Have you ever seen a steel U.S. penny? Was it in circulation? I have never seen one in circulation because they are so unique and rare. Steel pennies were produced only one year – 1943. The United States was engaged in World War II, and the government focused all resources on the war effort. Food, … Continue reading As Rare as a Steel Penny: Celebrating Mom’s 80th Birthday
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When ‘You’ means ‘Y’all’: Recognizing Community in an Individualistic Culture
The irony of my critique of the English language is not lost on me. Despite being a writer, I don't always show proper respect for English rules. I absolutely love dangling modifiers, split infinitives, and ending sentences with prepositions. The presence or absence of Oxford commas triggers no emotional response from me. Oh, and I … Continue reading When ‘You’ means ‘Y’all’: Recognizing Community in an Individualistic Culture
Beauty in the Mundane: The Cinematic Art of Terrence Malick
Few movies elicit as wide a range of passionate and visceral reactions as Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life (2011). Most people either love it or hate it. It received both cheers and jeers on the film festival circuit. Many movie-goers simply walked out of the movie in frustration during its initial run in theaters. … Continue reading Beauty in the Mundane: The Cinematic Art of Terrence Malick
Giving Thanks in a Crazy Year
The account of Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail (Acts 16:25-34) captured my attention as a child. Being in prison was about the worst situation I could imagine at the time. The fact that Paul and Silas praised God and sang hymns surprised my young mind and provided a powerful testimony of what it … Continue reading Giving Thanks in a Crazy Year
‘All That You Can’t Leave Behind:’ Songs for Sojourners
I like U2. They create music and lyrics that make me think. Their thoughtful lyrics are filled with symbolism and passion for "the least of these." Emotion flows through each musical note. Most of all, I appreciate their expressions of faith—even when they wrestle and struggle. And do they struggle. These guys are fragile and … Continue reading ‘All That You Can’t Leave Behind:’ Songs for Sojourners
The legend of the ‘lucky’ generator
As Hurricane Isaac neared the Louisiana coast on Aug. 29, 2012, the winds picked up, the lights flickered, and the power went out in our Gentilly home. For us, and many other New Orleanians, electricity would be out for seven full days. Isaac was only a Category 1 storm but it did cause quite a … Continue reading The legend of the ‘lucky’ generator
‘Not a Marxist’ & things I never dreamed I’d need to say, Part Two
The idea for this two-part series developed as I read post after post accusing Christian leaders I know and respect of being Marxists because of their responses to George Floyd's death and their calls for racial reconciliation. In each case, these leaders promoted nothing Marxist, only ideas drawn from Scripture. It is obvious that none … Continue reading ‘Not a Marxist’ & things I never dreamed I’d need to say, Part Two
‘I am not a Marxist’ & other things I never dreamed I’d need to say, Part One
We live in strange times. COVID-19. Racial tension. Socio-economic and political upheaval. A president who likes to tweet. Our nation has not experienced days this strange since World War I and the years that followed. I see many comparisons between our current situation and the years between 1918 (the “Spanish” flu pandemic) and 1928 (the … Continue reading ‘I am not a Marxist’ & other things I never dreamed I’d need to say, Part One
The burden of constant vigilance
Each time June 1 rolls around, my attention becomes divided ever so slightly and it stays divided until late September. As the date approaches, whether I’m at home, in Israel on an archaeological dig, or in Oklahoma visiting family, I dread what that day means. I know that it will take a lot of energy. … Continue reading The burden of constant vigilance
Racism and the retreat to rugged individualism
Ninety-nine years ago today the Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa was on fire. Fires of injustice are still burning across the U.S. today. On May 31 and June 1, 1921, a vengeful white mob destroyed one of the wealthiest, most influential black neighborhoods in the United States based on a false accusation against a black teenager. … Continue reading Racism and the retreat to rugged individualism
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