Joy to the World…..Joy to (fill in your name)!

If Marie Kondo were to metaphorically have Christmas in her hand, I’m sure she’d say that Christmas “brings her joy”.  The chestnuts roasting on an open fire (or the s’mores made on the stove), the glimmering lights (or enjoying your neighbors’ lights), the homemade cookies (or eating the dough before they make it to the oven), the Balsam Hill Christmas decor (or the Hallmark Christmas movies featuring them)....however picturesque Christmas 2020 may or may not be, Christmas is full of hope, peace, and joy.

Joy - exactly what I need. What you need. What we need. What the world needs now.

Though somehow, as I’ve been singing the Christmas carol “Joy the World” this December, it’s seemed empty and abstract. To help regain its meaning, I tried to personalize it in my heart, claiming “joy to Esther, joy to my family, joy to those who are hurting, joy to our country….and yes, joy to the world”.

Having just finished the book The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, I’ve been reflecting a lot on the concept of joy.  Featuring His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu along with Douglas Abrams, the book explores the concept in depth.

My cliff note highlights:

Joy does not mean a lack of sorrow or pain:

• “Discovering more joy does not, I’m sorry to say save us from the inevitability of hardship and heartbreak.  In fact, we may cry more easily, but we will laugh more easily, too. Perhaps we are just more alive. Yet as we discover more joy, we can face suffering in a way that ennobles rather than embitters. We have hardship without becoming hard. We have heartbreak without being broken.” - Archbishop Desmond Tutu

• “...it is how we face all of the things that seem to be negative in our lives that determines the kind of person we become.”  - Archbishop Desmond Tutu

• “...The Archbishop greets almost every new experience with the word wonderful, and it is indeed that ability to see wonder, surprise, possibility in each experience and each encounter that is a core aspect of joy”.  (page 241)

Joy means turning our eyes away from ourselves:

• “Too much self-centered thinking is the source of suffering. A compassionate concern for others’ well-being is the source of happiness…” - The Dalai Lama

• “...our greatest joy is when we seek to do good for others….We are wired to be caring for the other and generous to one another.  We shrivel when we are not able to interact. I mean that is part of the reason why solitary confinement is such a horrendous punishment. We depend on the other in order for us to be fully who we are….” - Archbishop Desmond Tutu

• “This God (the Trinity) is community, fellowship. Being created by this God, we are created in order to flourish. And we flourish in community. When we become self-centered, turning in on ourselves, as sure as anything, we are going to find one day a deep, deep, deep frustration”.  - Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Joy is cultivated further by humor and laughter:

• Deep connection between humility and humor….ability to laugh at ourselves and our situations….“Humor, like humility, comes from the same root word for humanity: humus.”

• “Laugh at yourself and don’t be so pompous and serious. If you start looking for the humor in life, you will find it. You will stop asking, Why me? And start recognizing that life happens to all of us. It makes everything easier, including your ability to accept others and accept all that life will bring.” (Page 222)

Though we cannot manufacture joy, we can practice rhythms to cultivate it. As a Christian who believes the Christmas story is true, that Jesus came as a baby by supernatural birth, was born without a home with no crib for a bed, sacrificed His life on the cross so that my sin could be forgiven and I could be reconciled with God in this life and the next - this brings me life transforming, abundant joy. It can bring you joy too. And yes, joy to the world. Let every heart prepare Him room!

I will fear no……”chair shadow”

I love being an Aunt. Because it’s kind of like being a parent, kind of like being a friend, kind of like being a mentor -- all rolled into one. Spending time with my nieces and nephews brings out a lot of new discoveries - like learning how to make play dough, learning that Mickey Mouse or Frozen themed crackers are a big hit, that Toy Story pictures on a diaper are much more welcome than the actual diaper, and that the “please, thank you, you’re welcome” exchange can actually be very confusing for a 2 year old!

While with one of my nephews, it was dark outside and we were getting ready for a sleep over with Aunt Esther. Aunt Esther needed to go upstairs for a few minutes. Upon my return downstairs, I found my nephew with all his stuffed animals, terrified as he pointed to the ‘chair shadow’.  Yes, a shadow on the wall from a chair in the room. I gave him a hug, turned on the lights to reassure him that it wasn’t a monster and that it wasn’t going to get him. That everything was going to be okay.

