Holly Dickson-Ramos's Blog, page 3

Are You Blue?

In recent decades, a new tradition has sprung up called “Blue Christmas.” Have you heard of it? Hospitals, funeral homes and churches sometimes offer a seasonal service of worship that is especially designed for those who grieve at a time when all the world seems to be celebrating. Or that’s how it started. Very soon... Continue Reading →

The Story

I want to write a story,I said.A good story,with good people,a tale that winds on pleasant paths,that makes me gaspand smileand breathe a happy sighat the end. So far, so good. And it only gets better. Keep reading. I found this poem on Dorcas Smucker’s blog: Life in the Shoe. I know you’ll love it... Continue Reading →

Midnight

Blackness. I cannot see far. It’s scary. I feel alone. Me and my heart. Symptoms raging inside. My spirit reaches out – out – beyond this room. Are You there? Are You here? Can You see me? Can You find me in this darkness? That is my midnight. What is yours? I was captivated by... Continue Reading →

To Make You Smile

Here are a few of my favourite things… just to make you smile today. I cannot resist a Pekingese. Growing up, we had one as a family pet and later on my parents got another who looked just like this. Looking at those buggy eyes and that protruding tongue makes warm things happen in my... Continue Reading →

You Are The Heroine

When I was young, I felt like the heroine of every story I read. Now, older, disabled, and living a life of routine, the distance between me and her seems wider. In a book I just finished, the heroine stole my heart and healed it a bit, too. I loved that this Washington DC girl,... Continue Reading →

Going After The Pearl

Are you easily distracted? I am. One moment my gaze is fixed on The Goal and the next my head is swimming with paintings I want to create, clothing I’d like to wear, groceries I want to buy, relationships that need sorting out. Is there a Goal for this life I’m living? Yes! There is!... Continue Reading →

In Need

This broken moment. How did I end up here, like this? Where are YOU right now? What are the conversations and feelings and actions and reactions that brought you to where you are right now? There are tear stains on my face and I am tired. Usually I bounce through life, even when it’s hard.... Continue Reading →

Thankful: The Joy & Angst of It All

My house brings me a lot of joy. The glow, crackle and warmth of real fires were a great feature until an inspector shut us down. I like gardening, and this house has a big property – I have lots of room to play with plants and vegetables. More gardens means less grass to mow... Continue Reading →

For Women Only

Do you remember changing for gym with other girls in elementary school? Does a residue of trauma cling to you like it does me? I have a confession to make: I am used to hiding my body. Imperfection lurks beneath my towel. My curves are not entirely symmetrical; my skin is flawed and although I... Continue Reading →

When Your World Falls Apart

What do you do when the world crashes down, horribly and unfairly, around you? Ginny Owens asks this question in her book Singing in the Dark. She notes: Instead of giving our pain over to God, we shut out the noise of what is wrong and broken. We turn to entertainment or busyness or substances.... Continue Reading →