Author Archives: Ashley Osmera

Have you ever experienced something that was so unique, so vivid, so moving that putting it into words only seems to diminish it? That’s kind of how I feel as I struggle to put into words what the last three … Continue reading →

So the other day I ran into Jesus; and he was speaking French… I suppose that statement needs some major clarification, but first I want to ask a question:  Have you ever gone into a situation with a certain set … Continue reading →

It was quite simple, really. It was 11pm, and I was sitting in the adoration chapel, finishing my first full day at Belmont Abbey College. I was talking to Christ about my day, and how I was feeling, and my … Continue reading →

I hate the dark. I hate being in the dark, walking in the dark, waking up in the dark…yes. I hate the dark. There’s something so utterly unnerving and vulnerable and helpless about the absence of light. At least for … Continue reading →

Over the years I’ve tried to distinguish the difference between the definition of a “friend” and of a “sister.” At least for me personally, one difference I’ve come to recognize is that friends may come and go, but sisters…don’t. Once … Continue reading →

What is prayer? Some would say ‘meditation’, some ‘speaking to God’. One side might emphasize talking, another, listening and receptivity. One could point out praise, and one could describe petition. All of these are correct, but only in the context … Continue reading →

It started as a normal Monday evening. I had been thinking that day about how God desires mercy over sacrifice. I imagined that this applied to big things, like life decisions, or at least things like deciding whether to criticize … Continue reading →

What am I made of? Of flesh and bones, skin and marrow? Of rhythmic heartbeats and shallow breaths,  and a trillion tiny cells? Yes, but this is only the beginning. What am I made of? The union of a man … Continue reading →

The earth is still, Covered in a blanket As black as coal.

Have you ever wondered why the Church places four weeks of Advent before Christmas? Isn’t Christmas majesty and exciting enough by itself? Doesn’t the season of Advent distract us from celebrating Christ’s birth? Of course not!!! The purpose of Advent … Continue reading →