Checking out an exciting discovery from the creek with my niece and nephew!

In the midst of this COVID era, I have to admit I fear a lot of “chair shadows”. A lot of potential scary scenarios building up in my head. These fears and ‘what ifs’ that lead to emotional exhaustion because I literally can’t do anything about them - other than ‘turning on the light’ to show that they’re not real.

If you’re anything like me, going through the daily process of fear - grief - and hopefully periods of joy, I encourage you to try “turning the lights on” your “chair shadows”.

For me, I’ve found a few ways that have helped:

• Identifying my “chair shadows” - putting them down on paper so I can see them and acknowledge that though they’re very real in my mind, they’re actually not real. Whatever they are, not letting them build up into unmanageable “monsters”. “For the Lord is greater than the giants I face” (1 John 4:4).

• Finding peace and joy in the daily beauties of life - like music, art, a conversation with a neighbor, friend or family member, being generous in some way, enjoying a good meal or smooth cup of coffee.  Enjoying a song like this - these help put my fears in check:

• As a Christian, I also pray that God would turn on the lights in my mind and heart to dispel the scary shadows as I claim that “God has not given me a spirit of timidity or fear but a spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind”  (II Timothy 1:7 ). And acknowledge that even if some of these fears do come true, that God is in control and I can rest, knowing that He loves me and has a perfect plan for my life - the ups and downs, the twists and turns included.

This song from Redeemer Presbyterian Church Downtown’s virtual service (Redeemer Downtown’s You Tube channel here) has been a recent helpful tool in “turning on the light” - especially the lines, “You bring light to the darkness”. Enjoy!

“Whenever they speak (your name), they should speak (fill in the blank).”

“I didn't win without Scottie Pippen, and that's why I consider him my best teammate of all time. He helped me so much in the way I approached the game, in the way I played the game. Whenever they speak Michael Jordan, they should speak Scottie Pippen.” - Michael Jordan, Episode 1, The Last Dance

Reflect on this: “Whenever they speak (your name), they should speak (fill in the blank).”

During COVID, I’ve been exploring new TV shows. My ‘go tos’ of Frasier and Seinfeld only go so far.  The influence of my Dad and brother who love sports led me to hesitantly try the show The Last Dance, featuring Michael Jordan and members of the Chicago Bulls. Hesitant because I’m not exactly a sports fan - but the opportunity cost of trying a new show with all of the other ways to spend my free time nowadays - well, I took a risk and tried the show.  

From the beginning of the show, I loved hearing directly from the Bulls team members on how they successfully arrived at the championships, not just once but six times (think it was six, don’t hold me to it, again I’m not a sports enthusiast!). It wasn’t about one team member (though MJ’s focus on winning and excellence certainly propelled them to victory), it was about the incredible mix of talent, grit, leadership, coaching, and honing each other’s talents and skills in working together towards victory.  Mediocre equalling unacceptable behavior.  MJ’s magic wasn’t possible without his team members who let his talents and leadership shine.

Over the last few months, I’ve been reflecting a lot about the concept of ‘quaranteam’ - remembering the people who’ve helped me get through this period of staying at home.  COVID has heightened the reality that I’m not an island and that this life is too complex to try to “go it alone” - we deeply need and rely on each other. My quaranteam includes my family and friends who’ve helped me cry, laugh, get perspective, pray and reflect, and encouraged me to thrive (not just survive) during this uncertain time. My Mom has talked and prayed with me almost everyday since mid-March. My siblings have graciously opened up their homes for time with family. Friends have reached out, checking in and sending encouraging texts and notes.

Snuggles before bed with “Bubbe” and Aunt Esther — MJ and Sebby, my niece and nephew.

Since none of us are an island, we owe a debt of gratitude to those around us who help us navigate, not just COVID, but the ongoing adventures of this life.  Acknowledging those who’ve helped propel us to where we’re at, demonstrates humility, respect, and vulnerability.  As a leader, it’s focusing on investing in the team, and evaluating how as a leader, we can leverage our team’s individual and collective competencies to accomplish whatever goal or mission we’ve set out to do and care for each other’s well-being throughout.

As the days, weeks, and months continue with extended periods at home, we’ll likely have more time to stop, reflect, and consider who our “team” is - the people we rely on to cheer us on, refine us, and point out how we can be better.  As we consider the “Scottie Pippens” in our life, also consider who we’re being a Scottie Pippen for? Who are we helping, supporting and cheering on?  Something to reflect on, in between zoom calls and whatever is filling our days….

