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A “mere allegation” shatters and destroys lives, says the president.   His “mere” echoes deeper. An allegation of mere domestic violence An alleged history of mere sexual impropriety shatters and destroys the perpetrator’s life.   His “mere” rings deeper still An allegation by a mere woman shatters and destroys a man’s life.   Ah, there’s the rub.   Not the unwelcome rub of male hands on female genitals Not the rub of junk against unsmiling cheeks. No, that rub is just the way things are. locker room talk lived out by boys … [Read more...] about Mere Women

You probably know I've developed a pretty keen interest in criminal justice issues. Through my ministry inside the Iowa women's prison through Women at the Well, a yearning for greater justice is a matter of daily concern. For those of you who share this interest, I want to make sure you're aware of The Marshall Project, a daily news roundup on criminal justice issues, along with some other resources that may be of interest.  The Marshall Project (TMP) The Marshall Project calls itself "nonprofit journalism about criminal justice."  You can go to their website to sign up for a daily … [Read more...] about 8th Day of Christmas: The Marshall Project, and More on Criminal Justice

Today's recommendation is most untimely given that today was the record-coldest January 1 in Iowa history! But it's a holiday, so I thought I'd keep today light, and perhaps it will make you think of warmer days, when rain is falling and you reach for your umbrella. When you do, maybe it will be a Better Brella--so named because it is better. Instead of folding down, so that the rain drips on you, it folds up, so the rain is contained! We were introduced to this marvelous invention by my Auntie Margaret, because it dared to rain when we were in Richmond in the fall. (OK, well, it didn't … [Read more...] about 7th Day of Christmas: Better Brella

I realize I'm late to the party on this one, but as I tell about 12 things that have made a difference in 2017, I have to mention Spotify. You all knew this awhile back, right? I didn't, but it has become my regular companion.  How I came around is kind of a long story, but I have to stay awake until midnight anyway, so why not? When streaming music services were gaining popularity, they weren't really an option for us because they were data-intensive.  For years, especially living out in the country without cable, and with three teenage boys on our cellular plan, we were paying a small … [Read more...] about 6th Day of Christmas: Spotify

Continuing these gifts for each day of Christmas, tonight I have a hymn for you. This season around Christmas is so full of familiar carols and Advent hymns that it's hard to make room for new music. Hard until you come across a hymn of such beauty that it simply must be sung. That happened for me, early in December, when I discovered the hymn "When God Is a Child," by the incomparable hymn writer Brian Wren. It's not in any United Methodist hymnals yet, but it's at page 132 of the Chalice Hymnal, of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The full lyrics can be viewed at this link or you … [Read more...] about 5th Day of Christmas: “When God Is a Child”

Today's find is a great podcast that debuted last summer:  Kindreds Podcast.  It's really an extended, compelling conversation about all things faith, feminism and friendship, hosted by two young southern women:  Ashley Peterson and Katey Zeh. I connected with Katey when she was working awhile back with the United Methodist Board of Church and Society in the area of reproductive health.  When she announced on Facebook that she and a friend were starting this podcast, I made sure to listen to the premier episode.  I haven't missed one since. I listen because Katey and Ashley bring a faith … [Read more...] about 4th Day of Christmas: Kindreds Podcast