“This issue isn’t appropriate to talk about.” The men sat there, listening as we talked about grievous sin. They told us it needed to be kept quiet and private. Secret. These were issues so shameful and uncomfortable they needed to be silent. I didn’t know silence is what brought healing. I didn’t know that…
Category
Spirituality
Deny the Lie – Yes, You Can
“You Can’t.” Words that ignored my desires, words that crushed my spirit. “You Can’t.” Those were the words spoken to me over and over in my life. You can’t be a chef. You can’t go off to college. You can’t be a camp counselor. You can’t write about certain things. You can’t have your…
Are You a Commercial or an Encourager?
We live in a culture that tells us to spend money. The Olympics aren’t about who’s the best anymore. They’re about who has the time and money to spend on gyms and training and equipment. Even standing on the podium has turned into an opportunity for advertisement. Almost every single commercial or magazine ad we…
Music Monday – He is More
Originally I wasn’t going to write a post today, but I did. It’s a quick one though, without hours of edits, so hopefully it’s not too bad!. Last week on the internet was surprisingly emotional and tiring. I have 2 kids gone for a few days, so my house is relatively quiet and I have…
The Highest Priority in Conversation
What is civility in an age of text, threads, and tweets? What does it mean to have honest discussion when you can post an article on Facebook, and the comments take on a life of their own? What is common courtesy when pulses are racing, nerves are shaking, and emotions are high? Is courtesy even…
Music Monday – Denying My Own Humanity
This Music Monday is a little different. I was working through something all during church yesterday, and one of the songs fit perfectly with it. My mom used to introduce me to people as ‘the perfect child.’ My identity was based in what I did. I never disobeyed, never got into trouble. …
Katy Perry and the Exclusive Christian Bubble
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Mark 8:35 It is a paradox at the heart of Christian life. Once transformed toward the neighbor rather than literally being stuck on ourselves, we “delight” to enter others’ beliefs, passions, and imagination, even when we…
Saved By A Book
July has been so busy. 7 schedules intertwining, overlapping, always someone gone, something to do. And still food to cook, a house to clean, words to write. Trips to friends’ houses. Camp. VBS. Visiting family from out of state. A sick kid, meetings, birthday parties, another sick kid. It has been chaotic, and quiet time…