Category: Justice
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I choose love…
Here’s what I know. The more I love God, the closer I’m drawn to him. The closer I’m drawn to God, the more I see the work still left to be done in me. But, when I feel guilty or ashamed, I tend to hide from God, hiding my sin…
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Taming Leviathan: in search of God, and an elusively acceptable explanation for suffering and evil
Though leviathan are mythical – especially tamed ones – and the real-life tragedies of this world are definitely not, this image – literal or not – reminds me that God is not defined by my simplistic definitions of good and bad, right and wrong, just and unjust, fair and unfair. …
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What follows your “but”?
There are times, we all need to lament. I’m thankful God is graciously willing and able to receive our laments, even when they are less than kind, respectful, or faith-filled, without holding our complaints against us.
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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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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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“Rights” vs. “Righteousness”
Inevitably… predictably… another mass shooting has inflamed the gun “rights” debate. Again, politicians and pundits are debating the “rights” of gun-owners, guaranteed by the U.S. constitution, versus the “rights” of the innocent victims of gun-violence.
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Preaching for the Governor… and Fox, NBC, CBS, ABC, Reuters…
was prepared for yesterday (Sunday, February 18, 2018) to be a “different” kind of Sunday, given the recent tragedy in our community. We’d already modified the service to address the myriad questions and emotions, to honor the dead, and to comfort the hurting. We were prepared for larger crowds, knowing…
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Monuments of Shame
During my college years, I was quite enamored with beer. I’m not proud of that. But, it’s the truth. My love affair with beer became a destructive habit that damaged relationships, hindered my maturation and education, and cast a permanent dark cloud over that chapter of my life. I not…
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The Sin of Being Passive
I can easily be accused of being passive. I don’t move quickly. I take my time making decisions. I tend to be quiet – taking in more than I express. I don’t get very excited very often. I prefer peace and calm. I don’t show much variation of facial expression. I…
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