Tag Archives: musings

The Eyebrow Spa

By: Gabriela Yareliz Ms. Shah is a pro— or so I heard. She had on spa music that matches my favorite massage place, and her storefront business was packed. “That music is the secret to keeping everyone calm while they wait,” Ms. Shah said laughing. I had wandered over to Ms. Shah’s eyebrow spa becauseContinue reading “The Eyebrow Spa”

Hello Sunshine My Old Friend

By: Gabriela Yareliz The local ABC channel was tracking our sunless day streak in NYC. Ten days without a ray of sunshine. My neighborhood was pure darkness. If I didn’t turn on the light, I couldn’t see what was in front of me. I took a walk yesterday in pouring rain. It looked like lateContinue reading “Hello Sunshine My Old Friend”

In My Igloo

By: Gabriela Yareliz I remember making the snow igloos at recess during those Michigan freezes. I would strap on my snowpants, which I did not like, and after we came in from recess, they would be hanging on the hook in line with everyone else’s. The drip-drip of the snow melting off of them keepingContinue reading “In My Igloo”

Pain, The Gift

Pain has a way of breaking us open, allowing space for us to see through the veneer at who we truly are. We grow numb to the world; cold like porcelain— but then, suddenly, pain reminds us we are alive. Pain strikes the nerve; its force and imposition felt like a live wire. Pain remindsContinue reading “Pain, The Gift”

The Unfinished Attic

By: Gabriela Yareliz The current dropping temperatures and howling wind remind me of winter as a kid. I would take my favorite Christmas catalog and set a cushion or pillow by the heater vent on the floor (old Northern houses), and I would bring a blanket and get cozy and read. Every girl or dollContinue reading “The Unfinished Attic”

Daring to be Alive

By: Gabriela Yareliz There has been so much pain and heaviness this month. I have wanted to come close and write but have sort of been at a loss for words. The attack on Israel on October 7 was horrific to watch. Hostages are still being held and away from their loved ones. I couldContinue reading “Daring to be Alive”

Where We Set Our Feet

“Anywhere God walks is not beneath us.” Stand Against the Wind, Erwin R. McManus I read this quote this morning, and it shook me. This will mean different things to different people, but it was such a reminder of the humility of Jesus, and not only in His earthly ministry, but the fact that, today,Continue reading “Where We Set Our Feet”

Bigger

By: Gabriela Yareliz “‘Aslan,’ said Lucy, ‘you’re bigger.’ ‘That’s is because you are older, little one,’ he answered. ‘Not because you are?’ ‘I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger.’” Prince Caspian, C.S. Lewis I loved this passage from C.S. Lewis. It made me reflect on how God is alwaysContinue reading “Bigger”

Optional

By: Gabriela Yareliz I was on a coaching call this week, and I heard something that hit me, deep. On these coaching calls, people share things they are struggling with to be coached live. I don’t remember what was being shared, but I do remember the coach’s response: “Shame is optional.” I found that toContinue reading “Optional”