The Piece I'm Writing Today...

...is the type of piece that makes me thankful God gifted me with the ability to listen and to communicate what I've heard.

And that is all.

The past week has been a blur of work and helping another family member address a work crisis.

But even then, when I shared what had transpired to another laborer in the field, the response was, "I applaud her for standing up and doing what'd right."

May people always feel the same about us.

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!" Follow him at artworkbytopher.com.

The Four Greatest Words Impressed On Me

If my pastor could sum up his 50-plus ministry, he would do so in these four words.

The first three are "Walk in praise."

Because when we do, we take the focus away from ourselves and onto God.

The last is "forgive."

Because the measure we use to forgive is the same measure God will use to forgive us.

Thank you, Fr. Boris, for emphasizing these four words over the years.

And certainly a great focus as I begin my Lenten journey today.