Joan’s Blog

“I’m leaving.” In the midst of the heated quarrel, I doubt they even hear the door closing behind me. I can still hear their raised voices by the time I

Stepping into silence makes one realise how very noisy our outer and inner worlds are. At my church’s silent retreat on the day before Easter—with phones and voices muted—my thoughts

My lamp’s flame casts moving shadows on the familiar path leading to the olive grove. The sounds of Jerusalem’s Passover festivities fade as we descend into the valley. Only the

(based on Luke 10:25-37) I find the troublesome rabbi sitting on the synagogue steps. He is surrounded by a group of his followers, dressed in worn, homespun robes. Mostly

Motherhood. It’s been the most satisfying–and most difficult–part of my life, and even though my children are adults, I’m still learning how to tackle it. Recently I learned a

A friend of mine always chooses a word for the year to journey with. I like the idea, but (ironically for a person who loves words) have seldom managed

“I’d like to speak to the rabbi,” I say, with only a slight tremor in my voice.By all accounts, this rabbi’s teachings are wise and his miracles, spectacular. Some even

I thought it would help to be out on the water. I was wrong. A whole night of futile fishing has left me feeling more frustrated than sitting at

Today, we celebrate Heritage Day in South Africa. It’s a day to both honour the rich cultural diversity of our nation, and to consider and celebrate the family and

Trouble-maker. That was my impression when I first heard of Rabbi Jesus. He swept into Capernaum as if he owned it. His presence drew the sick and downtrodden from