ARTICLES BY COLLEEN CHAO
I am a forgiver because I’ve been forgiven. My filth and my failures filled up every page ofevery book on every shelf of the world’s largest library. Expansive, unedited, detailed and damning, with new volumes added every day.
Dear Younger Self—I know it’s cliché,But I would go back if I couldTo say: Make yourself small,Don’t resent being weak—Humility before GodWill set you free. Practice his presence:Listen and rest—A quieted heartHears his voice best. Don’t go it alone.Seek wisdom to knowWho to keep closeAnd
September 29, 2006 You use pain so wisely,With infinite care,Knowing right whereTo push and pull and tearAnd break and burnUntil I’ve finally learnedWith all my being to yearnFor You only. Merciful undoing:This pain sets me free.My blind eyes now can seeUnspeakable mystery—This death leads to
June 14, 2022 Mystery— Living in theIn-betweenThe unknownThe not-yet Shadow, substanceLong and shortHandspan, breath…Infinite Holding on andLetting goOpen handedLingering Fragile, fearfulUnmoved, strongLaughing joyBitter drink Hoping long andgrieving slowSleepless nightsMercies dawn Straining forwardDoubled downKneeling, prostrateFighting on Misery andMiraclesHaunting hoursHoly days Pain and promiseLoss and loveBreathless, burdenedGreatest
I have several friends in their fifties and sixties who are living proof that a woman can grow more beautiful with age. Isn’t it hopeful to know that a heart at peace and a life of joy can transform our faces and attract people to
I love reading through the Old Testament books of First and Second Kings, where I see God’s justice and love, fierceness and faithfulness on display. In these pages it’s impossible to focus on just one of God’s attributes to the exclusion of the others. His dealings
August 5, 2011 Fleeting moments…Yes, these will flyAnd he’ll be grownIn the blink of an eye.True,Sleepless hoursAnd baggy eyesWon’t be missed,But realizeThat with them goHis newborn ways:His coos and cries,His cherub face.With every seasonComes its joysAnd challengesOf raising boys.So rest and revelIn this brief dayBefore
Butterflies in my stomach,Coffee in my hand.Calm down in my spirit:I know this is the man. Bridesmaids all around me.Sleek dress in champagne-white.Dangly diamond earrings,Lingerie for late tonight. Putting on my makeup,Slip into my dress.Another ten long minutes…I’m impatient, I confess. Cameras in the corner,Guests
I am a forgiver because I’ve been forgiven. My filth and my failures filled up every page ofevery book on every shelf of the world’s largest library. Expansive, unedited, detailed and damning, with new volumes added every day.
Dear Younger Self—I know it’s cliché,But I would go back if I couldTo say: Make
September 29, 2006 You use pain so wisely,With infinite care,Knowing right whereTo push and pull
June 14, 2022 Mystery— Living in theIn-betweenThe unknownThe not-yet Shadow, substanceLong and shortHandspan, breath…Infinite Holding
I have several friends in their fifties and sixties who are living proof that a
I love reading through the Old Testament books of First and Second Kings, where I
August 5, 2011 Fleeting moments…Yes, these will flyAnd he’ll be grownIn the blink of an
Butterflies in my stomach,Coffee in my hand.Calm down in my spirit:I know this is the
