Tag Archives: loss

A Reflection on the Anniversary of 9/11

As we observe the 10th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, many different aspects of that event are called to mind.  I read a recent statement of my Franciscan Brothers that touched me deeply.  They suggested that we … Continue reading

Posted in Death, Faith, Family, Fear, Loss, Prayer, Religion, Spirituality, Suffering, Values | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Creating a Space to Just “Be”

By Terry Hershey I ran into a friend yesterday. He told me, “I’m on my way to buy your book.” I wanted to hug him. Or at least buy him a beer. Then he told me about the circumstances in … Continue reading

Posted in Faith, Loss, Spirituality, Values | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

How Can God Allow This to Happen?

“It is a warning,” my friend said, referring to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. I heard a similar sentiment on NPR as they quoted a Japanese official who suggested divine messages about the selfishness of the Japanese people. Both these … Continue reading

Posted in environment, Faith, Fear, Loss, Prayer, Suffering | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Embracing All of Life’s Trials

“We can only enter into the second half of life because of great suffering or great love.”  Richard Rohr, OFM.  Fresh from the conference on “Loving the Two Halves of Life,” I am still pondering this statement.  If I look … Continue reading

Posted in Faith, Loss, Midlife, Spirituality, Suffering | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Does Human Suffering Have Value?

Recovering from total knee replacement surgery has me thinking more about human suffering. I found myself reflecting about my petite size 0 friend, Marie (no jealousy here). She frequently asks me, “Maureen, does my suffering have any value?” Marie, at … Continue reading

Posted in Faith, Loss, Suffering | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments