T This piece was originally posted on http://forum.covquarterly.com/how-can-the-church-be-supportive-a-response-to-amy-simpson/ in response to an article published in The Covenant Quarterly. Amy Simpson’s article, “Supporting Families Living With Mental Illness” resonated deeply with me. Her story speaks of a journey that many walk in silence; one with which I am all too familiar. I am ordained in the […]
Church
Why We Must Teach Our Children to Not Give Up Doing Good
The joyful anticipation of the beginning of Summer break became tainted with disappointment as we walked home from school that day. My fifth grade son and his friend and I sauntered down the sidewalk in conversation as the warm breeze brushed over our bodies; a reminder of God’s never ceasing hand at work. Our […]
When God Speaks But The Fulfillment Appears Incomplete
Traditionally, the Holy week observances exhort us to reflect on events of Jesus’ last days. Moments that affirm the story of a new kingdom unfolding “on Earth as it is in Heaven.” We recognize and recount Jesus’ death and resurrection. But what about Saturday? Why, as Christians, do we brush off that “extra” day? The Jews recognize Saturday […]
How a “Good Thing” Can Be a Stumbling Block
Would you call your closest friend Satan? No doubt that friends can have disagreements sometimes. It happens. But calling someone you consider to be your confidant, advocate and support system, the name of a being whose only mission is to destroy seems harsh. Especially, if the context involves your friend seemingly making known a desire that […]
Where is the safest place?
Sometimes life doesn’t make sense. The reality of living in a world of brokenness washes over us on a daily basis. Yet, I think we are still caught off guard by it……and sometimes the depth of that brokenness challenges us. In November 2015, Amanda Blackburn, wife and new mother, (her son wasn’t yet one […]
"If the Church Would be the Church"
My neighbor and I have some lively discussions. It’s refreshing; actually, since our demographics differ greatly. He is an 80 year old widower, father, grandfather, vet; and agnostic I am 50, wife, mom, and Christian. We talk about everything: parenting, economics, the state of the country, gardening and when the Spirit opens a window of […]