COVID Reflections from Lower Manhattan: Part 2

With Mayor deBlasio saying that NYC schools won’t be back in session for the rest of the year, am reminded that we truly have no idea when this COVID season will be over. A friend reflected this week that though we’ve been operating in “sprint” mode, it’s time to transition to a “marathon” mentality.  We knew all those carbs were a good idea!

Speaking of eating….though I stocked up on most things early on, I’m trying to incorporate more fresh produce into my recipes. An email from local restaurant Dig about supporting local upstate NY farmers by buying fresh produce from them, prompted my purchase of a fresh produce box. Because of a delivery glitch, they actually gave me 2 boxes of sweet potatoes, kale, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower - though I tried to rectify, they said they’d rather me have the food to support me and family during this time - thanks, Dig!  

Supporting local upstate NY farmers by buying fresh, local produce - and trying to eat healthier too!

Sharing some of the plenty with my doormen, I’ve been roasting and eating lots of vegetables. Did you know you could actually make brownies with sweet potatoes? Me either - haven’t tried it yet but let me know if you do - it could be a good replacement for my dark chocolate moments!  I’ve also been trying to cook out of the pantry. Since we shop at Costco, I’m figuring out what to do with the quart size container of artichoke hearts or the huge bag of pitted dates.  With a failed tuna patty attempt but successful artichoke quiche recipe - I’m trying to ‘fail fast’ which hasn’t been too hard - all good things to test my creativity!

Speaking of carbs and chocolate, I gained a pound or two (okay two!).   Not realizing how much I walk up and down the subway stairs, walking to and from daily activities, commuting to the office etc., I’m now skipping the elevator (great way to social distance!) and walking up and down the 8 flights of stairs to the apartment.  At least 10k steps a day. You get the idea.

A recent walk around the neighborhood

Wearing masks and gloves around the neighborhood and even in my apartment building lobby has become the new norm. Two blocks from my apartment, walking by  NY Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital was very sobering - the least I can do is stay home - and when I need a walk for fresh air, put on the mask and gloves and avoid people.  On my walks around the neighborhood, listening to my favorite podcast, “How I Built This” is a highlight - the most recent episode featuring Ben and Jerry (of Ben and Jerry’s) only affirmed my support of this entrepreneurial ice cream company that literally created the chocolate chip cookie dough flavor.  I mean, what AM I doing with my life. 

Hosting virtual convenings with Hope for New York affiliates about all things COVID response, working with the HFNY team (and btw, this team is amazing and am so thankful for them!), organizing weekly prayer calls with the nonprofit affiliate network -- by the end of the day, I prioritize anything to relieve my mind from the unsettled nature of everything our world is facing.  Times of prayer and worship, Spring cleaning (um, when was the last time I cleaned out that bookcase?!), Easter decorating, trying new recipes etc. Speaking of creativity - playing with zoom backgrounds has also become a nice distraction: I’m still debating about which Happy Easter background I like best (is the Lily Pullitzer background too much?!?), the Simpsons living room, or the background scene from the Office - all depends what “vibe” I’m into that day.  Do I want to be taken seriously or not….?!

Speaking of vibes, I have to admit this season is a welcome respite from the tense political climate we’ve been in.  Seeing the Democratic debates not having an audience -  thank God. I can do without the annoying, dramatic applause and interruptions.  With Senator Sanders getting out of the race this past week, I smile remembering when my 2 year old nephews Larsy and Jeffrey were “fighting over the picture of ‘grandad’” - as they pointed to the Sanders picture on the front cover of the NY Times Magazine.

Senator Sanders or Grandfather Larson??? Couldn’t find more polar opposites but Larsy and Jeffrey couldn’t tell the difference and thought Granddad had made it to the cover of the NY Times Magazine!

Speaking of politics, it is clear that different Governors have acted decisively and swiftly, while others have waited to respond to COVID. Seeing the market volatility, the policy side of me reflects on what the role of the Federal vs. individual states is in making decisions related to closing down, shelter in place etc.  In the midst of these policy related concerns, this Hank Paulsen interview (thanks, Leslie!) was a welcome perspective.  Loved that he included reference to 2 Tim 1:7: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”  Whether in the 2008 financial markets meltdown or this current health pandemic, we know that God has not given us a spirit of fear. We can rest in that!

