Back in Jacksonville

He was back in Jacksonville after spending eight weeks on a teaching mission in Kigali, Rwanda. He was still readjusting to the time difference. Rwanda was six hours ahead. "You still haven't told me about your mission trip to Rwanda. How was it?" "It was very good. I'm happy I decided to do it." "I …

Celibacy & Abortion

Father Kiesler was in his office with Bishop Haas. The bishop had just completed his pastoral visit. He seemed quite pleased. "Father Kiesler, you're doing a fine job with the school and the parish," he told him. "As fine a job as the late Father Schmidt." "Thank you, Your Excellency." "Is there something on your …

Spousal Abuse

“When it comes to abuse, you believe there’s no way out. There is always help. There is always a way out.” ― Rev. Donna Mulvey It’s hard to believe that Christian women are in abusive marriages but it is true. “Bible verses are often used to justify domestic abuse, such as those that refer to male …

The Heart Matters

Things weren't working out as Gina had hoped. Yes, they were sleeping in the same bed but, whenever she tried to make a move on him, he would roll on to his side with his back turned to her. Hurt and frustrated, she would lie there and stare at his naked back, aching to touch …

Bailey’s Story

“I want to think of your mania and depression as merely monsters which will go away when you take your medication.” “I hate taking the medication,” she complained. “Why do you hate taking it, Bailey?” “Taking it means that I’m not right in the head.” “I don’t want you to look at like that. Just …

So Final

"How can you be so calm?" she asked as she watched him get dressed. He sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled on his socks. Then, he looked up at her, resting his arms on his legs. "How would you like me to be?" "Upset, sad, anything but this." "I'm sorry, Juliette …

Meg’s Story

The scars you can’t see are the hardest to heal - Gecko & Fly I felt guilty.  Guilty because I’m not sorry that he’s gone.  He passed away a month ago from a second stroke.  It happened while I was at the grocery store.  When I got home, there was an ambulance and police cars …

Matt’s Story

A couple of years ago, my world as I knew it was turned upside down.  I was 17 and at my cousin, Rose's wedding.  At the reception, a relative who had way too much to drink, put his arm around me and said, "I don't know about the rest of the family but I'm sure …

Adopted

How do people feel when they find out that they have been adopted?  I once watched an episode of the soap opera, One Life to Live where a character named Destiny was devastated when she learned that her parents were actually her grandparents and that the brother she was so close to, whom she adored …

Soho

Lord Nelson Hadley always prided himself on being a man in control of his faculties. He was more analytical than emotional when it came to the affairs of the heart.  And being ultra conservative, he was staunch in his stance against abortion, premarital sex, same sex marriage, drug use and other practices that were contrary …