She has every reason to be bitter. Though talented, she went unrecognized for years. Prestigious opera circles closed their ranks when she tried to enter. American critics ignored her compelling voice. She was repeatedly rejected for parts for which she easily...
When we lived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I went to visit a member of our church. He had been a strong leader in the congregation, but for several Sundays we didn't see or hear from him.Friends told me he had inherited some money and was building a house. I found him...
I'm glad the letter wasn't sent from heaven. It came from my automobile insurance company, my former automobile insurance company. I didn't drop them; they dropped me. Not because I didn't pay my premiums; I was on time and caught up. Not because I failed to do the...
I stand six steps from the bed's edge. My arms extended. Hands open. On the bed Sara-all four years of her-crouches, posed like a playful kitten. She's going to jump. But she's not ready. I'm too close."Back more, Daddy," she stands and dares.I dramatically comply,...
May I share a mess I’m glad I am out of? My bachelor’s apartment. Of all the names I've been called, no one has ever accused me of being a neat freak. Some people have a high threshold of pain; I have a high threshold of sloppiness. Not that my mom didn't try. And not...
The year 1899 marked the deaths of two well-known men-Dwight L. Moody, the acclaimed evangelist, and Robert Ingersoll, the famous lawyer, orator, and political leader.The two men had many similarities. Both were raised in Christian homes. Both were skilled orators....
When my family lived in Rio de Janeiro, I owned a ham radio. I kept it in the utility room on top of the freezer. When we traveled, I always unplugged the radio and disconnected the antenna.Once, when we were leaving for a week-long trip, I remembered I hadn't...