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We find it convenient to dismiss Jesus. He is just not from the right place. Maybe he’s a person of color. Maybe he speaks another language, or comes from another denomination or tradition, or lives on the street. Maybe he’s a she, transgender, or gender-neutral....
The youth group was presenting an improvisational retelling of the Annunciation. Gabriel, with thick glasses and a big grin, strode into the chancel, where Mary sat. “Hi, Mary—I’m the Angel Gabriel, and I came to tell you that God loves you.”….(View this reading...
God will never give you more than you can handle. This platitude is enshrined on cards, posters, and social media. When I see it, I want to scream. I don’t believe that God gives us more than we can handle—evil does that. God does not prevent the testing. Instead, God...
The Internet has spawned a “You’re Doing It Wrong” cottage industry: “The Five Foods You Should Never Eat,” “The 10 Items in Your Cupboard You Need to Throw Away,” or “Seven Ways You Are Sabotaging Your Relationship.” And that’s before we even get to posts on what’s...
Palestine, in the centuries when the Bible was being written, was full of shepherds, and sheep were important. They provided milk, meat, wool, and even the parchment on which the words of God could be written. But sheep are not very bright, requiring...
When I was a junior in high school, my grandfather died, and my grandmother came to live with us. By the time I left for college, I decided I did not like old people. Now I am one. My husband and I are in relatively….(View this reading and more resources for...
Do you want to be made well? Of course! Or is Jesus asking this man something even deeper and more crucial? The sick man has been sitting near the pool every day for thirty-eight years, with no one to help him into the water. Has he not asked? Has h….(View this...
“My Father’s house…” For 12 years this boy has been at my side in the carpenter shop, my hands guiding his. I had almost forgotten the angels, the stable, the strange visitors, the terror of escaping Herod’s soldiers, and the journey to Egypt…and th….(View...
Life is a group project. I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing without family, friends, teachers, and mentors. Where would I be without strangers who have grown and harvested my food, kept me healthy, built the house I live in, and invented the computer on which I write...
As parents, we want to keep our children safe under our wings. We hold our breath the first time a toddler tumbles; our hearts break at teenage disappointments or an adult child’s harsh treatment in a harsh world. And we are devastated when they stumble and...
As we grow older, we are less likely to recognize thirst. We may think we’re hungry or tired long before we realize we are becoming dehydrated and need a drink of water. We can easily fail to recognize our spiritual dehydration too, until we are parched and find...
How does it feel to have a clean heart and a right spirit? Years ago, I found myself leaving a church position because the rector and I were simply at odds. That priest eventually left the parish; I went on to become director of communications for our diocese. For...
One of my treasures hangs on our living room wall. On this canvas painted by my uncle is a large red rock amid other rocks in a fast-flowing stream. He captured the light and power of the rapids beautifully. When I read this verse, I picture Uncle Joe’s...
After church one Sunday, a fairly new member exclaimed to several of us, “I love this church! There are so many real born-again Christian people!” I do not match the criteria for what many people mean by born-again. “Oh,” ….(View this reading and more resources...
At a conference I attended, the leader of a gospel choir pointed out that many of us were clapping wrong. In gospel music—as in most African musical traditions and most of today’s popular music—the clap is on the off-beat, not the downbeat. After some practice, I...
