I have more and more lately seen my life as the title of book - The Story We Find Ourselves In. Especially with the times of loss it has seemed like a script I could never have written myself and I wonder how could I even still be here with so much brokenness. Sam says […]
In the song Grace by U2, Bono sings: What left a mark no longer stains... This thought broke into my summer slumber. The marks sting yes, chafe yes, bring weariness true but not STAIN. Not permanent, not forever, even though the journey can feel so long. Jesus let's us see life through a different lens […]
I have a confession to make: I found it very difficult to sing this thanksgiving. I battled the thought: It might be easy to be thankful when things around us seem to be going well, but how does one approach life in gratitude when brokenness surrounds us… Our text today has given me some clues. […]
Grace - covers the shame and removes the stain... What better summary of a biblical trajectory and narrative can we read than with these words from the songwriter? Cover and remove in this story are powerful signifiers of truth that can break through in surprising ways in a world that holds tightly to achievement at […]
New semesters, new beginnings take us careening down a path of excitement mixed with potential and busyness. Potential for new friendships, for new career possibilities, for new ways to make a difference, to care for our campus and world. Yet also there is the push of busyness that can increase fragmentation, loneliness, and isolation. I […]
Is It Well with my Soul? Horatio Spafford’s hymn, It is Well with my Soul has resonated with people over the years since he wrote in light of the brutal tragedy of losing so much, including his children. From a very young age I can remember singing and appreciating this song at various levels of […]
“When we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us […]
Along with Will Willimon from his book Why Jesus? I have been personally asking myself the same question in light of the events of my life. We embark upon some reflections about this question from a variety of angles. No Ordinary ClaimsPalm Sunday has just passed and has reminded me again of why Jesus continues […]
We start a new blog series, looking at the person of Jesus who is never far out of the media and away from conversation, even with so many centuries having passed since he was here. He has been called magician, sage, preacher, miracle worker, teacher, and so many other descriptors are attributed to him. So […]
A quote sent to me by my colleague Bert, really spoke to me today: “The sorrows and wounds God’s people receive from their losses are not miraculously healed after a short time of emotional catharsis. And sometimes in the church there is such an impatience with grief. Why isn’t Allan “over” Carol’s death or Connie […]