My Rocky Spiritual Journey

You don't have to be a big believer to find something interesting to read here . . . You'll find excerpts from the spiritual journeys of people I've met on the religion beat as well as reports of my own fraught encounters with religion and spirituality . . . as well as updates on my book, "Wrestling with God: Stories of Doubt and Faith," from Patheos Press.

When Someone Dies, Send Flowers

May 22, 2021 By Barbara Falconer Newhall 15 Comments

My husband is dead. Forget “in lieu of.” I want the flowers. Read more.

A Hopeful Realist Is Keeping Me Company These Days

April 24, 2021 By Barbara Falconer Newhall 15 Comments

I like to think of Geoff Machin as a hard-headed realist. A hard-headed — hopeful — realist is just the right company for me these days. Read more.

My Husband Died, and Denial and Distraction Are My Go-To States for Now

April 10, 2021 By Barbara Falconer Newhall 22 Comments

My husband of 44 years died seven weeks ago. So far, I’ve used denial and distraction to keep my mind off the silence. Read more.

Jonathan Newhall. My Husband of Forty-Four Years

February 27, 2021 By Barbara Falconer Newhall 52 Comments

Friends and readers. I am so sad to report that my dear husband of 44 years, Jonathan Newhall, died last week. Here is his obituary. Read more.

The Homeless — What They Really Need From Us (A Little PB&J, a Lot of Love)

January 16, 2021 By Barbara Falconer Newhall Leave a Comment

Their mission trip to Texas cancelled by the pandemic, the youth of a church in California turned to making PB&J sandwiches for the homeless. Read more.