Beyond Bullets, Unlikely Allies

Beyond Bullets, Unlikely Allies

“…Eight…nine…ten.” I whispered, counting bullet holes inside her living room. We sat by the window in a tiny, dark apartment overlooking the alley demarcating two warring factions.  My first field visits as a Dreams InDeed board member were a lot to absorb. Our...
Transforming an Enemy into a Friend

Transforming an Enemy into a Friend

My blood pressure was climbing in that long airport security line. I impatiently shifted from one foot to the other as my line inched forward. Then I felt a tug on my backpack. A bit more irritated, I pivoted to investigate. Behind me stood a mom, eyes wide with fear...
Red Alert!

Red Alert!

Red Alert! My blurry eyes popped wide open: a Crisis Group red alert hit my screen. The threat level of our regional neighbor spiked to Critical. That’s the top level for imminent military confrontation. So my mind snapped into action. The threat level of our next...
Dreamer Thanks

Dreamer Thanks

Dreamer Thanks As we approach Thanksgiving celebrations, it’s time to reflect and give thanks.Together, we’re all playing our part to fan lights in hard places into flame. However, our thanks hardly compares to the gratitude a dreamer recently expressed. He mentioned...
Please, God, let my child die before me!

Please, God, let my child die before me!

My mind reeled; my heart recoiled.  Why would a mother plead such a tragic prayer?  A friend of that mother explained.  “Her prayer is not unusual.  There are no lifelong options for mentally challenged orphans.”   She went on, “Let me share one family’s story.  When...