We experienced the best and the worst of humanity. We saw the worst in those who flew planes into buildings, believing they were doing God's will. We saw the best in those who gave of themselves in self-less service, those who showed enormous love, compassion and mercy.
Seeing the Holy…in Cobra Kai
Over Labor Day weekend, we finally dove into Cobra Kai. I had cruised past it a couple of times but finally decided to dive in. We made it through Season 1 and are looking forward to Season 2. The Karate Kid is an 80s classic (never-mind the sequels) and Ralph Macchio doesn't age, so we…
Braving the Wilderness Series Preview
The world has never seen anything like this. Plans wrecked, sickness wreaking havoc, entire countries sent into exile. Oh... you thought I was talking about the last six months or so. I might be, but I also could be referring to the 13th century BCE and the events of the book in the Hebrew Bible that is the Exodus.
When Jesus Said…Get Lost
God’s Best Work
Driving through a tunnel can be fearful experience, especially one that you have never been through before. I once drove through one in the mountains, dark and never-ending. I mean never-ending. It seemed like I would never the see the light of day. Lately, I’ve been thinking about that drive a lot lately. I came…
Pivoting
I've probably heard the word pivot more in the last three months than I have heard it in my entire life. I've probably used the word pivot more in the last three months than I've have in my entire life. In a COVID-19 world, pivoting has become trendy. We are doing things in a new…
6 Things I’ve Learned at the Church Door
I was thinking the other day about what I miss most about having church in-person. There are many things to miss about not being able to gather in-person and when we do, I suspect church will look different for the foreseeable future. It struck me that I really miss church door conversations. Now, I know…
The Holy Spirit as Agitator
This is an approximation of the words I shared during my sermon on May 31, 2020 on Pentecost The Holy Spirit as Agitator We need an agitator in our collective lives. This has been a tragic week in our nation with the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. On a day when we celebrate the…
The Myth of “Seminary Didn’t Prepare Me for This”
I'm kinda over the phrase, "seminary didn't prepare me for this. I know that clergy use it as comic relief and a way to take out frustration, but the truth is that my seminary education (along with other life experience) DID prepare me for leadership during this time. A big shout out today to Candler…
We Don’t Agree…Now What?
“Go along so we can get along” How many times in your life has someone told you that? It’s never felt very good to me, when another tells me that I should conform to expectations, just so we can move along. It does not create a fulfilling life nor needed change. We like unity. We…
