“Ain’t Nobody Gonna Tell Me What to Do”

A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Handford “Ain’t Nobody Gonna Tell Me What to Do,” Van Zant sang. Fifty years ago Frank Sinatra sang, “I Did It My Way.” It’s the theme of most of Rock music, and expresses the attitude of our culture today. “I will do what I want...

This week was terrible, but —

A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford Events this week have been heart-breaking: another mass shooting, a crisis in the middle east that could engulf our world in flames, our country perhaps more fragmented politically than other time since our...

Signed “Jennifer: I’m the Unique One”

A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford Recently I enjoyed talking with a group of junior-high girls. In a note of thanks from the group, Jennifer signed herself, “I’m the Unique One.” (Remember your English teacher’s warning? There’s no such thing as...

We Buried My Son-in-Law Today

A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Handford We buried my son-in-law today. It was a crisp, suddenly cool October day. The Marines folded the flag from his casket with meticulous care, and taps echoed across the low hills. We said “good night, not “good bye,” to...

Cleaning out My Medicine Cabinet

A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford The doctor asked me, “Have you had an asthma attack since your last check-up?” “No,” I said glibly. “Haven’t had one probably for the last four years.” “Then you need to check if your emergency inhaler is expired,...

What Kind of Help Do You Really Want?

A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford Do you want a medical doctor with a good bedside and pleasant personality or one who has the knowledge, the integrity, and the wisdom to tell you honestly what you need to do in a health crisis? Do you vote for a...