top of page


Lessons in Loneliness
If you’re like me in any way, you thrive on connection. That sense of belonging, of sharing the inside joke or seeing someone’s eyes light up when they see you, the hum of energy in a crowd or the chuckle to yourself at reading a loved one’s silly text. The community to support you when all else around you doesn’t make sense. Even the most introverted person needs connection, though it could look differently than an extrovert like me. Even if your village is small, it is stil

C. J. Parke
Jan 214 min read


Warmest Greetings
To All Who Have Been with The Fruitful Hollow Since the Beginning and Anyone Just Stumbling Upon Our Ministry, the deepest and most affectionate welcome. My name is CJ and I am humbled to greet you as the new director of The Fruitful Hollow after the remarkable 5 years our ministry has spent under Lauren, our fearless first director . I would like to take a brief moment to introduce myself and share a little about the journey that led me to writing this. I was born with Turne

C. J. Parke
Jan 74 min read


Awaiting peace and acceptance
O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining What if my stars seem so dim and far away Lord? When others seem to rest constantly in Your light and love? It is the night of our dear Savior's birth Birth. The dreaded word. On a holiday that can wound more than heal for me and for so many others. The little stockings never hung on the wall. The excited pitter patter never reaching my ears. Long lay the world in sin and error pining What was my sin? Our sin? What do I have to d

C. J. Parke
Dec 10, 20254 min read
bottom of page


