My custom most mornings is to start by spending time reading the Bible, praying, thinking and writing in my journal. Then I turn to the news of the day. Today's edition of the New York Times featured the obituary of World War II war-time sex slave Kim Bok-dong who died Monday in Seoul, South Korea, atContinue reading "What in the Sam Hill is going on down here anyway?"
Given the deep political divide in this country, how will we ever even begin to show proper empathy and respect?
The political divide in this country cuts deeply, into how we view politics, where we live, who we want our kids to marry, and even where we go to church. Who can we ever trust, and why should we anyway? How can we as pastors, leaders, politicians, even every day ordinary citizens, ever hope toContinue reading "Given the deep political divide in this country, how will we ever even begin to show proper empathy and respect?"
Book Purging #5 cheered on by PPI’s Executive Vice-President
Since we couldn't get out much yesterday with all the snow, ice and blowing, we (Jennifer & I) tackled my office ... again. When I get in the mood, Jennifer is my strongest ally. She can travel lightly, and when it's time to clean things out, "Look out, here she comes." Yesterday was one ofContinue reading "Book Purging #5 cheered on by PPI’s Executive Vice-President"
Of course men should cry
I've been reading the book of Genesis as 2019 unfolds. Rich Nathan, senior pastor of Columbus Vineyard, in Columbus, OH, recently noticed something quite interesting about Joseph from the book of Genesis: https://twitter.com/RichNathan/status/1085874258243244032 Well of course men cry, or at least they should. I grew up in out near the Colorado border with "tough" boysContinue reading "Of course men should cry"
The writer of a wonderful book on grief looks back 36 years
Ten years ago an old friend of mine gave me Lament for a Son by Nicholas Wolterstorff. It is a tremendous book to help people understand grieving, and it helped me immeasurably. Wolterstorff, now 86, has written a very thoughtful essay in the Jan. 10, 2019 "Christian Century" Magazine called Grief speaks the truth. LookingContinue reading "The writer of a wonderful book on grief looks back 36 years"
Prayers for 2019 brimming with life
As January 1 approached, I was talking with a man at a local coffee shop about setting goals for the new year. I told him I don’t normally make New Year’s Resolutions. When our faith came up, he told me he is a Catholic and asked, “What prayers will you pray in 2019?” I don'tContinue reading "Prayers for 2019 brimming with life"
The #MeToo, #ChurchToo movements have done their work in 2018, and it’s not over yet!
When pastor Bill Hybels resigned from Willow Creek Community Church in early April after several women (nearly 10) brought allegations against Hybels of sexual harassment, I was shocked, angry, sad and confused. I have so admired Bill Hybels over the years, reading his books, listening to his leadership challenges and often agreeing that his insightsContinue reading "The #MeToo, #ChurchToo movements have done their work in 2018, and it’s not over yet!"
We can only imagine, but we should still try to …
Down through the centuries, artists, writers, painters and theologians repeatedly have tried to show, to paint, to explain ... what it was like when the Virgin Mary was suddenly face-to-face with the angel Gabriel who was carrying a message to deliver that young Mary could only imagine: "You will conceive and give birth to aContinue reading "We can only imagine, but we should still try to …"
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