Category: Learning
Who I am first.
For many years, my primary way of identifying myself was as a Christian. Before daughter, student, woman, athlete, or American, I was Christian. As I understood it, my relationship to God was supposed... Read More
An Open Letter to My Muslim Neighbors in Chicago
This past Sunday, I gathered with many Muslim, Jewish and Christian neighbors for an interfaith service commemorating the victims of 9/11 at Fourth Presbyterian in Chicago. The entire service was beau... Read More
Saying Kaddish for 9/11
On Friday night, as Shabbat evening services were coming to a close, one of the minyan leaders stood up before the final recitation of the Mourner’s Kaddish. He said, “As you know, Sunday will ma... Read More
Contemplating America’s Reaction to 9/11
Here in the US, much of the rhetoric surrounding 9/11 is centered on never forgetting what happened on that tragic day. Thousands of articles, documentaries and programs have been circulating in the d... Read More
What’s It All About?
I have a good amount to write in regard to 9/11 and how that day formed me, informed me, and changed me, but, here today, I want to write only a few points that I feel are worth noting. If 9/11 taught... Read More
Of 9/11 and Learning to Love the Other
For me, 9/11 began with religion: after my clock radio alarm gave me the first hint that something had gone terribly wrong, I knelt by my bed to pray that God would watch over the affected people. The... Read More
Central Texas Fires and Echoes of Jeremiah
These past few days here in Austin, Texas, my prayers have included all those whose lives and homes have been affected by these unprecedented wildfires. For those fighting fires and in harm’s way, I... Read More
Fasting for Ramadan As A Catholic
I spend a few days each year fasting during Ramadan. I am not a Muslim. I am a Catholic, so fasting for me normally happens during Lent. This non-Catholic observance is not meant to offend Muslims, or... Read More