Be Satisfied

Image by iStock Drink water from your own cistern,And running water from your own well.Should your fountains be dispersed abroad,Streams of water in the streets?Let them be only your own,And not for strangers with you.Let your fountain be blessed,And rejoice with the wife of your youth.As a loving deer and a graceful doe,Let her breasts satisfy you …

A Photo Op

I met her when I was in Uganda. I was there on vacation. It was during the summer and I had always wanted to visit Uganda because of its ecotourism. I wanted to go along the Nile River and to take a cultural tour. There are lots of forests and national parks where I could …

How to Pray

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.  But you, when you pray, go into your room, and …

In Portland

"Are you cold?" Hank asked Ede. They had just stepped outside of the airport and were going to the pick-up location for a taxicab to take them to his mother's house in Hawthorne. "Not really," she replied as her eyes darted everywhere with excitement. They were finally in Portland after a very long flight. Being …

Shaniqua’s Story

I used to be a prostitute.  And then, one night, I met a Catholic priest who changed my life forever. Father Ramirez didn't preach at me like most religious people do.  Instead, he asked me about myself and what got me into prostitution.  He sat and listened as I shared my story and not once …

Dinner With Karine

"Hello, Karine." "Hello, Jason Cheung." "We're still on for this evening, right?" "Of course," she said. "I've been looking forward to it." He smiled. "Me too. What's your apartment number?" She told him. "I'll be down in five minutes." "I'll be ready and waiting." He hung up. After he checked himself out in the mirror, …

Trapped

We remain trapped when we allow fear to block our means of escape. She sat in bed in the Inky blackness and the faintest glow of light from around the door warned her that she wasn't alone anymore. He was there. She could hear him moving about now. What was she going to do when …

Zoey’s Story

"Zoey, what are you doing here?" "I needed to see you. Please, may I come in?" He sighed heavily. "All right, come in." She went inside and after he shut the door, he faced her. He leaned against it, arms folded, looking down at her. She looked so young and reminded him of a waif. …

Amos’ Story

People who are homeless are not social inadequates. They are people without homes - Sheila McKechnie  My name is Amos.  I became homeless because an untreated bipolar disorder.  I lost my job and ended up on the streets.  I was afraid to go to a shelter because I heard so many stories of how dangerous …

Claude’s Story

I'm sitting in the café which I frequently go to because I love their Latte when I can feel that someone is staring at me.  I turn my head and my eyes meet those of a very beautiful African American woman.  As we lock eyes for what seemed like eternity, I debate whether or not …