When Innocence Is Held Hostage, and Hope Finds A Way

A gentle note before reading: This story touches on hardship and hope. It is written with care and respect for children who have suffered, and with faith in the healing love of Christ. Lila's story is a composite, drawn from real cases shared with me by an advocate working directly with trafficked children. Though sheContinue reading "When Innocence Is Held Hostage, and Hope Finds A Way"

October 20: Tolkien’s Story, His Myth, His Life

A Quietly Magical Date Some anniversaries sneak up on you. October 20 is one of those.On this day, in four different years, four very different books came into the world: 1949 — Farmer Giles of Ham, a playful tale of an unlikely hero 1955 — The Return of the King, the grand finale of The Lord of theContinue reading "October 20: Tolkien’s Story, His Myth, His Life"

Links added to ‘New Trails’ page

Two new links have been added to the New Trails page: Middle-earth Blog — Michael Martinez has been writing Tolkien essays for about 26 years, starting with online posts in the late 1990s and notably on Suite101 from 1999 to 2003, continuing through his blog and books to the present. TuneFind — If you’ve everContinue reading "Links added to ‘New Trails’ page"

How to Talk Across Divides: A Lesson from an Ancient Conversation

Why Conversations Feel Hard Today Even small talk feels risky lately. Mention a coffee shop, a ball game, or a TV show, and it can turn political. Many topics seem to carry hidden tripwires. My Christian faith gives me hope and direction, and I want to share that with others. But I’ve seen how quicklyContinue reading "How to Talk Across Divides: A Lesson from an Ancient Conversation"

Carried on the Swells: Reflections from Worship

Yesterday, I floated in the vast sea of God’s presence.No land in sight.The swells rose and fell.The waves whispered.Words failed. Prayers dissolved.The hush of the room settled over me, gentle and expectant.I was small. I was still. The crystal voices, simply instruments of praise, led through the quiet like light across the water.When we sangContinue reading "Carried on the Swells: Reflections from Worship"