"When fear, rather than love, compels us, we do really terrible things to other people." (Shane Claiborne) Think about our world right now. Doesn't fear feel like the primary emotion in the atmosphere? Fear + hatred. With these as the driving forces, really terrible things are being done. Everywhere we look. Fear + hatred = […]

A brief thought or poem for the weekend, friends ... Pamela Greenberg's beautiful translation of the Psalms leaves me speechless. Her version of part of Psalm 27 lives in my heart these days: Don't give me over to the breath of my fears. For distortions in the name of truth, they breathe out visions of […]

Here's an idea: If you are invited to a wedding that you don't feel good about for whatever reason, let's say you don't agree with it, my most sincere tip is to stay home. Don't show up with a scowl on your face, assuming that it is better to be present at the celebration, all […]

I am re-posting this short essay I wrote a year ago after I resigned from my former church. I do not post it to bring up old wounds for anyone. I post it to be clear about my own story, my reason for resigning, my deep love for Jesus and his teachings. ******************************* I recently […]

I have had some very honest conversations with a few dear friends recently. These conversations are game-changers. Not because there is any advice offered. No quick-fix suggestions. No "I used to struggle with the same thing, but then I found a perfect answer" nonsense. Nope. Just deep listening. Gentle curiosity. Simple questions asked only for […]

It just so happens that you're presented with the chance to read a list of all the people who've ever hated you. It's quite long from what you can see. To help you decide, you compile a list of pros and cons. On one hand, you would know once and for all. On the other […]