Dance in the dark
Reverend Otis Moss (senior pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago) tells a story about a time when he and his church were under attack, some years ago. They were receiving dozens of death threats every week, “We’re…
Freedom to choose to care
The Sunday-school teacher asked her 10-year-old students if they would be willing to give $1,000,000 to missionary work for children and families in need."Yes," they all screamed in unison."Very good. Would you give $1000?""Yes!""Good. Would you give $1?"The class responded,…
We are builders
An elderly carpenter is eager to retire. He tells his employer (a very well-respected contractor) of his plans to leave the house-building business. He wishes to live a more leisurely life with his wife and extended family. He knows he…
We are healers
Happy New Year to all.For many, it is resolution time.But here’s my confession, I’m not a list maker. Well, that’s not technically accurate. I do make lists, but tend to forget where I put them. This is true; I tip…
Better to light a candle
As a storeowner tacked a sign above his door, 'Puppies for Sale,' a little boy appeared and asked. "How much are you going to sell those puppies for?"The storeowner replied "$50 each."The little boy reached into his pocket and pulled…
Soaked in Grace
GK Chesterton tells the story of a teenage boy granted one wish by a genie. “Do you wish to be huge or tiny?”We are all swayed by the appeal of being big, strong and powerful. So, no surprise, the boy…
They serve one another
It has been another week where the news makes us wonder if there are any answers... accompanied by feeling powerless, deeply emotional, horrified, angry, and scared.I am grateful for your emails. One asked, “You talk about spiritual hydration. But how…
To reflect the light
During the recent pandemic shutdown, on my walk every day, I stopped to chat with (and yes, often preach to) the congregation of sheep just around the corner from my house. I miss them.They gave me the permission to simply…
How the light gets in
Today is 9-11. Images are seared into our memories. And remembering the questions: “Where were you? What did you feel? Who did you call?"Although I remember very vividly, I didn't know exactly how to answer what I felt. Because there…
This little light of mine
I spent today on Vashon Island. Guest preacher at Burton Church. And while on Vashon, I had to stop by, and say hello to my former congregation, the sheep.They looked up, as if to say, “We haven’t seen you in…
