Life is inconceivably finite and minute. We are puffs of smoke. Yet, the ember extinguished can be so bright, profound, and blessed that a small moment on Earth leaves an impact. A life fully lived is a testament to God's creation. I know that throughout my teens and twenties, I built my life upon shiftingContinue reading "Mortar and Stone Building a Fulfilled Life"

There is a ubiquitous echo of ache throughout this world. We chase it with the next life achievement and idealistic fulfillment. It truly is a first-world problem. The rat runs the wheel faster and faster, going nowhere. We sit in a wading pool of safety and comfort, misjudging the ebbtide as heartache and the exhaleContinue reading "Life in the Ebb & the Exhale"

Writing Exercise I am from ripe Georgia peaches From Folgers coffee and pecan pie I am from the bluegrass of Kentucky that blankets the ground, lush under bare feet I am from the Lily of the Valley, Buttercup fragrant bells growing wild and abundant. I’m from candlelight service and curled hair I’m from Paulina DarseyContinue reading "I Am From"

An affinity for brokenness, she gathers the shattered pieces of glass, reconstructing a brilliant masterwork in the morning light. Crimson drips from a wound punctured by an incongruent shard, pooling on the floor and soaking into the fibers of the kitchen rug. Rust penny stain to mark the spot where she felt. Felt the forceContinue reading "The Weight She Carries"

Pale skin absorbs warm sunbeams smattering the surface with pigment. I hear His voice in the distance calling out His heart cry, “my beloved!” The scent of lavender wafts from fields pregnant with harvest. He sits with me. I shelter in the shadow of His wings. I sit amidst the gloaming. The skyline looks likeContinue reading "Like Jeremiah’s Fire: What Matters"

"In the millennia since Christ walked with us on this Earth, we've often tried to box up the "wind" [of the Spirit] in manageable doctrines. We've exchanged the fire of the Spirit for the ice of religious pride. We've turned the wine back into water, and then let the water go stagnant and lukewarm. We'veContinue reading "Incandescent by Fire"

This was written and submitted to Bella Grace Magazine in Spring of 2019. Little did I know how pertinent the art of S.L.O.W. would be for 2020. I can look back on 2019, which was a very challenging year for me, and see how it prepared me to handle the ups and downs of aContinue reading "The Art of S.L.O.W."

“And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” – Genesis 1:3 NIV I have an affinity for soft candle light. I love how the small flame will reach to corners of the room dispersing the black. The light of a lantern lights the path just ahead of you keeping you focused onContinue reading "The Light of Tradition"

Oh, the dynamic wonder of woman! The careless way this world holds her breaks my heart. One of the definable desires for me is to see every woman live free, complete, full lives despite social constructs. I have written often of finding your true worth and knowing your value wholeheartedly. My prayer and my mission,Continue reading "mySELF: seeking the heroine of the story"

Inhale…exhale…the breath of hope in the air! The world has certainly turned on its axis, yet I feel assured that there is purpose in every moment. 2020 is a sacred year full of promise, reflection, determination, and renewal. There is much uncertainty – scratch that – there has always been uncertainty, but now we canContinue reading "2020: A Year to Breathe in Hope"