Reflecting on fear, this season of Holy Week has been much more solemn, more somber, and the sacrifice of Christ more real.  With every passing ambulance and siren, my own mortality and vulnerability seems more apparent. Being reminded by my friend Captain Olivia Munn-Shirsath from the Salvation Army Theatre 315 to pray as each ambulance goes by, my heart’s cry this week is “Lord, have mercy”.  Lord, have mercy on our City, our world - Lord, please have mercy.  

Knowing that each of those ambulances will be met by healthcare workers at the hospital, each night, at 7pm, New Yorkers open their windows and join together to cheer on and show support for the healthcare workers. In this spirit, at 9am Easter Sunday morning, Christians around New York will join together in an Easter liturgy, singing - “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”. More details here!

With the grimness of everything happening in our world, there is hope.  I’ve been hearing more and more of those who’ve recovered from COVID-19, and plan to donate their blood to help patients still struggling.

To remind myself of the bright hope of Easter, I’ve tried to bring a bit of Easter to our apartment building - to the doormen and to the apartment decor.  Seeing the flowers blooming, tulips in full form, coloring eggs -- this all points to what Easter represents. New life, hope, and resurrection.

Some Easter treats for the doormen to say “thank you” for their devotion and commitment during this season!

My human nature sees Good Friday - the sacrifice, the somber nature of death. But God sees Easter Sunday - resurrection glory. New life. A living hope in Christ.  I cannot wait to celebrate His resurrection power and victory over death tomorrow - Easter service at 9:30am (link will go live at 9am and available anytime after that as well! through Redeemer Downtown (you may see a familiar face!) here:  downtown.redeemer.com/onlineworship 

He is risen!

COVID Craziness in the City that Never Sleeps

A month ago, if you would have said “social distancing”, “COVID-19”, or “out of an abundance of caution…”, I would have given you a blank stare.  Seriously, if I thought social distancing would actually become not only socially acceptable (and advisable by the CDC) - I would have started using the term a long time ago.  These are now part of the regular conversations in this crazy “corona” season. 

To all the introverts out there: this time of quarantine, cancelled events, and an abundance of alone time, we hope you’re soaking up and embracing this.

To all the extroverts out there:  now you know how introverts feel in normal “extroverted” life full of activity and event flurry.

As an ambivert, there are aspects of this season I’m embracing and other aspects that are driving me “COVID crazy”.  Inspired by a tax audit in December and Bill Gates’ reflection that one of the only things in life he can’t buy is “more time”, I’ve been doing a “time audit” to better understand where I typically spend my time. In this process, mixed in with the isolation at home, I’ve been striving to spend more time being a better Aunt, daughter, sister, friend, reader, worshipper, listener, server, phone caller, FaceTimer, remote worker, delegator, “stay putter”, Hallmark movie watcher, etc. Sidebar: Sam Page in the Hallmark movie ‘Christmas in Rome’ is just my type - thank you Hallmark for providing much needed low budget, sub-par acted, over-scripted movies to provide an escape during this pandemic. I’ll take you over sensational news any day!

The Oculus, normally a bustling transportation hub, mall, and community gathering space, now empty on a Saturday morning in Lower Manhattan.

Over the past few weeks, it strikes me that processing COVID-19 mirrors the five stages of processing grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

People’s journey to get to the acceptance stage in all this is unique to each of us. When we (or our friend) lost their job or got sick themselves. When we were told to work remotely - indefinitely. When the Starbucks down the street closed. When the first case of COVID-19 was discovered in NYC. When President Trump started taking it seriously. When Redeemer Presbyterian Church services went virtual and your pastor live streamed from his living room (and you felt right at home with the messy book cases in the background). When the Met said it would close until July.  The Olympics being postponed. NBA season cancelled. The realization that this year there will actually be no winning March Madness bracket because the series was cancelled.

For me, the invisible became “real” when people in my church started losing their jobs or getting sick. And then seeing Hope for New York affiliates like the Salvation Army seek to meet the growing demand for essential programs like meals and shelter as more and more people experience income loss and unemployment.

