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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: Keeping The Open Doors Open

I am reminded of a story about a downtown church whose youth group decided to take packets of flower seeds  into the surrounding neighborhood...

JOY SYLVESTER-JOHNSON: Children

After a little more than nine months of waiting, my seventh grandchild, Dafydd Anders Shields made his safe and greatly anticipated arrival.Waiting is not...

JOY SYLVESTER-JOHNSON: I’d Like to Put in a Good Word

When my children were small my husband and I tried to teach them the social pleasantries of saying "thank you" as a response to...

JOY SYLVESTER-JOHNSON: Highway Robbery of The Self

I was robbed.It all started at church yesterday.Leaving the Wednesday morning Eucharist 7:30 am service held at St John Episcopal Church, I witnessed a...

JOY SYLVESTER-JOHNSON: When The Flood Comes

My grandson was at school when he heard there was a chance of flooding. He called his mother in a panic, “Mom, go down...

JOY SYLVESTER JOHNSON: Gratitude For Love and Life

This Morning . . .I spend a moment each morning considering my own death. I know each day, each breath, brings me closer to...