Our familiarity sometimes blinds us to things that are out of the ordinary. “Jesus is Coming Soon” is a favorite song among many in my tradition—Churches of Christ. Its cheery, catchy tune matched with lovely harmonies will embed itself in your brain and have you humming it throughout the week. It’s super familiar to me…
What do execution, cross-stitching, and beauty have in common?
In 2018, what words come to mind when the average non-Christian in America hears the term Christianity? Bigotry, hate, homophobia, hypocrisy, misogyny… abuse, power, politics…excusing or ignoring or dismissing unChristian behaviors? We’re familiar with the research, not to mention many headline-making high-profile cases, that demonstrate this, right? (Some of the studies are discussed here.) I confess…
She grabbed the communion goblet with both hands, wrestling it awkwardly out of the officiant’s hands, and took a big gulp. Her teenage daughter followed suit. This happened recently as some friends and I had gathered for a church service before a preaching conference. After we had lots of laughs over their “mistake” of not…
It was a warm spring evening in Abilene, Texas (2005) when I heard my calling–clearly, loudly, and undeniably. Twelve years later I still bristle at the term, but my brief forays away from that calling (and numerous mentors) have confirmed its validity. I am called to use my gifts of speaking, writing, teaching, and leading…
