Janna Frith

To the grandmother we adored, When I think of all you have witnessed and experienced in your 92 years, one thing stands out that I have learned from you: W e can hold both sorrow and joy together. I know others will talk about your incredible hospitality, your enduring patience for everyone’s stories on those many long phone calls, your love to laugh, your super tight hugs, your faithful prayers, your love for the gospel, and your deep desire to win people to Christ. Indeed, those must be highlighted for they encompass your life’s work of loving others as Christ loves and drawing others to Him. As we bear witness to the fruit of your life, we celebrate and give thanks for your faithfulness. But when I think of the quieter details of your life, I remember how you experienced so much heartache, tragedy, and loss. Beloved husband. Taken by cancer at age 58. Beloved son. Only 24 years with him. Your days weren't easy, and your burdens were many. Only you and the Lord knew the true dep...

What does progress look like? Progress looks like change and it never happens without effort. Advancing requires hours of practice, of study, of failing and falling, and then lifting our heads and trying again…stumbling forward. Often it feels like two steps back and one step forward.  I have experienced this at the piano, in the kitchen, in my attitude, moving in my sneakers, in my faith, and in my writing. It shows up in what I notice, what I feel, what I think, what I say, what I read, and what I learn. Progress requires change.   Sometimes, progress looks like becoming more grounded, letting the roots sink deep into conviction as I continue to learn and dig into foundations for clarity.   Other times, progress looks like letting go of what I understood in order to accept what I am learning.  Progress can be in what I resist and where I surrender.   Occasionally, progress looks like starting at the beginning again. But rarely can progress happen without achin...

Photo by Akshay Paatil on Unsplash Can we hear them? Cry after cry Soul weary Demanding justice As blood on our white hands drips again into the ground As air is cut off and pleas go ignored Last gasp until silence A life gone, deemed worthless Hearts break Anger rises Voices cry …They just want to live. Can we see them? Choosing clothes Choosing settings Choosing activities Choosing words carefully Choosing housing Choosing healthcare selectively …They just want to live. Can we hear them? Teaching their young black kids Words and posture of respect Doing all they can to help their children survive Bird watching Jogging Neighbours Shopping Sleeping Partying Coffee shops Traffic stops …They just want to live. Can we see them? Denied promotions Denied fair trials Denied equal access Denied a voice Denied justice Denied privilege Denied trust Denied worth Denied the freedom to live without fear …They just want to live. Can we listen? Can we hear? Can we learn? Can we acknowledge the re...