In the darkness, it was felt from a distance. Swarming towards the little boarded-up house. Mother and father, protecting the children. Stocked the supplies, Rationed during the unknown night. Rest was far from watchful eyes because the terrors were not imaginary. Sickness, suffocation, infestation, and sores. They huddled scared, alone, together. Locked down, apart. They… Continue reading Modern Plague
She took a deep breath to calm the sick feeling deep in her stomach. Happy faces glided past the windows outside, but she was safe and invisible behind the tinted glass. She glanced down at the faded flower dress that she found in the back of her closet this morning. It wasn’t nearly as pretty… Continue reading Broken Promises
Every Sunday, she was distracted by that picture. Tried not to look for too long, because it made her uncomfortable, but she couldn’t get it out of her head. And there, just on a forgotten wall down the church hall. She thought maybe they should have covered up that picture years ago, like all the… Continue reading What Good Girls Wear
The same old tune. Familiar notes. A sound, a beat, a voice that you recognize. Bringing forth emotions. Connections, a child, a man, a woman. A feeling, a smell, a place in time that you can’t even remember. A space. Where the song can sing. A place that she has sang herself before. Even if… Continue reading Same Old Tune
For years I was told that church was a place of refuge. My pastor spoke of this mighty fortress of strength. My Sunday school teachers taught about this safe place of pasture. My parents talked about these people as if they were familiar relatives. And so I just assumed that church was a good place.… Continue reading Fireplace Church
Intently listening for the next few words, she held her breath and leaned a little closer. How could this guy know so much about me? Each word burned into her ears, exposing thoughts she couldn’t say out loud, stinging the back of her eyes. But how did he know? Embarrassed by those booming public words… Continue reading Christ Alone, But Now What
It had been just too long. Speaking words that really mattered. Safe in a relationship of care and concern. Sure, she was surrounded by people day after day. But they couldn’t really hear what she had to say. Talking, talking: puppies, lunch, clouds in the sky, but nothing that meant a thing. Every conversation she… Continue reading Church Addict
Exodus 12:1-27 “Why is this night different from all other nights?” the child asks. The golden twilight feels heavier than usual. Father ties up his sandals hurriedly, and mother paces looking out the front window. Dustier by the minute, neighbors and friends suddenly stir up the narrow streets with suspense. Bleating little lambs, anxious shouts… Continue reading Looking for the Lamb
It’s not Christmas. The neighbors haven’t plastered their home with Easter lights, nor has the Easter tree been trimmed with ribbons and bows. The little children don’t bubble with excitement in quite the same way. The grownups don’t stay up late shopping and preparing for the long-anticipated Easter Eve. It’s not Christmas. Rather, it is… Continue reading Ancient Easter Joy is for the Children
Oh, my daughter, do you know what you sing? Your words come from the obedient Son who dwells in you.
Cindy Koch 