A human interest story in the news recently went viral. An infant placed on Santa’s lap in a shopping mall signaled “Help!” using sign language. …Kerry Spencer taught both of her children to sign using American Sign Language before they could speak because she found it useful to be able to communicate with them when they were babies. However, she did not anticipate her son, Samuel, to use his skill to communicate that he did NOT enjoy the experience of... Read more
Sure. “Namaste.” Yes “the divine in me meets the divine in you.” The light in me greets the light in you…. But it’s not just your glitter and gold that I’m looking for. Nice straight teeth and a smile that shines up a room – Okay, yeah. Noted. Petite button nose and luscious locks and tresses. Alright. Impeccable resume gilded with ivy league goodness and summa cum laude highlights. Fine. You’ve attended church every Sunday for the past 20 years.... Read more
If you are on social media you are no doubt abundantly aware of the “Me too” campaign that has been taking place. It’s a powerful way for women to convey to the world that they have been the victim of sexual harassment or sexual assault at the hands of men. It is quite clear that nearly all women have experienced either of those – some on a daily basis. They’re trying to show us the great extent of this problem... Read more
“A scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.” And, I am trustworthy – except when I’m not. I am loyal, except when I broke a vow. I am helpful, except when I’m being selfish and self-centered. I am friendly, except when I’m aloof and dismissive. I am courteous except when I’m rude. I am kind – except when I’m mean. I am obedient. Except when I pull illegal U-turns. I am cheerful,... Read more
Progressive Christianity intentionally seeks to evolve and adapt with the times so that the faith can continue to be sensible, relevant, and meaningful in the lives of people. As part of this, we tend to believe that Christianity isn’t the “best,” “only,” “right,” and/or “true,” religion or way that God is at work in the world. We honor that the Divine is fully at work in all of the major world religions – and beyond. Perhaps a bit like John... Read more
14 brave souls gather to grieve a band of brothers daring to admit and touch the essential pain we each carry wounded warriors coming to council to lick our wounds in the private lair of men we smudge each other with sage to purify and set our resolve followed by a whiffing of sweet grass to invite in some softness – the gentleness needed we may be destroyed but we don’t have to destroy. our stories shared, we hold... Read more
Tidal tsunami of torrid twitted tirades Blitzkrieg of belligerent bombastic blow-harded baffoonery Putrid plethora of pompous political pronouncements and pathetic public policy puke! Like a river of wasps my eyes sting when I see hundreds of families being ripped apart by forced deportations My pupils fix when they witness the Apprentice president bullying sanctuary cities into getting with the “ICE” cold program My eyes dilate when they see funding to vital social programs held hostage to repealing Obamacare My eyes... Read more
Christians in America are no longer people of faith, we’re people of fear. Instead of truly putting our trust, faith, and reliance upon the Way, teachings, and example of Jesus, we put our actual faith in guns, our obscenely over-funded military, and in strong-man & authoritarian leaders. …You’re saying, that doesn’t apply to me! Okay, I’ll switch pronouns… Not only are they not Christians, they aren’t Americans. They wish we still lived under the rule of a sovereign king. They’re... Read more
Over the past few weeks several people have posited notions that the individual currently serving as President of the United States is similar to one of two ancient Roman emperors – Nero or Caligula. While there is some merit to these notions, I think there is a closer match who is far more compelling as being analogous – Emperor Commodus (ruled from 177-197 A.D.). **Be sure to click on the hyperlinks embedded in this piece to see correlations to current... Read more
Most of my attempts to connect and relate to God – involve silence. And most frequently, not much more than that. I sometimes wonder if there’s really much difference between seeking to connect to God – and not seeking to. Similar experience and results. That said, while similar, they’re not exactly the same. They’re very close, almost too close. So close that atheists (and agnostics, and struggling believers like myself) don’t tend to see meaningful difference. But, at times, I... Read more
The Holy Kiss
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