Rev. Catharine Is Currently
On Medical Leave

We Need Change, not Shame

The following is a collection of thoughts that are in response to an email sent out by Mark Silver, the founder of the Heart of Business, and one of my teachers. The headline was, “The Healthy Role of Shame in Business (and in Life).” If you go to the Heart of Business website, you can […]

The Blessings of Limits

Limits. Speed limits. Weight limits. Human limits. I was talking with a dear friend about the concept of limiting beliefs yesterday. For her, the concept of self-care is not about limits; what I call limits are just needs. For her, considering or dwelling on limits is dangerous, as she believes it can keep one from […]

Looking Racist Fear in the Face

One of the things I read recently was about the importance for white people not only to speak about racism, but to speak about our own racism. To acknowledge what we carry, where it came from, how it has manifested in our lives and in the lives of others. I want to write about this […]

The Close and Holy Darkness

In the close and holy darkness, Our eyes see only stars, only moon, only silhouette of black trees against the brilliant snow. In the close and holy darkness, Our longing draws near.   In the close and holy darkness, Our ears hear strangely under the clouds, through fog, over snow. In the close and holy darkness, Our […]

Stumbling Compassion

I pray, “May all be well.” I pray that I be well. I pray that those I love and those I cannot stand be well. These prayers, however, are disingenuous if I do not also pray that I be changed, that I be an agent of wellness in myself, others, and the culture around me. […]

Queen of Sorrows

Today I am sad. Today I am thinking of all the parents of Black children, especially boys. I am thinking of the parents having to explain somehow that this culture makes their beloved children targets. That the world is not safe. That the people who are “supposed” to keep all of us safe are some […]

Not the End-All-Be-All Part One

In July of 2004, I was married in a religious and community ceremony. I and my lovely bride were surrounded by friends and family. in fact, it was friends-who-are-family who made the ceremony happen. Strung the lights. Had the whole house painted. Cooked and served the best wedding food you’ve ever encountered, I mean it. […]