The Collected Essays, Stories, and Poetry of Kathleen Raygoza
Kathleen
How to say “Black Lives Matter”
Dear Friend, When I was young, one of the high school football players collapsed on the field and under white hot stadium lights, surrounded by hundreds of hushed onlookers, died of unforeseen heart problem. I wish I knew the details; maybe those who remember better than I do can enlighten my own recollection. Now, in […]
MoreBlack Lives Matter
Dear Friend, As a writer – and, therefore, an avid muser – and as a fellow pilgrim living through the Great Pandemic, the New Civil Rights Movement, and my own season of change, I can tell you that I’ve been quiet for the same reasons I should not have been quiet. My mind is weighted. […]
MoreThe Story Of Your First Year
Before I met your dad, I sketched your name on notebook pages. I didn’t know what I’d name a girl, but I knew I’d name you Izaak. For “laughter,” that everything-is-alright feeling I treasure of my girlhood memories. For the sake of being different. I guess it is the English major in me who needs […]
MoreHow Do You Define “Blessing”?
The Word “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6).” Talk it Out When we rest beside His quiet waters, it’s easy to believe that His goodness and love will follow us always. Yet, the Psalmist, […]
MorePost-Hike Blessing
The Word “You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing (Psalm 23:5, MSG).” Talk it Out After a hike through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, an overflowing cup and a food-filled table sounds divine. Upon closer inspection, it’s actually […]
MoreFear No Evil
The Word “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). Talk it Out Not because I am brave, not because I am practiced at the arts of positivity, distraction, denial. Not […]
MoreWhere is God Leading You?
The Word He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Talk it Out The NIV says, “right paths.” Peterson says “the right direction.” No matter the poetic translation, I tend to prefer the NASB on this one. The word “righteousness” adds an element of holiness to the “right path” on which […]
MoreHow to Rekindle Hope
It’s not that boxed books rekindled hope, but rather the working together of order, purpose, and vision. Two weeks into the Great Pandemic, I was panicky. Lazy. Sliding into the depths of despair and without resistance. Never mind that I’m a natural homebody and filled with faith that God will carry us through. Having my […]
MoreThe Place Where Time Stands Still
The Word You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Talk it Out The town saying up in Essex, Montana is this: a place where time stands still and lets […]
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Life Out Here 