Today is Good Friday. And, outwardly, there is nothing good about it. Because today is the day we remember Jesus's death on a cross. An innocent man. A good man. A perfect man. Murdered. And not just murdered. Whipped. Flogged. Beaten. Mocked, jeered, and spat upon by the crowds. Bloodied by a crown of thorns, … Continue reading What’s So Good About Good Friday?
faith
A + B + C = ???
I have a control problem. Ever since I was a little girl, I have had a very clear-cut image of the way my life is supposed to be. Granted, when I was younger, that vision looked like a high-rise apartment in New York City where I had a chauffeur drive me to and from my … Continue reading A + B + C = ???
Let Down Your Nets
I heard a rhetorical question the other day that really got my mind spinning. In a podcast hosted by a well-known, respected Bible teacher, the guest was discussing a story found in Luke 5. In it, Jesus was preaching to a crowd on the shores of Lake Gennesaret when "he saw two boats at the … Continue reading Let Down Your Nets
What Doesn’t Kill You…
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." It's an old adage, one you're probably familiar with, and, on the surface, it does have its merits. It's used to encourage stamina, perseverance, and an overall positive attitude in the face of difficulties. You can do hard things, it seems to say, and it will make you … Continue reading What Doesn’t Kill You…
Don’t Walk Away
"It's hopeless." This is a common refrain around my house, usually arising from my thirteen year-old when he has to study for a test. A little bit melodramatic for sure, but that's my son (or, rather, this age) in a nutshell. There are times when he feels it is physically impossible for his brain to … Continue reading Don’t Walk Away
Anatu: A Short Story
Citadel of Susa, Babylon 483 B.C. “It’s going to be you, Anatu. I just know it.” I smiled tightly at Shala as she clasped my hands, the myriad of rings on our fingers clinking together with the force. Perhaps her comment was genuine. Or perhaps she was waiting for me to return the compliment, to … Continue reading Anatu: A Short Story
Doing Life Wrong
You know the feeling. You're going along, minding your own business, feeling like all is well. You know--like everything is just *clicking* in your life. You're where you're supposed to be, with who you want to be with, doing what you want to be doing, and--best of all--you can feel God all around you. And … Continue reading Doing Life Wrong
Walmart and Lepers
Okay, I have a confession to make: I can be a little bit of a snob. I know, I know, it's terrible, and it's not something I'm proud of, but it is the truth. It's also something the Holy Spirit has really been working on in my life lately. So much so that I saw … Continue reading Walmart and Lepers
Missing the Forest for the Trees
"Honey, you're missing the forest for the trees." I will never forget the look on my daughter's face the first time I spoke these words to her. Inside her deep brown eyes, I could see her mind lingering over each word, trying to piece together my meaning, with little success. Finally, after a few minutes, … Continue reading Missing the Forest for the Trees
From Cradle to Grave
I admit sometimes, during this Christmas season, I can be a Grinch. It's not that I don't like Christmas. I do. But sometimes I just get overwhelmed with the sheer busyness of it all. The shopping, the get-togethers, the school performances, not to mention the church events and community outreach activities. They are all worthy … Continue reading From Cradle to Grave