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
‘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
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
We need each other: The blessing of connections during the COVID-19 pandemic
Confession: The “deacon call list” has always caused me a bit of anxiety. You know, that list of church members a deacon calls during times of crisis or when the church is introducing new initiatives. I am perplexed by the anxiety. I’m a people person and I like to talk. Perhaps it is because the … Continue reading We need each other: The blessing of connections during the COVID-19 pandemic
Give New Orleans your prayers, not your pity
I don’t know exactly why USA Today’s article about New Orleans and the COVID-19 outbreak aggravated me so. You can read it for yourself here: “Death rate soars in New Orleans coronavirus 'disaster' that could define city for generations.” At first, I thought it was the tone. I read it again. The tone is serious … Continue reading Give New Orleans your prayers, not your pity
Clapping Back at Clapping Back
You know the feeling. Someone insults you, your favorite politician, or even your football team and you feel your blood pressure rise with your anger. The temptation is to “clap back” – to respond to the criticism or insult with a brutal comeback. It seems like every day some activist, celebrity, politician, sports figure, or … Continue reading Clapping Back at Clapping Back
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