Sounds of Hope

Saturday morning after cereal out of a box while watching Popeye, Dudley Do-Right, Yogi, Rocky and Bullwinkle, and Bugs Bunny, I’d go to the kitchen.   Under the sink were the dust clothes to be used for my weekly chore of dusting.   I must have been in the First Grade at PS94 when my mother and father told me it was time to work.   I was part of the family and my contribution was necessary.   No more free handouts of money for candy.   I had to earn my money. Every week I would move the white elephant planter, the amber vase, the candy dish with candy for company only, and the furniture scarves to complete my job of dusting.   For my labor, I received 50 ¢ .   Candy bars were only 5 ¢, for that same 5 ¢ I could get three long pretzel rods or a candy necklace, some wax lips or even a box of candy cigarettes.   If I chose the latter I’d have to consume them all before I got home.   Sugary candy cigarettes were forbidden.  I might end up ...

I had an interesting conversation with a friend yesterday.  She’s one of those friends that pops in and out of my life.  I’d like it if we were closer friends, but it’s just the way it is. She had called while I was in Florida.  One of my daughters has been accepted at a law school in Florida.  I’m so proud of her.  Of course, I’m proud of all of them.  I have three daughters who have chosen the law profession.  I am sure there is somewhat of a glass ceiling in the law profession.  However, with three women sitting on the Supreme Court, that’s one-third of the court, I think the glass ceiling is at least cracked.  I returned her call on the long drive back.  We caught up in various ways.  She has been in ministry.  She has been ordained.  I think she has pastored.  If not, she has been involved in pastoral ministry.  She is scholarly and has a firm theological foundation.  She has had a hard time finding h...