’s A Wonderful Life? As though life just hasn’t worked out according to your dreams, as though everything you’ve tried to accomplish has seemed to fall just short? Does everyone else’s “highlight reel” on Instagram or Facebook makes your life look like mediocrity in grainy black and white by comparison?
The truth is, most of us feel that way at times. At least I know that I do. How about you?
Posted on 12.09.2019 by Jody Noland
Let’s face it. Life is not fair. Hard things happen to wonderful people. Loved ones die. Diseases strike. Children are born with disabilities. Natural disasters hit. Businesses go under. The list goes on and on, and the longer you live, the more aware you become of the many kinds of suffering people endure. Pain is universal; it just looks different in every life. Things don’t always tie up neatly with a pretty bow and prayers aren’t always answered the way we would hope.
Posted on 11.24.2019 by Jody Noland
Happy Thanksgiving!
In just a few days, we will be gathering with family and friends for this wonderful annual feast, enjoying turkey and dressing and all the “fixings” and being grateful, once again, for pants with elastic waistbands.
But what about the real reason for the celebration? It’s not uncommon for more Thanksgiving time and energy to be spent on the creation of Black Friday shopping lists than on thanking God for His many blessings.
Posted on 11.18.2019 by Jody Noland
I have a challenge for you. Actually, it’s more of a plea. Today, I’m asking you to do something countercultural and highly impactful.
All it will take is a few cents and a few minutes. Who, honestly, can’t spare that?
(And if your alarm bells are going off, please know that there is absolutely nothing in this for me.)
Here is my simple “ask”:
Posted on 11.11.2019 by Jody Noland
Today, we celebrate “Veterans Day” in America. I’m so thankful that our nation still affirms and highlights our Veterans on this day every year. Amazingly, we haven’t changed the actual day of remembrance to accommodate a three-day weekend, and we don’t merely associate Veterans Day with the reason to have a barbeque or mattress sale or to begin a season like we do with Memorial Day.
We stop and say “thank you” to those heroes who selflessly served or are still serving our nation, as well we should.