I’m so appreciative of the medical community these days and I’m often concerned at how stressed they are. Even before Covid, many of them were overworked. I don’t know how they keep at it day after day. I wish I could show them support or even step in to work with them like I did … Continue reading I Don’t Have to Go Back
Author: David Mercer
After thirty-five years as I minister, I walked away from that life to begin again. As I continue my life journey, I help others find their way, too.
Want to walk together for a while?
Roadside Reacquaintance
A beat-up sedan pulled up behind us and a young man climbed out. He was barefoot and shirtless.... "Y'all need any help?" he drawled.
Coffee Klatch
Honestly, I’ve known more interesting nursing home residents who couldn’t talk and needed help wiping the drool off their chins.
Grief and Ice Cream
My eyes filled up and I wanted to sob, but I realized I was supposed to be the helper, so I swallowed back the feelings and went to work.
Excellence in Bagging
I’m terrible at bagging groceries. I look like I have a third elbow that I’m trying to coordinate into the mix of hands, arms, those infernal plastic bags, and the items that come flying across the counter at me. I’m gradually getting better at it thanks to good advice and experience. Also, there’s Richard, who … Continue reading Excellence in Bagging
A Soul Behind the Words
And two souls sat together. One was unable to stay silent while the other kept watch as both of us reached out to each other.
Connecting
I learned that the most powerful thing to happen in the pulpit does not come from eloquence or charisma, but from connecting with the people and feeling what they feel.
Pangs of Envy
After forty years, I can say I'm free of envy of my fellow youth group member, even if he is still handsome at sixty--like a movie star who has decided to make his hair gray to acknowledge he’s aging but still sexy.
Vulnerability at the Cash Register
I think we all show a little more vulnerability than we intend to and some of us are better than others at offering encouragement during those moments.
I’m Done
I’m done. I know I know. I was done five years ago when I quit church, religion, and career. But I’ve come to realize that I’m really, really done. I mean it… truly… emphatically… no fooling… probably. I’ve daydreamed a bit that I would find a way to return. Not as a believer but … Continue reading I’m Done
Deep Calls 