Author: tomstellawebsite

When an alcoholic works the 12-Step program When an inner-city child graduates from college When an abused child becomes a responsible parent When an abused spouse says “no more” and means it When a couple in a troubled marriage begins counseling When a smile pops to the face of one long lost to depression When, … Continue reading Signs of Resurrection

“…we have lost the enchantment that gives human life meaning and value: We are so intent upon building a well-oiled society – literally and figuratively – that ruins clearly get in the way. They are an obstacle and a nuisance. They represent a regressive movement rather than a forward one, the disabled past rather than … Continue reading In Defense of Ruins

  “A few years ago a man who was compiling a book entitled Success wrote and asked me to contribute a statement on how I had got to be a success. I replied indignantly that I was not allowed to consider myself a success…If it so happened that I had once written a best seller, … Continue reading Success

Mardi Gras  The term ‘Mardi Gras’ is French for “Fat Tuesday,” the last day of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting associated with the Lenten season. This day of food and fun is also referred to as Carnivale, a word that literally means “farewell to meat,” and Shrove Tuesday from the word shrive … Continue reading Mardi Gras/Ash Wednesday/Lent

“…people say it is presumptive to claim I am God, whereas it is an expression of great humility. That man who says “I am the slave of ‘God” affirms two existences, his own and God’s. But he that says “I am God” has made himself non-existent and has given himself up and says “I am … Continue reading Blessed Blur

If you hanker for a zenith of felicity on the bed of the Divine begin by dusting off the wings of wonder on your local pillow Lift your ineffable out of the mundane Aim for airborne with the eye of the heart as your sky pilot and soar to glory Poet James Broughton uses lofty … Continue reading If You Hanker

“…I have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.     I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.” I have a dream that...the sons of former … Continue reading I Have a Dream

“The human drama of homelessness takes many forms, wears many faces; psychological disturbances in which we are no longer at home in the intimacy of our own lived experience; a troubled marriage in which no dwelling can be found in a relationship we assumed would always prevail; a crisis of faith in which our religious … Continue reading Homeless No More

Following are some common New Year resolutions: ~ read more, take a class ~ lose weight, exercise, eat right ~ meditate/pray, attend worship services ~ volunteer, nurture important relationships ~ pay off credit cards, strike a better work/life balance   Resolutions can set us on course for a new start, a fresh beginning, a chance to … Continue reading New Year Resolutions

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; on those who live in a land of deep shadow a light has shone…For there is a child born for us, a son given to us, and dominion is laid on his shoulders; and this is the name they give him: Wonder-Counselor, Mighty-God, Eternal-Father, … Continue reading Christ Born in Thee, in Me