My third solo journey was to the Sea of Peace House of Prayer, a center for contemplation at Edisto Island, South Carolina. I was searching for pastoral support to examine my life. Sharon, the spiritual director, described the tools available including one-to-one sessions and walking the labyrinth. When I saw that sandy path edged in … Continue reading Walking to the Depths
Breast Cancer Survivor
The Thin Veil
On a chilly day in early April, we ate lunch together on the Duke University campus. Carol, Cathy, and I were all cancer survivors and now, Relay for Life team members for the Congregation at Duke Chapel. I told them my plans to take a pilgrimage to Iona, Scotland. “The veil is thin there,” Cathy … Continue reading The Thin Veil
Packing Grandma for Pilgrimage
When I was a girl, my only grandparent was Ola Gilchrist Smith who was my mother’s mother. She lived on a farm about twenty miles from my house and was a pillar of her small church-- Cedar Rock Presbyterian in Harnett County, North Carolina. There are lots of Presbyterian churches in that area where Highland … Continue reading Packing Grandma for Pilgrimage
Traveling Light
Before my journey to Iona, I’ll spend time traveling with my husband, David. Our trip together will celebrate being a couple for forty years-- thirty-nine of those married. When I take the train from Edinburgh west to Oban, he’ll head to the airport for his flight home. In a way, I’ll be packing for two … Continue reading Traveling Light
Pilgrimage: Invitation to the Unknown
Pilgrimage is an invitation to the unknown. This year on my solo journey to Iona, Scotland, I’ll be going to an ancient pilgrimage site. I’ve reserved my week at the Abbey where I’ll live in an international community of staff and guests. My information sheet gives me some idea of what it’ll be like; it’s … Continue reading Pilgrimage: Invitation to the Unknown
Scotland Calling
In one month, I’ll take off on my yearly solo journey. This time Scotland is calling me to the ancient and sacred island of Iona located in the Inner Hebrides. Ten years ago, the seed was planted when I was in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Riding the island shuttle bus, I met a man from Glasgow … Continue reading Scotland Calling
It’s About the Future
I sat on a rock overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains on that Sunday morning in September. In the stillness that was shrouded in fog, I felt the burden of trudging through cancer treatment and my toxic job. I prayed for God to lift me out of that pit, and waited for some sign that God … Continue reading It’s About the Future
Finding the Divine in the Everyday
The evening after my third chemotherapy, I was lying on my bed and barely able to lift my head. My nausea and fatigue had increased with the cumulative impact of the medicine. It was distressing to think I had to go through three more infusions, scheduled once every three weeks, and after that thirty radiation … Continue reading Finding the Divine in the Everyday
Navigating a Rough Road
Driving south on I-95 toward my solo journey to Jekyll Island, Georgia, I was reminded of my struggle in that toxic research job. When I passed the exit for Lumberton, North Carolina, I thought of a trip there to one of our study sites on a very hot day in August. I didn’t want to … Continue reading Navigating a Rough Road
Into a Life
When I was diagnosed with cancer, I was already in a fight for my life—my professional life. I’d left my secure job as a school nurse to give clinical research a try. The company where I landed was a toxic working environment. I planned to escape to something better-- once I passed the one year … Continue reading Into a Life
Connie Rosser Riddle 