Stone Crossings

In chapter 2 ("Christmas Coal - shame") of L.L. Barkat's new book, Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places , we read of shame heaped on a nine year old girl by her stepfather in front of his sons and her mother. Then we see how God helped L.L. to cope with that and overcome it. As is the whole book it is written with no ordinary prose. One gets taken in, but not too much into any sordid detail. Two chapters following continue this part of L.L.'s life during those years. We... Read Full Story

from Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places L.L. reminisces about her days spent with her grandmother whose abode was stocked with all kinds of good things from her fields. What was enjoyed in cherry (my favorite) pies along with other good things came from hard work and sacrifice. Her privileged outlay resulted in a responsible, sacrificial effort which benefited others. L.L. points out how each of us has a privilege like a king, be it ever so small. We can either be... Read Full Story

From Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places Through a social issues reading club started by L.L., which met at her house, L.L. and some friends began to enter into some of the hurt and wrong of the world. This opened up not only the stories of those who have been wronged and neglected. But made them aware of their own sense of responsibility and inadequacy in doing much about it. But this is where the climbing comes in. Quoting Karangathe, "a worker in Kenya's green belt... Read Full Story

from Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places This chapter is for me an amazing take on humility cast in a light which I've not seen, and certainly not as thoroughly. Along with the "discussion questions," this so far is the epitome of what I've seen again and again in this book. I've seen myself as much of the time, generally humble. Not that pride never rears its ugly head so that I never have to struggle against it, because sometimes I do have that struggle. But most of the... Read Full Story

From Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places . L.L. and her husband have their first child. A baby girl, and a joy, but L.L. looks forward to getting back into her teaching job, and with that the prospect of a good house. Little seven month old Sarah lets L.L. know, in no uncertain terms by her not eating while at the day care, that she is not accepting the separation from mother. She is not herself when L.L. picks her up, and L.L. is confronted with a choice. God seems to... Read Full Story

In L.L. Barkat's new book, Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places , we continue through her story which is interesting all by itself. Enough was enough for her and her sister. It was more than an ultimatum to their mother even as young teenager girls. They were leaving to escape their stepfather and expressed hope that she would come with them. You imagine the scene as L.L. is truly an artist with words. And an artist with special intent, telling you her story unblinkingly... Read Full Story

Struggling to find a sense of belonging has long been a problem of mine from my childhood days of not quite fitting in with friends, or at school. And even left to myself I felt like an outsider or on the verge of it, much of the time. When I commited my life to God through Jesus, this opened up a new chapter in which I suddenly felt on the inside with God and other Christians. Though I've come to realize over the years that this can still be a struggle as a sort of exclusivism can wrap... Read Full Story

Continuing with L.L. on her journey in Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places we arrive to Howe's Cave with her grandmother, as she gets a feel for a darkness that is heavy and unpleasant in contrast to the sunlight that she loves. L.L. likens water baptism to having that element of darkness and with it a sense of dread: "a silent world of stalactite and stalagmite - forbidding swords of some dragon's lair that hang and rise." (p. 47) L.L. was baptized as a baby in her... Read Full Story

Click here to read this lovely reflection , from Blue Mountain Mama... Read Full Story

While I don't completely buy into the words: "There is nothing to fear but fear itself", fear operates in mostly a detrimental way in people's lives. Unhealthy fears. L.L. takes us to the time when she sits with her love watching Indiana Jones in his death-defying last crusade. She makes it plain that this is not her! That she is one who has been given to protecting her life. Understandable when you read what has preceded this time in her life, in the earlier chapters. But paralyzing, and... Read Full Story