I love to ask people questions because great questions can usually cut through a lot of the fog.  Jesus was a person who was always asking great questions...When the  disciples were in a boat  in a terrible storm, Jesus asked,  “Why are you afraid?” (Matthew 8:26)He asked  the  disciples, when  they were  faced  with feedingContinue reading "Jesus — the great question asker"

Freelance author Philip Yancey, one of my long-time favorite writers,  is just finishing up a trip to the far east, including Malaysia, where he spoke at a pastor's conference.  Below are some of the questions he fielded from Malaysian pastors.  Sounds like questions that could have come from a pastor's conference here in America, too.Continue reading "Questions Malaysian pastors ask…"

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”  I am deeply saddened and I am grieving for people in Boston.  I am so sorry.  I pray for them ... the medical personnel, the firemen, the clergy, the policeman, the school teachers, the parents of young children, and the families of those killed orContinue reading "So hard… We can only imagine"

[This religion column appeared in section B-3 of the Sunday Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette (4/14/2013).  With their permission, here it is.] The Christian world was shocked last week when news spread of the death of 27-year-old Matthew Warren, the youngest son of internationally-known pastor Rick Warren of the famed Saddleback Community Church in Orange County Calif. TheContinue reading "Compassionate care key for those struggling with mental illness"

I read Albert Hsu's book Grieving a Suicide, written by Hsu after his own father ended his life in 1998. This piece written by Hsu for the TU 4/9 online edition of Christianity Today magazine is excellent.

Trusting God does not mean that we will never have questions, doubts, or fears. It doesn't mean we won't be depressed or discouraged.  Trusting God does not mean we won't have to take anti-depressants or get sick. We cannot simply turn off the natural thoughts and feelings that arise when we face difficult circumstances. Author Ken SandeContinue reading "Trusting God does not mean not having questions and doubts"

The Internet is hopping today, and with every good reason, with condolences for Rick and Kay Warren (prominent pastors from Saddleback Community Church) on the death of their youngest son, who ended his life late last week.Warren's son had suffered from debilitating mental illness for many years.  Mental illness effects so many families in veryContinue reading "Embracing the mystery of mental illness"

The signs during the Christmas season say, "He is the Reason for the Season."  How about this one for Easter.....He who did not spare his own son but gave him up for YOU!  Romans 8:32