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Category Archives: Uncategorized
Down with Bottoms!
We have probably all heard, especially regarding addicts, “They just need to hit rock bottom before they will get better.” Often, this idea is applied to people more generally. Sometimes we say of young people, “They are just sowing their … Continue reading
I’m Sad, But That’s Okay
I have been sad for months. My sadness has made me impatient with worship songs that insist I be happy. I heartily sing, and believe, the songs that celebrate all that God has given me: forgiveness, salvation, eternal life, and … Continue reading
Peter, Jesus, and Church Kids
The story of Peter and Jesus breaks my heart and gives me hope. Peter, like a lot of church kids, was full of promise. Jesus spoke a prophetic word over him, proclaiming that he would become a fisher of men. … Continue reading
Posted in Fathers and Sons, On Faith, Uncategorized
Tagged Church Kids, Jesus, Peter, Prodigals
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We Don’t Know
Over the years I have mastered the art of criticizing the Church. I have skills. Come over when you have four or five hours, and I will share my Biblical, historical, and sociological critiques of the Church. I have stories … Continue reading
Posted in On Faith, Uncategorized
Tagged Humility, loving the Church, servanthood, the critical spirit
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Anxiety and the Disciplines of Grace
Should a believer who suffers from anxiety and panic attacks medicate or meditate? I don’t know. I know those for whom medication has worked well and those who never feel quite themselves on medication. There is also the danger that … Continue reading
Posted in Culture, On Faith, Uncategorized
Tagged Grace, Jesus, overcoming anxiety, spiritual disciplines
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The Burden of the Gods
My hatred of religion recently got support from an unexpected source: The Babylonian Creation Epic (Enuma Elish). I find it amazing that in this ancient story of the origin of the gods and man, religion is seen as a burden … Continue reading
My Noisy Heart
It is hard to hear the voice of God over the sound of your own heart breaking. When those you love fiercely are self-destructing, how do you silence the fears, disappointment, hurt, and even self-blame? Love never fails. The noise … Continue reading
Dear Friend,
When you were a little kid playing at the church, I never imagined I would someday be praying for you to kick your heroin addiction. It seems that one year you did a weird church program we had—Caravans or something. … Continue reading
Against the Cult of Brokenness
You may have heard of Richard Russell. Last August he killed himself by stealing a Horizon Air plane, doing a few stunts, and then slamming it into a mostly deserted island near Tacoma. Russell had attended the community college where … Continue reading
Ari’s Kissing Game
Ari’s lifts his chin and sticks out his lower lip when he wants a goodbye kiss. His mom and dad are loving parents, so he is a kissy kid—well, unless he is punching or headbutting you (Ari is two). When … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
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