Friday, February 12, 2021 | Reflections
The Bible contains many images of angels. Some are powerful messengers who reassure people to “fear not.” Some are avenging angels with the power to destroy. Some are guardians. Artists have portrayed angels in many ways. Raphael painted chubby-cheeked cherubs, and...
Thursday, February 11, 2021 | Reflections
I did not realize until my marriage of thirty years fell apart that a broken heart literally, physically hurts. I wondered if I should see a cardiologist, but a routine physical proved me physically fit and healthy. There are no pills or surgeries to treat...
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 | Reflections
Once (okay, more than once), I became overwhelmed with projects: ministries, committees, acts of compassion and mercy, being the perfect teacher and mom. I was practically a saint, except I wasn’t. I was exhausted and tearful. I was short with my family; my lower left...
Tuesday, February 9, 2021 | Reflections
I would like to be a salty old woman. Maybe I already am. While people consider my mother a kind, lovely woman of wit and intelligence, she also has a little saltiness. She isn’t crude or rude—just plain-spoken and honest. Once, when someone was whiny and dramatic,...
Monday, February 8, 2021 | Reflections
In the 1970s, Time magazine featured photographs of mass baptisms of hippies at California beaches. This was the Jesus Movement, and the converts were called Jesus Freaks. My college dorm neighbor posted a sign on her door, declaring she had found J….(View this...
Sunday, February 7, 2021 | Reflections
Is addiction a choice or a disease? The subject is hotly debated in recovery circles, with some calling it a disease of choice. Some people advocate tough love as a response. Others propose medical treatments. Those who love addicts are universally frustrated and...
Saturday, February 6, 2021 | Reflections
“What is your favorite image of Jesus?” a friend once asked. I answered the Good Shepherd. Why? Because it speaks of God’s care, protection and providence. In her lovely song, “I Shall Not Want,” Audrey Assad names things from which we may need to….(View this...
Friday, February 5, 2021 | Reflections
Ezra is five, and I tease his parents that he is like the cartoon character Dennis the Menace, with his curiosity and chatter. Upon learning his daddy’s middle name is David like the ancient King of Israel, Ezra wanted to know more about the king. I told him the story...
Thursday, February 4, 2021 | Reflections
One of my former special needs students, now a friend, sometimes calls and asks me to take her places. WWF wrestling? No, I am not a fan. Roller derby? Yes, I enjoy it as much as she does. Biker church? Maybe. My friend is fascinated with motorcycles and...
Wednesday, February 3, 2021 | Reflections
Context is everything with this verse. When the Pharisees come to Jesus and ask for a sign to test him, Jesus has just performed the miracle of the loaves and fishes, feeding four thousand people. It is no wonder that he sighs deeply. I would have rolled my eyes as...
Tuesday, February 2, 2021 | Reflections
Several of my friends have lost children to addiction. These funerals are heart-wrenching. Not only is the family mourning the death of a loved one, but they often have experienced suffering and stigma before the final loss. One mother displayed pictures in the...
Monday, February 1, 2021 | Reflections
This is not always true of me. I am sometimes very afraid. In particular, the idea of serious injury or disease afflicting my children terrifies me. Yet I know it is possible to have a faith that the psalmist describes. Sometimes, I trust and am able to put aside my...
Sunday, January 31, 2021 | Reflections
I recently heard the story of a Palestinian physician who lives and works in Gaza. He was trying to complete a trip that should be around six hours. With the checkpoints and border patrols, the trip ended up taking twelve hours. As the doctor talked about...
Saturday, January 30, 2021 | Reflections
Of all the verses you could pull from the Bible, this one from Galatians may be my favorite. There is a deep and abiding message to me in these words and the premise: We are all one in Jesus Christ. I believe this to be true. I also know that we Christians...
Friday, January 29, 2021 | Reflections
Psalm 40 begins, “I waited patiently upon the LORD.” And every time I read it, I wonder: What is it to wait patiently on the Lord? What is it to wait patiently on and for anything? My world has not served me well in learning to wait. Even my church has ….(View...
