It happened again, as it always does: I bit off the head of the master. As in, of our boys’ martial arts instructor. He was trying to tell me that I needed to make sure to keep their belts secure, because belts are a big deal in martial arts. And I know that. I get that, I guess. But I also live with two small humans who have a certain order to cleanliness that is unmatched. Hotwheels live alongside books... Read more
Happy Tuesday, friends! Although I’ve not read Alexandra Kuykendall’s new book yet, everything she says is exactly what I need to hear. We’re living in a world where division seems to reign more than love …and, perhaps like you, I need the reminder that all I’m to do is simply love the people in front of me. End of story. Enjoy this interview with Alex on her new book, Loving My Actual Neighbor, and be sure to leave a copy at the end... Read more
As per the Tuesday usual, I’ve got another book and another author for you! Roy Goble is no stranger to leadership, nor is he a stranger to me or to using his privilege for good. I’m grateful for his influence in my life over the last fifteen years and can’t wait to introduce you to him and his new book, Salvaged. As per the usual, leave a comment if you want to win a copy! — Tell us a bit about... Read more
A couple of weeks ago I took the stage in front of a group of college students. Granted, they’re not my first audience, mostly because they’re a generation already steeped in justice and in a knowledge of privilege. This is the language they speak, the fight they raise fists toward, the beat of their marching feet. The night was casual, informal at best. Old enough to be their mother, I felt out of place – not smart enough for their... Read more
Whether you’re tuning in for the first or for the hundredth time, it’s an honor to host other writes in this place. Christie Purifoy, author of Placemaker (and Roots & Sky before it) is no exception. She’s a writer’s writer, and at least in my mind, also a younger version of one of my favorite authors, Annie Dillard. So, check out this interview with her and leave a comment at the end to win a copy of her new book! — Tell... Read more
As any reader of The Color of Life now knows, I grew up in the Pacific Northwest. Returning to my roots – be it the church of my childhood or the stories of Oregon’s racist history I didn’t learn in the fourth grade – not only became a sizable part of the book but a big part of learning to color outside the lines, especially when it comes to conversations of justice, race and privilege. In that way, as my... Read more
Once again, I’ve got a book and an author I think you’re going to want to check out! Lisa Van Engen is a new friend, but I don’t think either one of us intend to dwell in that newness for very long. Personally, I’m SO excited to dig into Lisa’s book, especially as a parent of young, justice-minded children. Check out the interview with her and head over to your local bookseller to pick up a copy of And Social Justice... Read more
Although it’s half a week late, I preached a short homily this last weekend in Seattle. Soup & Bread Gathering and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, thank you for allowing me to step into your pulpits. As per the rest of you, enjoy! — Today marks the first Sunday of Lent, the first Sunday in a season of reflection and remembering – in a season of going deeper into ourselves, in a season of “bright sadness,” as one theologian puts it. It’s... Read more
Today’s post is from a friend who’s ever growing dearer to me: Myisha Hill is a friend and a leader, a speaker and an entrepreneur who also happens to be a deacon at Oakland City Church. She resides in Oakland with her three children, Micah, Melech, and Naima, and as one of my conversational partners when it comes to talking about justice, race and privilege, I can personally tell you that she’s the REAL DEAL. I know you’re going to love what... Read more
Oh friends, another poet is entering this space today! Carolina Hinojosa-Cisneros is a friend, a mentor, an advocate, a poet, a justice slinger, a student, a wife, a mother and a teacher to us all. I can’t WAIT to get my hands on Becoming Coztototl, and after reading this interview with her, I don’t doubt you’ll feel the same way. — Tell us a bit about yourself, will you? I am a Tejana poet, Chicana, and Mujerista from San Antonio, Texas.... Read more
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