With this context as a backdrop, a few reflections on the last few weeks:

Won’t you be my Neighbor (or not?!)? | Connecting with Neighbors

The last few weeks have literally brought out the best and worst of us (and me). Beautiful acts of neighborly love and connection (neighbors helping neighbors, offering to pick up groceries for isolated seniors or others with chronic illnesses) mixed with seeing those around as “potential weapons”, potentially carrying a fatal disease.  People walking around with masks and gloves on - accessories that three weeks ago, would have been deemed as, um, socially unacceptable. When un-waxed eyebrows and un-manicured hands have become the new “trend”, everyone going “natural”. We’re all entering into survival mode in our unique ways. Walking in the typically bustling streets around the Financial District, is eerie - seems like even the rats are in quarantine - have only seen one in the last two weeks and it was dead. New NYC record. 

As we’re “sheltering in place”, my neighbor next door is too - I know this, thanks to the paper thin walls. Her barking dog is staying in place too. And her TV.  Unfortunately, I know she’s now into the Andy Griffith show. The show’s opening theme song has become my new alarm clock in the morning - that or the hearing the Lord’s prayer being recited through the walls - thanks to Homer Simpson reciting “Our father who art in heaven, holler out your name. Thy kingdom come, I’m almost done”.  My love of neighbor is well, getting tested.

Daily walks have become the highlight of my day, an opportunity to get outside and breath some fresh air.  Stopping off at Duane Reade or the neighborhood grocery store, or on the days I’m really shaking it up, a stop at the local 7/11 for the paper.  Grocery store shopping in the COVID era means seeing shelves empty - yes, the lysol, bleach, TP, hand sanitizer - but seeing the chocolate aisle foraged and thoroughly picked over triggered personal panic of potentially running out of dark chocolate:  “if everyone else is buying, maybe they know something I don’t?”. Needless to say, I bought a few extra bars. The banter with my apartment building’s doormen has become a new highlight - some of the few people each day that I get to see outside of Zoom or google hangout sessions -- thank you George, Emilio, Anthony, and Aaron for being there for us during this season!

As neighborhood restaurants have been closing, one restaurant decided that instead of putting their extra food in the trash, they’d put it out for the community.  Bringing some of that free fresh produce home, I sanitized everything and will be sure to support my local iPic dine-in movie theatre once they reopen. I appreciated the gesture of generosity and my Mom was thrilled that my thrifty upbringing is still very much alive and well, even in the COVID season. My grandfather (ever conscious of his budget) is also looking down from heaven praising Jesus that I’m still alive and well, knowing the value of a dollar!

Working….and well, doing life (and everything) from homebase | Connecting Virtually

The first week being at home and working remotely included the typical first three days of feeling freedom (singing inside, George Michael style) -- athleisure (fancy word for looking like I was going to the gym….which is indefinitely closed), daily 3pm dark chocolate and pot of coffee, and figuring out how to turn off work mode and turn on personal life mode by 7pm. It also included the inaugural uses of Zoom -- and realizing that Zoom actually has a feature that the host can know if you are multi-tasking during the meeting, thanks New York Times for the tip!  Through all these virtual settings, favorite part is seeing your co-workers’ bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms (and thinking about the significance of how they chose that background ie. book case background = yes you are intelligent?!?!). Through all this, the highlights were the awkward moments of people not muting themselves (but thinking they were muted!) and seeing people’s faces freeze at the most inopportune times. This has been new territory for us all.

Week two evolved into more structure - Pure Barre on demand in the morning (doing that with Mom for accountability!), getting dressed every morning - at least wearing a work appropriate sweater on the top and maybe animal print jeans on the bottom?!  It included stopping the daily chocolate and coffee break (because it wasn’t the dryer that was making my jeans tight - it was the fridge!) and incorporating family prayer calls to swap notes on what’s going on in our lives and how we could be praying for one another.

My weeks at work have been filled with research, conversations, recommendations for philanthropy to consider flexible funding and opportunities to entrust nonprofits the greatest flexibility to fill in financial gaps in the short, mid, and longer term seasons as we all navigate COVID-19 era.  Webinars, discussions with, and research on the NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund, The Robin Hood Foundation, and Trust Based Philanthropy have definitely become bookmarks on my Google Chrome many of which have helped to inform Hope for New York’s relief fund efforts.  In the midst of these webinars and discussions, I’ve realized that the living room wifi in my apartment is much stronger, leading to the dining room table being my “office”. This change quickly prompted my roommate to remind me that earbuds are made for a reason and they work great with your laptop. We all need to stay sane here!

