Happy New Year, Friends! 2 Timothy 1:3-18 is my favorite passage to meditate on as I begin a new year, partly because of the simple, memorable, three-point outline below.[1] In an effort to share it with you as clearly as possible, after some introductory remarks related to 3-5, I’ll offer some reflective thoughts and questions after each point and relevant … Read More
Going Through Storms, 1 of 2
One standout memory from the global pandemic was hearing Brittany Howard’s powerful, bluesy voice reimagine the classic “You’ll Never Walk Alone”: “When you walk through the storm hold your head up high and don’t be afraid of the dark… Why? Well… in the song it has something to do with “the golden sky” at the end of the storm and … Read More
Hero-dads are Inadequate to Provide for All of Their Kid’s Needs
It was the morning of July 19, 2014—the day after my oldest son’s wedding—and I was lost in thought. Just the night before, at the glorious end of a full day of celebration, Pam and I had watched as he, his beautiful bride, and many friends danced with all their hearts to Coldplay’s “Sky Full of Stars.” Standing there, watching … Read More
Churches & Pastors: Toxic or Trustworthy?
If you’re a regular subscriber and missed getting the blog last week, I’m sorry about that. I was a bit overwhelmed with some other projects and deadlines which I’ll explain. It was my first time to skip a week since starting in June 2016! As I shared in a recent bi-monthly ministry update, I’m getting ready to do a soft … Read More
For Those Who Struggle with Depression
…O LORD my Lord. Act on my behalf for your name’s sake; because your steadfast love is good, deliver me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is pierced within me. I am gone like a shadow at evening… (Psa. 109:21-23a, NRSV) A nothingness permeates my soul. My smile is forced and hollow. I can say nothing, write … Read More