Articles by Janet Hart Leonard

Waiting on a hurricane

He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. Psalm 107:29 When I read that scripture today, Oct. 8, 2024, I processed it differently: it’s the day before…

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Slathering gentleness & grace

Gentleness is a force to be reckoned with. I learned that from my mother. If you ever knew my mother, you would know she was a kind and gentle soul….


Grit & gumption

I’ve never known a hero who wasn’t humble. I’ve never known one who didn’t have grit and gumption. I have a story about my friend Cathie Brown to tell you…


Golden Girls go camping

Into life, a little laughter must fall. My thoughts as I write this column. For the past two weeks, my column has brought tears to my eyes and those of…


The valley of anticipatory grief

Recently, I was asked by my writer/author/podcaster friend, Lisa Appelo, to share some thoughts on grief with her readers. She knows the pain and storm of grief after suddenly losing…


To meander & ponder . . .

Meander: to wander aimlessly, without an urgent destination. Ponder: to think quietly, deeply and soberly. I embrace both. This past week, I turned one year shy of being in my…


The invisible cape

I see her wearing the cape. It’s not a cape she pulls out of her closet. It is invisible. She wears it every day, 24/7. Only those who have worn…


Peek-a-boo joy

What brings you joy? The older I get, the less it takes to bring me joy, or maybe it’s that I appreciate finding joy in the small things. Either way,…


Lawn & garden wisdom

As Chuck walks in the back door, he asks, “Honey, have you noticed the grass the “unnamed” internet company planted in our front yard? He notices my scowl. “You mean…


When love looks different

Oh, Mama, that child still loves you. They just love you differently and from a distance. Sometimes, words are seen by your eyes but felt in your heart. I hope…