Author: Amy Lyles Wilson

I help people tell the stories they are called to tell through offering a variety of creative and spiritual practices. I facilitate workshops and retreats on such topics as creativity, grief, and spirituality. Published writer and experienced editor. Degrees in English, journalism, and theology. Lover of dogs, coffee, and all things wordsmith-y. Trained in Narrative Healthcare, Amherst Writers & Artists, Spiritual Direction, and SoulCollage®. "It's the sharing of our stories that saves us."

Maybelle and Her Mother Clean Out Closets

~ Amy Lyles Wilson

When Maybelle goes to visit her mother in the retirement “community” where she lives, they  usually undertake some kind of project. This time around, it was to clean out closets. As Maybelle diligently took each item of clothing to her mother for inspection, she came across two lovely formal gowns.

“I don’t guess I need to keep those,” said Maybelle’s mother, who is 88 and looks stunning in this picture with her first great-grandchild. “It’s not like I’ll ever go anywhere to wear something like that again.”

After the kind of pause than can be manipulated for maximum effect, she added, “You might want to hang on to them, though. You can always bury me in one.”


A Prayerful Reminder

~ Amy Lyles Wilson

These days I’m learning how to get down on my knees anew and cry out to God. I’m trying to ask for understanding instead of deliverance; for patience instead of rescue; and for love instead of despair. I posted about it on my Her Spirit blog for Her Nashville magazine. You can read it here.

Ode to My Mother: “A Fine Example,” from Her Nashville Magazine

~ Amy Lyles Wilson

Though there have been many mothers to provide me with positive influences during my 48 years, I’ve learned the most from my own mother, Martha Lee Lyles Wilson, who was born in 1922. The only daughter of Eunice and S.T. Lyles, my mother spent her childhood surrounded by three older brothers, few material possessions, the red clay of north Mississippi, and a whole lot of love. She grew up to share all she could glean about life and loss and the grace that must surely come in between with her own three children, daughters all. Check out my Mother’s Day column for Her Nashville!