The goal of spiritual development is to get closer to one’s true self. Some people say it’s to become one with God. Some say it is to become detached from the world. As I get older, I see this happening to me. As a baby, I was a blank slate. I had no frame of… Read More
In fifth grade, I had an admirer named Norman. I didn’t encourage him. For Valentine’s Day, he put a cheap necklace from the toy store into the envelope of my valentine, and I knew I was in trouble. Since he had gifted me with jewelry, Norman assumed we were an item, going steady, boyfriend/girlfriend, or… Read More
“You say you want a revolution; you better free your mind instead,” said John Lennon back in the 60s. I never realized how prophetic that lyric was until our recent upheaval about racial discrimination. For whatever reason, it is hard for some white people around my age to see their own complicity in systemic racism.… Read More
This week, the level of vitriol online has escalated. Friends who are usually respectful and civil have begun calling names and building barriers between US and THEM. Anxiety over the change and uncertainty of our virus-ridden life has worn our equanimity thin. What I hold dear is now more important than what you hold dear.… Read More
In Psalm 116 the phrase “sacrifice of thanksgiving” appears. Historically, it’s pretty clear that God has been moving humanity away from blood sacrifice of children and animals toward cleaner forms of propitiation. God suggests that simple gratitude for all God’s gifts will suffice. But the phrase “sacrifice of thanksgiving” still puzzles me. How is saying… Read More
Blogger Pamella Bowen reminds you that you can return items you don’t need. Read More
Writer and tidier Pamella Bowen urges you to donate your stuff. Read More
Author Pamella Bowen reflects on human arrogance Read More
Poet Pamella Bowen reflects on a lazy retreat she took. Read More
“My life is like a lemon drop. I’m suckin’ on the bitter to get to the sweet part”—these lyrics from the Pistol Annies’ song “Lemon Drop” have always resonated with me. Cute and humorous on the surface, they hold a deeper truth. Their simplest message is a certain optimism contained in lines like “I know… Read More
