My only brother, ironically named Andrew, died last summer of an overdose. He taught me so much about showing up, about grit, about holding a candle in the darkness. The world likes to tell us that all addicts are merely the sum of their bad decisions, that their disease is a moral failing. But my “brother in the background” taught me so much about hope. He fought like hell for his family when it would have been so much easier to throw in the towel decades ago. He loved God and is the sole reason that several in his street ministry ever found Hope. He showed up for years when it was SO HARD, and he is my definition of gritty hope. He reminds me that the mess isn’t all there is—God, I’m so grateful for that.
Oh Ashley,I am just seeing your reply . I’m so sorry that your brother died. Your thought about understanding 1 candle in the darkness being so important is HUGE. I can imagine ALL the love you, your family, his family and friends shared with him. Still, his pain was just so great. Much Love and a “ lit candle” to you , your family and his, this Advent and Christmas.
Thank you for those kind words, Ann. Losing someone to addiction breeds a strange stigma (I mean, all death does that, but especially the taboo kinds of loss: overdose, suicide, homicide, etc), and it is just so odd the way things slip quietly into silence. The precious kindness of strangers in this community to light candles and celebrate gritty hope brings me a peace I can’t describe. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generous spirit. Grateful 🩷
Again, I thank you for your words. Since my diagnosis vof Pancreatic cancer, everything has changed. I met a lady who was just diagnosed with the same. I was her 1 year ago, so we can talk the same language. I can offer her my experience on what her road ahead looks like. I am behind you, destined to walk the journey you describe every day. I learn from you, savoring your words and your heart messages. Each day I feel as if you turn around and look into my eyes and say, "Let me tell you what your road ahead looks like." That is, not just the road of the physical, but the road of heart knowledge, of spirit. ❤️
Kate, thank you for restoring the spirit and intention of the season. After allowing myself to get sucked into the Black Friday nonsense, I'm reminded of my holiday favorites -- the music and the lights! THANK YOU for the amazing playlist, especially The Christmas Song, which reminds me of my dad who belts it out every single year on repeat! Love Ingrid Michaelson's version, though my father would call it sacrilegious;)
Amy, this made me smile! What a scene—your dad belting out The Christmas Song like it’s a sacred ritual (which, let’s be honest, it kind of is). Delighted the playlist could soundtrack the season with you.
We continue to hope for our daughter and grandchildren to come back into our live. She stopped having anything to do with anyone in her family 2 year 11months and 349 days ago.
I love listening to your reflections and blessings. I’m also listening to your playlist. I’m wondering if you know The Brilliance - I’m enjoying listening to their advent music as well.
Kate, your Advent blessings have been everything to me right now (including your daily emails!) I wrote about it on my most recent Substack post. Thank you for all that you do!!
Recently spent an unexpected week in ICU. There was nothing to do but wait and trust the Hope brought by all the (s)acraments brought to me second by second and cooperate with The process and be grateful as the Light began to start shining brighter as I made my way back from the brink of death back into life. My own Advent a little early.
My only brother, ironically named Andrew, died last summer of an overdose. He taught me so much about showing up, about grit, about holding a candle in the darkness. The world likes to tell us that all addicts are merely the sum of their bad decisions, that their disease is a moral failing. But my “brother in the background” taught me so much about hope. He fought like hell for his family when it would have been so much easier to throw in the towel decades ago. He loved God and is the sole reason that several in his street ministry ever found Hope. He showed up for years when it was SO HARD, and he is my definition of gritty hope. He reminds me that the mess isn’t all there is—God, I’m so grateful for that.
What a brother! What a story. Gritty hope in flesh and blood. Thank you for letting us carry a bit of his light with you.
Thank you, Kate 🩷
Oh Ashley,I am just seeing your reply . I’m so sorry that your brother died. Your thought about understanding 1 candle in the darkness being so important is HUGE. I can imagine ALL the love you, your family, his family and friends shared with him. Still, his pain was just so great. Much Love and a “ lit candle” to you , your family and his, this Advent and Christmas.
Thank you for those kind words, Ann. Losing someone to addiction breeds a strange stigma (I mean, all death does that, but especially the taboo kinds of loss: overdose, suicide, homicide, etc), and it is just so odd the way things slip quietly into silence. The precious kindness of strangers in this community to light candles and celebrate gritty hope brings me a peace I can’t describe. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generous spirit. Grateful 🩷
Humbled by your response Ashley.😔💗
It's hard to look out at the world
and feel a lot of hope
when the unsheathed verbal sword's
become the way we cope
with just about most everything
and everyone we meet,
and condemnation's what we bring
when we go prowl the street.
We've thrown Christ beneath the bus,
but He just rolls His eyes.
He was born and died for us,
and the big surprise
is however mean the game we play,
hope is offered every day.
Again, I thank you for your words. Since my diagnosis vof Pancreatic cancer, everything has changed. I met a lady who was just diagnosed with the same. I was her 1 year ago, so we can talk the same language. I can offer her my experience on what her road ahead looks like. I am behind you, destined to walk the journey you describe every day. I learn from you, savoring your words and your heart messages. Each day I feel as if you turn around and look into my eyes and say, "Let me tell you what your road ahead looks like." That is, not just the road of the physical, but the road of heart knowledge, of spirit. ❤️
Kate, thank you for restoring the spirit and intention of the season. After allowing myself to get sucked into the Black Friday nonsense, I'm reminded of my holiday favorites -- the music and the lights! THANK YOU for the amazing playlist, especially The Christmas Song, which reminds me of my dad who belts it out every single year on repeat! Love Ingrid Michaelson's version, though my father would call it sacrilegious;)
Amy, this made me smile! What a scene—your dad belting out The Christmas Song like it’s a sacred ritual (which, let’s be honest, it kind of is). Delighted the playlist could soundtrack the season with you.
Looking forward, thank you so much for organizing this again ❤️
So glad you’re back! Hope this Advent holds you gently.
I'm d e l i g h t e d to follow along with you this advent season. Thank you, Kate!❤️
I'm delighted too! Come on in, the candles are lit.
I am not Christian but found the daily devotions beautiful and centering.
Thank you for tagging along!! So glad these words met you.
We continue to hope for our daughter and grandchildren to come back into our live. She stopped having anything to do with anyone in her family 2 year 11months and 349 days ago.
My Palestinian friends are my model for hope persisting in dark times. My pray is that the
kin-dom comes.......
I love listening to your reflections and blessings. I’m also listening to your playlist. I’m wondering if you know The Brilliance - I’m enjoying listening to their advent music as well.
Kate, your Advent blessings have been everything to me right now (including your daily emails!) I wrote about it on my most recent Substack post. Thank you for all that you do!!
I appreciate you posting these links for the days of Advent.
Recently spent an unexpected week in ICU. There was nothing to do but wait and trust the Hope brought by all the (s)acraments brought to me second by second and cooperate with The process and be grateful as the Light began to start shining brighter as I made my way back from the brink of death back into life. My own Advent a little early.