Two years ago I struggled with feeling disconnected from community. I felt burned out from an extended period of reaching out to others and attempting to establish deeper connections and relationships, specifically within my church. I pulled back from many of my existing relationships in an attempt at self-preservation. I believed I was cutting current…
Murphy’s Law would say everything goes wrong as you’re trying to get your family out the door for church. People wake up late, and they wake up grumpy. The baby poops through his diaper onto your pants just as we are walking out the door. Big homework projects due on Monday are suddenly “remembered.” I’ve…
Community is a buzzword in this generation’s Christian church. However, I believe that’s for an important reason. We were made to live in community. The first church in the Book of Acts was a community. We were created to be with others, not alone. Our creator put a craving for community and belonging within each…
When I look at the friendships I’ve had over the course of forty-plus years, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Not because I’ve had an abundance of friendships, but because my friendships have made my life richer and challenged me to be who I am today. An old saying notes three kinds of friendships: Friends for a…
Did I offer peace today? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come. ~Henri Nouwen…
Most of us know someone who struggles with their health. Perhaps they’ve been diagnosed with a physical chronic illness, or they struggle daily with their mental health. As their friend, we seek to love and serve them in their suffering. But how often do we remember their children? Three ways children can suffer when their…