...a word from Kathy

"When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him.” Luke 15:20 A nd from a long way off, he saw him. He leapt off the porch and ran to greet him. His lost son was making his way home. What a glorious sight, he was coming home. This is how God feels about you and me. Whether we wander by choice or by circumstance, He waits, looking and searching for our presence on the road home. Our son was born on September 7, 1989. It was 6 a.m. What a day! How glorious was God’s blessing. In some ways it seems that our son had been running away since his birth date. Of course, we didn’t know or recognize that he was running. We had a wonderful, blessed life with this son that included the normal ups and downs of child rearing. It is after all not for the weak of heart! So he grew and grew and ran and ran. Days went by, even years, and before we knew it this son of ours was 20 years old. And yes, he...

H igh School Graduate. College Graduate. Graduate School attendee. PR Director. Field Director. Coordinator of Giving. Associate Director of Development. Director of Development. Executive Director of Development. These are all places and titles of where I've been in my life. Some of these labels I liked more that others. However, they all provided an answer to the question, "What do you do"? I liked being able to answer with a job title. Yes, I work. Yes, I contribute to society. Yes, I do something in the workplace. Yes, I have value. For the last seven years, I have not worked. So this societal question, "what do you do," is not as easily answered for me. I'm not a career woman anymore. I'm not in the workplace. I've realized over the years that even in jobs I didn't particularly enjoy they gave me a sense of worth in the world. This is a place where I struggle. My own self-image is damaged so I enjoyed the shield of protection a...

G o and make disciples of all nations…Matthew 28:19 Today, I’m sitting in a Starbuck’s in Birmingham, Alabama. It’s 7 a.m. and all around me is quiet. It’s just my latte and me this morning. It’s so quiet that the still small voice is easily heard. Actually, there are two voices this morning and the conversation is going like this: Voice 1: So, here you sit. You fulfilled the American dream. College educated, happily married, nice 25-year professional career, 2 grown children, 1 old golden retriever, nice home, multiple friends. All good. Voice 2: Did you make a difference? Did that fulfill you? Now what will you do? Will you go? Voice 1: You can sit back, relax, read good books, go on trips, and enjoy the blessed life you’ve been given. Voice 2: There is much to do. Many are calling out. Is your life fulfilling? Voice 1: What can I do? I don’t know where to begin! I have family obligations…a husband to support, children to love, and a mom who needs me. And ...