Joy Sylvester Johnson

JOY SYLVESTER-JOHNSON: Pennies From Heaven

Grief comes to those of us who have buried loved ones. And even though there is talk of the “stages of grief” and finding “closure” I am not sure...

JOY SYLVESTER-JOHNSON: When Peace Seems Too Lofty A Goal

They used to say Roanoke was about ten years behind the rest of the east...

JOY SYLVESTER-JOHNSON: Breathe

Just one moment—that’s what I asked for. I wished for just one moment without the political...

JOY SYLVESTER-JOHNSON: Trump and God and Me

I have concluded I must be a masochist (one who enjoys an activity that appears...

JOY SYLVESTER-JOHNSON: A Visceral Prayer

I had forgotten that one of the best gifts you can give yourself is a...

JOY SYLVESTER-JOHNSON: Resisting Evil

Every Wednesday morning following Eucharist we repeat the post communion prayer: “You have nourished us at Your table with holy food and drink. Now...

Joy Sylvester-Johnson: What Color Is God?

One of my favorite presents as a young child was a new box of crayons. I liked the way the crayons were lined up...

JOY SYLVESTER-JOHNSON: If Only We Treated Guns Like Cars

Cars don’t kill people. People kill people. This is true. And because it is true there are a number of safeguards in place to determine...

JOY SYLVESTER-JOHNSON: Walter, I’ve Been Meaning To Tell You

“Breaking Bad” is a television series, in its sixth year, that I have never watched—until now. I heard a piece on NPR about the...

JOY SYLVESTER JOHNSON: Let There Be Life

I was sitting in my apartment admiring the nest I had created for myself when it occurred to me that I was the only...

Joy Sylvester-Johnson: God is Love Makes for a Happy Ending

Once upon a time I was born. I don’t remember it, but I do know my parents received me with such gratitude they named...