Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. (Hebrews 13:1–2 NLT) “What’s the matter, honey?” I heard her voice before I saw her face. My own face was bent into my hands, covered in tears. A lot…
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. (1 Peter 4:8–9 ESV) Every time I hear the phrase “welcome at the table,” I immediately picture my cafeteria lunch tables in high school. I was welcome at three different tables—the band nerds’ table,…
About a year ago, a notable shift took place in our church congregation. Week by week, people from the neighborhood work release center (an incarceration facility where inmates are only allowed to leave for work and church) began filtering over, to our great delight. A few became a handful, and before long, they filled several…
I first read the term placemaker on Christie Purifoy’s Instagram account. Not long after, she wrote in a blog post, “When I say I am a placemaker, I am speaking of my life purpose, not only a season of life. I am also other things. A writer. A gardener. But for me these roles are…
If there is one word for what I have craved most in my life, I would say it’s connection. Of course, I want to belong, and for years I equated fitting in with belonging. I also believed that my value was only in my beauty or my abilities. I’m glad I was wrong. I’m glad my…
I like inviting people to my house. We experience something intimate once they cross the threshold, and it’s easy for me to casually make an offer. Come for coffee? How about lunch? Need a bite to eat? We’re having an open house—wanna come? I like inviting, but not everyone likes coming. What’s that all about,…