The Territory of Hard Truths
There comes a time in all of our lives when reality takes a turn. It happens when the doctor says there is nothing more to be done, or...
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My latest writing lives on Substack now.
I love using Substack because it makes it easier to talk with you every week — it allows you to comment and participate in community threads and send me direct emails, and it feels more like a back-and-forth conversation over flaky croissants than a 'newsletter'. (And good conversation and croissants is definitely the vibe here at The Second Cup.)
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So enjoy the archives below, but if you want to read my latest poems and essay on making peace with being human, you'll find them on Substack!
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Deidre Braley
- Feb 18, 2021
- 4 min
Getting Back to God: The Third and Final Part of The Wandering Ones Series
The wind was whipping so loud in my ears that I couldn't hear anyone around me, even when they shouted. Rain spilt over the top of my...
171 views0 comments
Deidre Braley
- Jan 21, 2021
- 3 min
The Wandering Ones Series: Mute, Blind, and Uninspired - Part 2
God struck me mute last week. I had just broadcast my plans to launch this new blog series, The Wandering Ones, all over social media. I...
173 views0 comments
Deidre Braley
- Jan 9, 2021
- 3 min
The Wandering Ones Series: When You Want Out - Part 1
When You Want Out I saw a meme the other day that said, "I'd like to end my 7-day free trial of 2021. I'm no longer interested." I...
152 views0 comments
Deidre Braley
- Dec 19, 2020
- 2 min
Stumbling Outta 2020
I have this image in my head of all of us hobbling like soldiers toward the end of 2020. I can see it so clearly: We are dirty and...
554 views0 comments
Deidre Braley
- Nov 1, 2020
- 3 min
Love is an Action Word
Lately, a common saying has been whirling around in my brain. As I drive by stretches of political signs that clamor for attention, as...
108 views0 comments
Deidre Braley
- Aug 7, 2020
- 4 min
A Modest, Cheery Place
I used to show up at my Aunt Becky's house all the time. I loved pulling into her driveway because I knew that the front door would open...
189 views0 comments
Deidre Braley
- Jul 17, 2020
- 4 min
Sausage Feet and the Not-So-Funny Side of Sacrifice
About a month ago, one of our dear friends got married. We had the honor of going to her wedding, an intimate affair (thanks to COVID)...
192 views0 comments
Deidre Braley
- Jun 27, 2020
- 4 min
On Entitlement
I'm sitting here on my deck this morning having my second cup. We're getting ready to go to camp and I have about a million things to...
79 views0 comments
Deidre Braley
- May 30, 2020
- 3 min
I Know It Hurts. I Love You. I Am Here.
I recognize now that when it comes to hurting, words only have limited power.
125 views0 comments
Deidre Braley
- May 1, 2020
- 4 min
Newborn Babies Make Newborn Mamas
My son turns one tomorrow. This morning I drank my lukewarm coffee and watched him buzz his toy tractor all around the living room. ...
185 views0 comments
Deidre Braley
- Apr 27, 2020
- 4 min
Fear and Boogie Boards
Fear is an incredibly powerful force. I know just how powerful it is. I have wrestled with it, bowed down before it, been sucked into it....
78 views0 comments
Deidre Braley
- Apr 18, 2020
- 3 min
Dear Phone, You're Not Invited
I can't tear myself away from my phone lately, it seems. It's embarrassing to admit, because it's not like I'm doing anything important...
95 views1 comment
Deidre Braley
- Apr 12, 2020
- 1 min
He Can Still Use Us: Part 5 - Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series
Happy Resurrection Sunday! He lives, He redeems, and He can still use us! If you missed any of the earlier episodes from the Easter...
53 views0 comments
Deidre Braley
- Apr 11, 2020
- 1 min
In the Waiting - Part 4: Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series
Thank you for joining me for Part 4 of the Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series. Come back tomorrow for the finale, Part 5: Resurrection!...
48 views0 comments
Deidre Braley
- Apr 10, 2020
- 1 min
We Are Not Orphans - Part 3: Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series
Thank you for joining me for Part 3 of the Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series. Come back tomorrow for Part 4: In the Waiting! Click...
60 views0 comments
Deidre Braley
- Apr 9, 2020
- 1 min
Easter Without The Bunny - Part 2: Maundy Thursday
Thank you for joining me for Part 2 of the Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series. Come back tomorrow for Part 3: Good Friday. Click here...
83 views0 comments
Deidre Braley
- Apr 5, 2020
- 1 min
Easter Without the Bunny - Part I: Palm Sunday
Welcome to Easter Without the Bunny Vlog Series! If you'd like to start each morning this week with a scripture and prayer to prepare...
124 views0 comments
Deidre Braley
- Apr 4, 2020
- 4 min
Thunder in April
It feels as though anything can happen when it thunders. When the sky gets angry, turns so black to you don’t know whether it’s day or...
104 views0 comments
Deidre Braley
- Mar 30, 2020
- 3 min
Shelter in Place
Shelter in place. In other words, stay put. Don't move. Close the doors and hunker down and wait until further notice. At first, it all...
201 views0 comments
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