As I reflect on these past few years, in this season that never seems to end, the years are a tumble of continued change, loss, and uncertainty. Each person is experiencing these years differently. I know that good things have happened in all our lives, yet there is a heaviness that is with us. The pandemic has heightened our awareness of death and suffering and of injustice and brokenness.
A Time to Weep – 03/2022
Esther Gillie – 02/2022
Describe yourself using a book title: Pilgrim’s Progress – goes along with my blog Sojourner Pilgrim’s Diary: the extraordinary life of an ordinary person
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? Access to and privilege of helping to preserve and share such rich resources about God and the Christian life
Keep Shining and Hoping! – 02/2022
Seventeen years ago, on the eve of my best friend’s surgery to remove a tumor in her shoulder, God gave me a vision of an eagle soaring and the accompanying verses in Isaiah 40:29-31.
Nathanael Davis – 01/2022
The Sound of Silence – 01/2022
As the 27th chapter of Deuteronomy begins, Moses has assembled Israel on the plains of Moab for a second announcement of their covenant with Yahweh. He outlines the blessings (or curses) the people should expect based upon their faithfulness (or unfaithfulness) to the covenant.
Gwendolyn Peart – 12/2021
Describe yourself using a book title: What Do You Do With a Chance? by Kobi Yamada and Mae Besom and his other book What Do You Do With an Idea? I would describe myself as being inspirational. Sometimes something amazing happens and my confidence grows, oftentimes a chance comes my way and I have an opportunity to do something with it.
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? The best thing about being a librarian is having an opportunity to encourage others to be lifelong learners and avid library patrons.
Think Carefully about Your Ways – 12/2021
“Son, think about what you are doing, or you will lose a finger,” were my words to Kevin Jr., who was holding a hand saw. My 11-year-old son and I were cutting down trees in our backyard and my encouragement was to think carefully about the task at hand.
Robert Burgess – 11/2021
Twitter handle: @RobLeeBurgess
Describe yourself using a book title: This Book Is Overdue!: How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us by Marilyn Johnson
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? I really enjoy helping students become successful so that they can complete their life goals.
Worship Him in Our Zeal and Fatigue – 11/2021
As a long-distance runner in college, there were a couple of times I ran to a different town, which was about ten miles away. The excitement was there to run to the next town; however, fatigue set in so I needed a ride back from a friend.
Jennifer Brady – 10/2021
Describe yourself using a book title: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy I know that sounds weird, but at different times, I am one, or all four of these. I am always asking questions, seeking God’s wisdom, unsure of myself, yet striving to always be kind and to be a friend to all those I meet.
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? In some way, I believe I always wanted to be a librarian. I would help in the library in elementary school, shelving books. I created a library in the local homeless shelter for my Gold Award project in Girl Scouts that remained in operation until the shelter closed 25 years later. It wasn’t until I began my career as a public librarian, and later a health science librarian though that I truly realized how people gravitate to libraries when they are hurting or need a safe space. As a teacher, I believed the best thing was seeing the “ah-ha” moments in a student’s educational journey. As a teaching librarian, I still love those breakthroughs and cherish each one but even more, my cup is filled when a student tells me they come to the library because it is comforting, relaxing, or a welcoming place for them. I love hearing that we have succeeded in creating a space within the library where all of our students feel welcomed, valued, and wanted.