InSpiritry

 Looking at these photos from my family album, you might think, What’s the Story? I can assure you, there are several stories represented here — each of them a treasure!

While many of us were told stories as children, fewer and fewer families are making storytelling a tradition. Maybe it’s because we have lifestyles that don’t have room for evenings with grandparents or long family meals. Maybe it’s due to the insistence of technology as a source of communication in our lives: television, internet, cell phones.

Whatever the reason, when we lose our stories, we lose a lot!

(more…)

Posted by Anne McCrady

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In the US, it was Father’s Day yesterday, a day to acknowledge the very crucial role men play in their daughters’ lives, as mentors, as protectors, as supporters, as friends. It is a time to celebrate one of our most precious relationships. (more…)

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

While every challenge offers us new chances to grow and learn and love, no truer words were ever spoken than the lyrics of a song by the late (great) poet, musician & activist John Denver:

Some days are diamonds; some days are stones.

Sometimes the hard times won’t leave us alone.

Sometimes the cold wind leaves a chill in my bones.

Some days are diamonds; some days are stones.

Since I have a friend who is facing one of those “stones” today, I thought I would share a story I often tell when conversation comes around to what in our lives has made us strong enough to face our fears. (more…)

 Mother's Day: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

After celebrating a great Mother’s Day this weekend, I find myself thinking about mothers and their role in the Greater Good.

It is worth noting that I am still a card-carrying feminist who remembers the days of no birth control, no credit cards, no corner office. For that reason, I notice when news commentators, though often women, rarely interview women about politics or foreign policy. I notice that boards of regents at graduation ceremonies and boards of directors of public companies are still mostly men. I notice how testosterone-induced terminology and ideas still dominate international interactions.

Surely, I am not alone in that. Surely, around the world, other women realize that the same wisdom that raised our sons and daughters to be amazing, thoughtful people is wisdom that can raise the world to a new standard. (more…)

 Graduation Day Remembering: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This May my family is celebrating two graduations: my son from college and my daughter from medical school. Even my youngest son is within sight of the finish line and will graduate next year. Of course, we still remember the special moments of high school graduations. What an amazing time!

In the face of these rites of passage, I am reminded of the many stories that have marked our lives. (more…)