Life Called and She has a Message for You

Religious life says the kingdom of heaven is near, so get it together. Work life says work harder, strive for excellence, and be the best that you can be. Family life says unload the dishwasher and give the good dog a bone.

But big life—the life that threads all of that together—what message does she have?

So glad you asked. This is a question I can answer.

The message of life is this… dramatic pause… still pausing… find the cake.

Yep. Find the cake.

That little gem comes from a picture that flashed across my screen years ago and imprinted itself on my brain. Somewhere in Mississippi, a tornado roared through, destroying almost everything in its path—from trees to cars to lampposts to homes. The devastation showed up in every photo: trees uprooted, roofless houses, cars splayed across yards. Welcome to the daily news.

But then came the photo that interrupted our regularly scheduled programming with an important message.

In this photo I saw the inside of a house—the roof ripped off, the windows blown out, furniture upended. But on the counter, under an unbroken glass cover, sat a pound cake. Completely untouched.

Chaos all around it.

Except… that cake was right there in all its deliciousness—a little island of mmm-mmm good in the wake of a tornado.

I have been thinking about that cake for years—nourishment in the middle of a storm. Anybody could have walked into that roofless destruction, sliced themselves a piece, and had a treat.

Find the cake.

I know the things that leave a bitter taste in my mouth—the situations that worry me and make me feel troubled. Where do I taste goodness in that? I know where life tastes sour: the people who get on my nerves, the computer issues that drive me crazy. But where do I taste the goodness of God these days? Where do I find pound-cake moments in the midst of the crazy?

Find the cake.

I find pound cake in my family—even my pets—when I take time to really look at them. How did God come up with a cat? Whiskers and pink noses and little toes that look like beans. That is bean-toe cake.

When I can marvel at any of God’s creation—the fog rolling through the mountains or a lemon-colored sky—that is cake in the storm. Prayer—cake. Music—cake. Walks outside—big pieces of cake. Remembering to say thank you—cake. Calling a friend—cake.

These things don’t fix the situation, but they offer me a taste of something else—a little pocket of sweetness.

Life called.

Find the cake.

Lea Slaton

Executive Director



~ April ~

~ May ~

~ June ~

~ July ~

~ Other Retreats Available ~

~ Sharing Mercy ~

April is a wonderful time to celebrate God’s creation, especially as we mark Earth Day. In that spirit, Well of Mercy will be collecting a few simple items throughout the month to support the animals at Rescue Ranch in Statesville.

Rescue Ranch is a humane education center in Iredell County that provides sanctuary and permanent homes for more than 80 rescued animals. These animals now serve as “animal ambassadors,” helping teach children and families about compassion, respect for animals, and responsible care. 🐾

If you would like to participate, we are collecting Guinea Pig Toys, Paper Towels, and 60-gallon heavy-duty trash bags. Your small gift can make a big difference for the creatures who now call Rescue Ranch home as we celebrate the gift of creation together. 

Let’s share a little mercy in the world!



Lent: The Sacred Rhythm of Fasting and Feasting

Lent, as reflected in William Arthur Ward’s “Lenten Litany of Fasting and Feasting,” invites a transformation beyond simple sacrifice, calling us to fast from attitudes that diminish life—such as resentment, worry, and indifference—and to feast on virtues that restore and sustain it, including kindness, compassion, and hope. This sacred rhythm reframes Lent as a season of renewal, where letting go creates space for grace and deeper awareness of God’s presence.

In light of the Sisters of Mercy Critical Concern of Care for the Earth, this spiritual practice extends beyond the season of Lent, to our on-going relationship with creation. We are called to fast from habits of overconsumption, waste, and neglect of the environment, and to feast on sustainable living, reverence for the natural world, and actions that promote ecological healing. In doing so, Lent becomes not only a journey of personal conversion but also a communal commitment to restore right relationship with the Earth, nurturing the same spirit of renewal and hope that Easter proclaims.

Connie Hoffner

~ Artists & Crafters - Save The Date ~

Well of Mercy warmly invites artists & crafters to be part of our Christmas Festival and Open House on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026. Watch for more details and Vendor Registration in an upcoming newsletter.

Thank You for Giving

Well of Mercy relies heavily on donations to maintain our facility and beautiful grounds. 

Thank you in advance for helping us maintain this Quiet Place.

Well of Mercy's Core Values



Well of Mercy, a retreat ministry sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, grounded in the spirit of hospitality, provides quiet sanctuary and time in nature for reflection, rest and renewal for those choosing sacred time apart, enriching their spiritual and emotional wellbeing.