Grief

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Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

Favorite Literary Female Character

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"The Lady Of Shalott" is my favorite female literary character.

Published in 1832 by Alfred Lord Tennyson, "The Lady of Shalott" is based on a figure that pre-dates the thirteenth century and is found in Arthurian legends. Dreamboat Annie (of Green Gables fame) gives us a wonderfully heartfelt and pleasantly comedic re-enactment of the Lady's story.


"The fairy Lady of Shalott" lives under an unknown curse in one of four towers overlooking a river flowing along the roadside leading to Camelot. She is locked away and out of touch with the outside world for reasons unknown.

As she weaves at her loom, her gaze of what lies outside is limited to what she can see over her shoulder by way of a mirror reflection through her window. One day she sees the colorful and decorated knight Lancelot ride by with bells on, singing. As he "flashe'd into the crystal mirror," she is smitten. Taking the unknown curse on herself the Lady abandons her loom, leaves her tower and sets off to find the man who captured her heart.

Finding a boat, she carves her name in the side and sets herself adrift to Camelot to find her knight--or die trying. Her body is found adrift with a note on her chest--the curse is broken at last.

Speculation and discussion is high over the meaning of this simple four stanza ballad. Whatever the meaning, the scenes are beautifully inspiring as artists have dedicated years of their lives painting their interpretations. And as if under an unknown curse, few died before finishing their work, just as the Lady passes before landing in Camelot.

Yes, "The Lady Of Shalott" is not a book, but "Anne of Green Gables" is and Anne played The Lady once. And I highly favor "Dreamboat Annie" too. So there. 

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