Merianna Harrelson

I am the Pastor of Garden of Grace United Church of Christ in Columbia, SC and the Director of Consulting at Harrelson.Co. I am always looking for a good cup of coffee and a great book.

Roped Running

Ever since Willie was little, I ran with him on a leash that was circling my waist. Some people advised me against this, but I wanted to have a hands free running experience with my running partner, so I trained him not to cross and to run right beside me.  He is really, really good …

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I don’t really believe

I don’t really believe. Shadow thought. I don’t believe any of this. Maybe I’m still fifteen. Mom’s still alive and I haven’t even met Laura yet. Everything that’s happened so far has been some kind of especially vivid dream. And yet he could not believe that either. All we have to believe with is our …

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New gods growing in

Now, as all of you will have had reason aplenty to discover for yourselves, there are new gods growing in America, clinging to growing knots of belief: gods fo credit card and freeways, of Internet and telephone, of radio and hospital and television, gods of plastic and of beeper and of neon. Proud gods, fat …

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Don’t go to seminary

It was advice I got from a friend who had traveled the path before and honestly I was shocked. When I explained I was called to preach and I was sure that I was and that I had been for a long time, I heard, “Don’t go to seminary.”  Don’t go to seminary? Don’t answer …

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Smelling Summer

I glanced in my rearview window and saw a little black nose sticking out the window. Willie had finally discovered the wonders of car riding! He was still a little timid and not completely sure that he wanted to stick his whole head out the window, but he surely wanted to smell what was coming.  …

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Rainy Running Buddy

I have to admit, I am one lucky runner. Not only do I know have a four-legged companion to run with me, but he is so easy to run with. He didn’t balk when I changed our course. He didn’t even whine when the rain started. He ran by my side with his tongue hanging …

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