Mary C. M. Phillips

While in my own transition, in terms of writing, I read something from Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott.  It’s helping me — and I think — it can apply to all forms of writing; be it poetry or songwriting, but what do I know?  All I know is that I like this and it’s hitting a chord.

We write to expose the unexposed.  If there is one door in the castle you have been told not to go through, you must.  Otherwise, you’ll just be rearranging furniture in rooms you’ve already been in.  Most human beings are dedicated to keeping that one door shut.  But the writer’s job is to see what’s behind it, to see the bleak unspeakable stuff, and to turn the unspeakable into words–not just into any words but if we can, into rhythm and blues.

Oh boy, the entire chapter is worth copying and pasting, but I’ll leave it at that.

We all need air.  We need a daily breath of encouragement.

Particularly when the news around us is so depressing and  sadly senseless.

I hope the stories in this book are a comfort; a breath. 

I wrote two stories in this book; one happens to be the lead story, Air in My Tires which you can actually link to via the wonderful Look inside this book feature through amazon.  Thank you Lord for technology!

(Jacques Ellul would not have agreed on that last statement, of course but…)

Amazon.com \”Cup of Comfort for Christian Women\”

God bless, spread love not hate,  and let’s all take a good deep breath.

Laura Hawthorne is a friend and recording artist that also does mission work.  This summer she worked with Heart for Africa, a faith-based, not-for-profit organization. They provide shelter, food, water, healthcare and education to the orphans and vulnerable children of Swaziland and Kenya.

Well, she sent me a video of her singing with these beautiful children somewhere in the middle of Swaziland, Africa.

It’s daytime, and the children are gathered in a large circle, barefoot on the dirt.  This is their church.

I’m especially touched as they are singing a song that I wrote called Jesus in My Heart.

Thanks to Laura Hawthorne and Heart for Africa for all they do.

To learn more about Heart for Africa or if you’d like to help these particular children, you can go to heartforafrica.com. Type in Team 17/Litsemba in the memo area.