For people like me—for people who are white and live in affluence and stability—stories like that of George Floyd are easy to ignore. In the past, I have told myself that it is voyeuristic to enter into a story about a man who lived far away in a context I won’t ever know personally. I have told myself that…
Let me say this before I say anything else. If you are in a season of grief and loss, nothing I can say will take away the pain that you are experiencing. Nothing. Nor would I want to do that. …
[maxbutton id=”28″] Blessing and cursing are polar opposites. Blessing flows out of generosity of spirit that desires good for another, while cursing is inspired by evil intent. Blessing builds up; cursing tears down. Blessing invites others to draw near; cursing …
If you’re like me, you may have read the creation story in Genesis so many times without every really noticing its profound nature. The truth is that there is much power contained in these few sentences. Let’s take a look …
When my kids catch a glimpse of lightning bugs for the first time one summer, they assume they’re battery powered. “Are those little flashlights attached to anything?” they ask. “Those aren’t flashlights,” I reply. “That’s God’s little magic trick. Wanna …
Years ago an old colleague accused me of gossiping behind her back. It wasn’t a soft accusation either; it was bitter, hurtful, and destructive. She sent me vicious messages on social media and began attacking my reputation. I eventually had …
Should you dare to approach God for a supernatural solution? Adjusting the oxygen cannula and elbowing the IV tubing aside, I pulled Aunt Ruth toward me with the draw sheet to rub her bony back. Inwardly I wrestled with the …
When I was a junior-high ministry pastor, winter camp was a staple of our calendar year. Each Saturday night of camp, as we prepared to say good-byes, the students would sob. I mean, they’d bawl their precious little tween eyes …
Advice (or Not): Advice about Advice At a women’s retreat, I open up for the first time about my illness. I talk about how I feel ashamed of it, how it redefines me. I speak about how I used to …