Here I Raise Mine Ebenezer

In my previous post, I shared some of those instances that reminded me how God’s Holy Spirit encourages, empowers, and sustains us through such times. But as I stood looking at the overturned gravestones, my first reaction was not to recall those things, but instead to feel the full pain of what we were going through. To weep at how those stones of remembrance were overturned.”

The Whirlwind and the Whisper

“ In times like this we have big questions. And sometimes we say careless things, like “God was watching out for me.” But what I know is that in tornadoes, the people in houses who didn’t get hit were praying. And the people who were in houses that did get hit were also praying. Times like these cause us to wonder where God is in the midst of tragedy. And that is exactly what the Book of Job is confronting – the capricious nature of life and loss. “

Mismatched Glasses

I suspect that within a few years, the Global Methodist Church, which is looking less and less global and more and more parochial, will be sitting on the end of their beds, looking wistfully at nothing, and wishing they had more glasses in their cabinet.”

Reclaiming Christmas (and Advent and Epiphany)

Then January 6, we opened gifts, and you know what came with each of the three gifts we gave or received? A story. Because each of us got to tell the person why it was their beautiful, or practical, or memorable gift. Every gift came with an intention, and the gifts were far more precious because of the limitation. And because of the thoughtfulness.

We Can't Do This Alone

When that request came in, I felt the pain on both sides. I felt the exhaustion of the medical care workers who this round had to see young people gasp for their last breath, for a reason that was completely preventable. But I also felt the pain on this side. I felt the restriction of call. I was supposed to be there with them. I was supposed to do some of the heavy lifting of that burden.”

Is It Against the Bible to Buy or Sell a Dog?

So my mother asked me, “Is that true? Is it true that the Bible tells you not to buy or sell dogs?”

I rubbed my temples and shut my eyes. I don’t know, I thought. This is one of those moments when it does not pay to be a biblical scholar. There are a lot of weird things in the Bible.

Our Common Story

“And now we are not divided by devices that are feeding us what we want to hear. We are gathered around the campfire again, and we are sharing in our common humanity, and we are living as a people in community. We have a story that we all share. And that, my friends, is a rare and sacred moment these days.”

Standing Vigil

And right now, every pastor who is currently serving and who plans to continue to serve, is standing in the thin space in between. Fully present with those in mourning. But also casting hope for the life that is yet to come. And I cannot think of a more appropriate posture than standing, holding an iPhone, livestreaming a graveside service, a steady posture with one foot in the now, and one foot in the yet-to-come.”

Hearing, and Loving, Judas

We have competing narratives, but we keep stopping at the what. What does so-and-so believe? Well, that is contrary to what I believe, so I am going to dismiss that altogether.

But what if we instead asked Why? Why does so-and-so believe that?”