RACISM’S UGLY UNDERBELLY

In these days of recovery from the global pandemic of COVID-19 and the resurgence of the global spiritual pandemic of racism—perhaps a series of spikes in outbreaks—we are right to look first to see whether we have a board stuck in our eye before we note the dust we think may obscure the vision of …

TO STAND UP TO STAND WITH

Followers of Messiah Jesus know that the world is often upside down and inside out relative to the Kingdom of God. We expect therefore to encounter hatred not love; selfishness not sacrifice; violence not gentleness; and bearing of crosses not crowns. We expect this because we are followers of Jesus.  In recent days, followers of …

Living the Resurrection-Story

The Jesus story declares that the human story does not end with death!  To be sure, death looms largely within the story.  Along the way we read of people dying, and as the story moves forward Jesus begins to make ominous predictions of his own death.  The simple, sad, and undeniable fact of life appears …

Post-Pandemic Possiblities

Pandemics force us all to change, whether we like it or not.  Among the most drastic changes are restrictions on travel, gathering with others, and going about our business—literally our means of livelihood but also our range of activities outside our homes.  Pandemics claim our attention, require us to do life differently than before, and …

Extreme Alternatives or Doubling Down Discipleship

Imagine that you, a loved one, or a friend were stricken with the COVID-19 virus.  Then, imagine a politician asserting that it would be the lesser of two evils to suspend the social practices now curbing the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives than to maintain such practices and further threaten the economy.  That is: …