In the Bible, Job did not avoid darkness, and he did not avoid God. Instead, he brought his questions about the darkness to God. He wrestled with God. Job refused to be silenced by darkness, and he refused to fear darkness. He kept speaking truth, kept pleading. He kept wrestling through the dark. Finally, he had a break through. He emerged enlightened, and in God's light . . . .
How does something like the Catholic abuse cover up occur? How do societies ever allow evil acts to become "norms"? Two reasons: fear and power. More precisely, a weak mind is fearful of worldly powers, superficial hierarchies, social authorities. It is fearful of upsetting the status quo, even when that status quo is unholy. But God doesn't give the spirit of fear. He gives the spirit of power and sound minds...
Trust is precious and fragile. Every human relationship requires some degree of gifted trust. All social contracts are built on trust. When we trust others, we lower ourselves. We expose our throats believing the other party would never cut us at the jugular. We depend on them, and they on us. We expect mutual loyalty, mutual love, mutual fellowship, mutual support...
"Victim-centered means putting the person seeking services truly at the center of the work, which starts with engagement and recognizing that they are whole people, not just victims or survivors." ~from the Office for Victims of Crime If you have... Continue Reading →
The Apostle Paul was a Worthy Disciple who exemplified a Christian balance of both a serpent's wisdom and a dove's harmlessness. He was the balance of bold and base, wise cunning and simple innocence. What made him a Worthy Disciple was Christ in him. When Paul saw unhealthy, unholy division in the Christian church at Corinth, he had to tread carefully on how to address issues within the Corinthian church. He had to possess the wisdom to discern the causes of division, but he also had to have the innocent motive to heal, not hurt (unite, not destroy).
We don't have to live in fear, for God is with us in triumph and tragedy. Facing our brokenness is an epic journey of sorts, into the abyss of pain. But He catches every tear, and He never leaves us alone. No tear is cried in vain. From our pain, He creates purpose. We can rest knowing, not our will, but His will be done.
Wesley and other sanctification preachers throughout history called the Church, the "light of the world," that "city upon a hill," to a higher standard of both personal AND social holiness...
This week has been particularly painful for many. The Senate's Supreme Court confirmation hearing coverage was all-consuming. Once again, without asking for our consent, persons who had others perpetrate acts of violence on them found themselves in the center of... Continue Reading →
Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, right? So what purpose does reason serve? Is reason of the world and faith of the heavens? Are the two diametric opposites? What says the... Continue Reading →
Justice is blind, and her judgments are fair, impartial, and moral. The blindfolded Justice holds a balance in one hand and a sword in the other. On Justice's scales, she weighs evidence against truth; Justice's blindfold shows her impartiality; and... Continue Reading →
Whatever brings you to God's calm in the storm, here are 13 songs that have brought us that cathartic release during difficult life moments.
