(Please note - This was originally written to be publisheded elsewhere during Foster Care Appreciation Month, aka May. Unfortunately, outside events occured that led me away from submitting it and instead publish it here.) On a late Saturday night in April, 2022, a car pulled up to the curb in front of a small, dingy … Continue reading Some Musings on Being a Foster Parent
Author: Burwell Stark
Massacre of the Innocents
Massacre of the Innocents, Guido Reni A child understands fear, and the hurt and hate it brings – Nadine Gordimer The bombing of a maternity hospital. The shelling of a theater where hundreds of terrified citizens, including infants and children, took shelter. A city and country under siege. The news is horrible. Everything is horrible. … Continue reading Massacre of the Innocents
Wars and Rumors of Wars
It was Sunday morning, Feb. 27, and I was getting ready to deliver my final sermon at church. Shortly after 9 am I received a push notification that Vladimir Putin, just days after invading Ukraine, elevated Russia’s nuclear forces to “special combat readiness.” This is Russia’s highest level of alert. It was a surreal moment … Continue reading Wars and Rumors of Wars
Inside, Looking Out
He was constantly reminded of how startlingly different a place the world was when viewed from a point only three feet to the left - Douglas Adams Back in my day, spending time outside was an accepted part of life. On many summer days during my youth I would grab my BMX bike, no helmet … Continue reading Inside, Looking Out
Along for the Ride
Even though it has been over three decades, I can still remember the escalating excitement of obtaining my driver’s license at age 16. Being permitted to drive is one of the rites of passage to adulthood in America and, in my opinion, the most exciting of the lot. Consider two of the others: turning 18 … Continue reading Along for the Ride
Stranger in a Strange Land 