There are many ways to practice unhealthy conflict resolution. Sometimes, we run away from the person that hurt us, cutting off the relationship before we get hurt again. Sometimes, we bury the hurt, trying to maintain peace in the relationship, fearing turmoil in our own hearts. Sometimes, we talk … Continue reading
It is a phrase slapped across bumper stickers and painted onto cement walls and written onto signs held up in the stands. Jesus saves. It sounds so stale. Christians have worn out this phrase, so that the world rolls their eyes at the sight of its letters. … Continue reading
I love to read Lore Ferguson. Her words overflow with the desire to honor Christ in all that she says and does. She brings a unique perspective the the challenge of how we can find wonder in the Christmas story. O holy night, the stars are brightly shining; It … Continue reading
The darkness engulfs the sky earlier each day. Just a few months ago, we could eat our dinner outside, as the sun provided us with warmth and light. Now, our evening meal is consumed in the house, where the kitchen fixture shines in bold contrast to the black blanket outside … Continue reading
I repeated the words over and over and over. His blood shed for you… His blood shed for you… His blood shed for you. The Lord’s Supper, Communion, the Eucharist: no matter how we title the experience, it is a holy gift of stillness. A manifestation of grace that helps … Continue reading
My lungs push hard against my ribs from the pressure. I feel as if my chest might explode. I have only made it 28 seconds, so as much as it pains me, I am not ready to quit. I grit my teeth, close my eyes, and focus, hoping to last … Continue reading
I tried to stop listening, but I couldn’t. The conversation I overheard from the next booth at the restaurant was like a slow motion train wreck. The words rang in my ears and sank deep into my heart. I wanted to shout, beg for it to stop. Instead, I just … Continue reading
My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? It is a question that hangs heavy. Even when I read the words, I feel their depth of despair. If I heard them uttered out loud, I might break under the weight of their emotion. Forsaken is not a word uttered … Continue reading
I’m not a very cynical person by nature. Most of the time, I’m pretty optimistic, actually. .I love to recognize the potential in the people around me. I enjoy dreaming about future possibilities. It doesn’t take me very long to see the good in the bad. Yet sometimes, my pessimistic … Continue reading
Do you ever read the Bible and assume it’s talking about someone else? Especially a verse like this: Fools say to themselves,“There is no God.” They sin and commit evil deeds; none of them does what is right. – Psalm 14:1 (NET) There are multiple reasons I would … Continue reading