In the midst of calendar notifications, text notifications and breaking news, my favorite “COVID” scam attempt was a text from “Jayson” with the US Department of Human Services (Jayson - just for the record, it’s called the US Department of Health and Human Services!).  Flattered that you’d text me, Jayson, but I don’t think you exist and if you do, you’re likely a Russian mobster messing with the US government somehow. How do I say this other than “you’re not my type”, “we need to talk”, “it’s you, not me.” 

Being Still and Knowing that He is God | Connecting Spiritually

In January 2020, I heard the Lord say that this year my theme verse should be:  “Be still and know that I am God”. I had no idea how important that was going to be this year!

This season has literally made me stop, be still, and to remember that He is God.  I’ve been more hungry for worship, prayer, reading Scripture, and being mindful of each moment. Hearing Tim Keller’s devotion on Psalm 11, I appreciated his reminders around using times of distress to remember to:  “Stop ruling the world” (God is on the throne), “start taking the test” (what does God want to reveal in this season), and to “seek His face” (knowing that He is good, He is God, and I am not).  

Listening to worship songs, being on prayer zoom calls, or listening to sermons, my heart is seeking wholeness and healing. I lament the horrible impact COVID-19 is having on our world, the lives that are being torn apart too early, families that are in distress, lonely hearts turning more lonely and isolated as the days and weeks go by. But in this season, I believe that our God is good. That He is Holy. That He is on His throne. Because of this, it is well with my soul.

Paige Benton Brown, speaking recently at a Redeemer Presbyterian Church women’s retreat focused on the story of Hannah, from 1 Samuel.  She compared James Carville’s slogan of “It’s the economy stupid”, with God’s reminding us that “it’s the heart stupid”. God cares about my heart - and He cares about yours. He wants it all. Would you use this time to consider, be still, and pray to Him, our Creator?

Reflections from a trip to the wholesale flower market in Manhattan

After a long day, arranging flowers is therapeutic -- each trip to the flower market brings out a new sense of creativity and artistic expression.  I discover a new sense of which flowers inspire me and makes me think “why” I’m drawn to certain types of flowers.  Not only does flower arranging remind me of the personality and artistic side of who I am, but also, as a person of faith, it’s a reminder to stop, reflect, and meditate on beauty and creation.

My Mom recently recommended Edith Schaeffer's book, Hidden Art, that has a chapter devoted to flower arranging.  The below quote is an inspiration to me:  

“If you have been afraid that your love of beautiful flowers … is somehow less spiritual than living in starkness and ugliness, remember that He who created you to be creative gave you the things with which to make beauty and the sensitivity to appreciate and respond to His creation” (Hidden Art, by Edith Schaeffer, p. 109).

If you haven't been to the wholesale flower market before, would highly recommend it -- details and address here:  http://www.yelp.com/biz/chelsea-wholesale-flower-market-new-york

Glimpse Flower Arranging Workshop

Seeing nature in the midst of Manhattan refreshes the soul.  By nature I don’t mean horse carriages in Central Park (“The Rye” Seinfeld episode ruined those for me) or the rats on the subway, but the beautiful kind of nature, like flowers in the flower market. Five years ago, realizing my need for nature inside my apartment, I started taking flower arranging classes. The classes turned into a monthly ritual of going to the flower market, choosing seasonal flowers, and bringing them home for a dining room table arrangement.  Around this same dining room table earlier this month, a group from the Humanizing Work conference caught a ‘glimpse’ of the art of flower arranging.  Experimenting with a mix of fall flowers, the group learned how to arrange them (tip – arrange in 3’s!) to emphasize their beauty.  As we made the arrangements, we were reminded of how God the Creator beautifully clothes the lilies of the valley – and how much more our Heavenly Father cares for us, His children (Matthew 6: 27-29).  Each person took their arrangement home to remember this truth as we started the week.

CFW Glimpses were part of the 2013 Humanizing Work Conference. A Glimpse is a cultural event (1) based in New York City, (2) experienced in community, (3) which points toward evidence of God’s glory & sovereignty over both the brokenness & beauty of the culture we inhabit.  As featured on:  http://www.faithandwork.org/for-the-beauty-of-the-earth-a-glimpse-highlight/