I have been trying to make sense of the role I can play as a citizen of a nation in turmoil. And with all due respect to JFK, asking what I can do for my country needs a qualifier. Last week's insurrection reveals how a misplaced desire to make the country great can lead to... Continue Reading →
Politics & Devotion: Why I am not a one-issue voter
We are in the home stretch of personal and collective debates about which presidential candidate should win our votes and why. Many Christians believe that our faith demands we vote for Republican candidates because of the party’s more restrictive stance on abortion. I have a different approach that is anchored in freedom, not legalistic demands... Continue Reading →
Why do our heroes die?
The death of Chadwick Boseman hit all of us hard for all kinds of reasons: Because it was so unexpected. Because Boseman never revealed his private battle. Because he was so young. Because we hate cancer. Because 2020. Most striking for me is that Chadwick Boseman was a hero to us. As T'Challa he represented... Continue Reading →
Politics & Devotion: Dear Evangelicals, I’m tired of sitting in the balcony
Over the course of several days, I sat before the Lord trying to understand why I was so bitter toward evangelicals. I was sincere in my desire to examine my heart and to repent of sin. Per normal, I journaled about it: Lord, I have this deep disappointment in evangelicals - White Bible-believing Christians -... Continue Reading →
We are not more depraved
Dear Lord, They think we're more depraved. Isn't that it? Isn't that what's nagging and gnawing at me? Isn't that why they cite statistics about our crime rates and achievement gaps? They are saying we are more depraved. And yet, they built a house and put us in the cellar. They built it on purpose... Continue Reading →
Finally, we can grieve together
If you have ever buried a loved one, then you have probably heard about the Five Stages of Grief. You may also know what it feels like for somone to minimize your grief with platitudes like, "Well praise God, s/he's with Jesus now. You'll see them again." [Insert eye roll, sigh, balled fist.] As we... Continue Reading →