Hope lies within us. It is part of that soulful mix that weaves the events of life into a tapestry that can be beautiful. It’s a tapestry of our making. It isn’t waiting for us to discover it. It has to be composed with the raw elements of reality, using our creativity, optimism, and … Continue reading Where is Hope?
Author: David Mercer
David Mercer is the author of the blogs: Deep Calls, Quick Drawls, and Mercer Massage, LLC. He has been a pastor, college professor, deli worker, and grocery store cashier. He is now a massage therapist at Mercer Massage, LLC.
Watching the Violence
The little boy clenched his fists as he took on an unfamiliar fighter’s stance. His opponent was unworried, more experienced, and a LOT bigger. The little guy swung wildly. The big boy blocked it and countered with one hard blow to the belly that put his opponent down. The young crowd that had gathered to … Continue reading Watching the Violence
I’m not a Sinner. I’m a Person
I’m not a sinner. I’m a person. I posted this on Facebook and received some powerful reactions. My minister pals responded with gentleness and support. Other friends, though they were kind, equated my statement with total rejection of the Christian doctrine and it confused them to hear this coming from a pastor. Some cheered me … Continue reading I’m not a Sinner. I’m a Person
I Do Again
For the second time I will say, “I do.” I’ll say it again, and mean it again, But without the naïve confidence of youth. The first time it was an oath in church In front of my father, the presiding minister. Our families and hundreds of friends Looked on with pride and sentiment. … Continue reading I Do Again
First Look at the Ocean
I finally got to show them the ocean. Photo by David Mercer, 2016 I promised a long time ago I would show it to them. The older one was in first grade. The younger one hadn’t started preschool yet. I had wanted them to stand next to this mysterious organism to feel its rhythms … Continue reading First Look at the Ocean
It Doesn’t Have To Be Pretty
It doesn’t have to be pretty. As long as you got the job done. As long as you’re still standing at the end of the day. Merry Christmas.
I Whisper
I cannot speak too loudly.I’m too weak and tired, too sick to raise my voice.I’m ashamed that I still need you so.Will you leave me if I make you angry?Would you hurt me if you heard me?Yet I also whisper because I have nothing more to prove.Hear me or not. Believe me or not.I will … Continue reading I Whisper
Breaking the Silence
"When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long." (Psalm 32:3). I’ve never voiced my opinion over the outcome of an election but I will this time. I’m disappointed and upset. I have spent my entire professional life practicing restraint in regard to politics, except to say that whatever the … Continue reading Breaking the Silence
Below the Surface
Here’s what has happened in the last six months. My children grew up and moved away. I was separated and then divorced. I quit my job. I drove a thousand miles to begin a new life. Now that you’re caught up, we can move on. The pressure is off. I can rest. I have enough to … Continue reading Below the Surface
Elusive Creature
I’m divorced. Just like that. After nearly thirty-five years of being married, a judge signs the paper, and that’s that. There was more to it, of course. Sparing the dreary details, I had wanted out for years but did not want to face up to it. I remember the day it became clear to me. … Continue reading Elusive Creature
Deep Calls 