Author: vancecrains
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Who is My Enemy?
You’re not my enemy if you disagree with me. Your’e not my enemy if you yell at me. You’re not my enemy if we vote for different candidates. You’re not my enemy if we have different theologies, or interpretations of Scripture. You’re not my enemy if you leave an angry…
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Ignoring the Bible
According to Dillard’s character, the Bible is a scandalous, dangerous document, that through repeated exposure can awaken us to the fatal flaws of this world, and that we act like we believe, but usually just ignore.
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The Black Panther and the Church…
Not surprisingly, I couldn’t help but think of the Church. We also have a treasure the world desperately needs. We, the Church, also struggle with the purpose of our existence. Do we exist for ourselves? Or, do we exist for the world? Are we a kingdom in hiding, or a…
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Bravery
Bravery’s hard. Bravery requires risk and vulnerability. Bravery requires facing the likelihood of danger. Bravery requires stepping out of the shadows, and into the light. Bravery requires facing the possibility of failure and defeat. Bravery requires the courage to be real, to be exposed.
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Pulling Weeds
Weeds are pretty good metaphor for my life. When I’m not paying attention, weeds can unexpectedly pop up, crowding into my life, sapping energy and vitality. Sometimes weeds are bad habits. Sometimes weeds are unhealthy emotions. Sometimes weeds are negative, self-defeating thoughts. Sometimes weeds are painful memories. Sometimes weeds are…
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Heroes
As I reflect on my heroes, I see themes emerge: leadership, humility, dissatisfaction with the status quo, authenticity, fearlessness in the face of opposition, service and sacrifice, courage, commitment to change, depth of character, belief that a better world is possible, perseverance, overcoming hardship and resistance, and a deep passion…
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God “Bless?” America
Is it possible we understand the word “blessed” correctly, but expect the wrong outcome? After all, we live in the wealthiest, most prosperous nation on earth. But, what’s all of our wealth and welfare doing for us?
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Being a “cracked-pot” pastor…
I still find myself wondering, almost daily, “Is this what a pastor is supposed to think, say, feel, do?” I often conclude the answer must be “no.” After almost twenty-five years of ministry, I’m still figuring out this job every day.
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God meant things to be so much easier…
Is it possible that we’ve created a way of living that’s unhealthy, unsustainable, and undermining the kind of life we actually long for? Is it possible that our values and lifestyles – the values and lifestyles of normal, church-going, law-abiding citizens – are actually completely out-of-whack? Is it possible that…
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