You can call him Al(fred) In case you missed it, yer man, Bono, had another of his fascinating (and entertaining) op-ed pieces in last Sunday’s New York Times: AFRICA REBOOTS: I spent March with a delegation of activists, entrepreneurs and policy wonks roaming western, southern and eastern Africa trying very hard to listen — always hard for a big-mouthed Irishman. With duct tape over my gob, I was able to pick up some interesting melody lines everywhere from palace to... Read more
GODSTUFFON BELIEVING: EDDIE IZZARD Why do we believe? Is it a learned skill? Or is it a gift, like faith or joy or grace? Can we lose the ability to believe, or never have it to begin with, depending on the hand life deals us? I’ve been ruminating on the nature of believing since watching and re-watching the new documentary film, “Believe: The Eddie Izzard Story.” The 90-minute film, released on DVD last month, deconstructs the career of comedian Eddie... Read more
A Sort of Homecoming:God Girl returns to Chicago 4/29 Hey all in Chicago and environs: Join me at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 29 at St. James Cathedral (Huron and Wabash in Chicago) for the inaugural address of the new “Consider This …” series, sponsored by the Sunday Evening Club, The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, Seabury-Western Seminary and St. James Cathedral. I’ll be talking about grace and will be interviewed by my esteemed colleague and friend, Manya “The Seeker” Brachear of... Read more
RESURRECTION: Rob Bell’s new film Happy Easter, i.e. “Resurrection Day,” everybody. My homechunk, Rob Bell, sent me this yesterday – his newest short film titled “Resurrection.” For more of Rob’s amazing art and stellar teaching, check out Rob’s Web Site and the Mars Hill Web Site. I don’t think I’ve ever had a more ridiculously joy-filled, exuberant Easter as I had today, except for maybe back in 1991 when I was attending Jesus People in Chicago and sported ripped jeans... Read more
Chikondwelero Pasaka! St. Freddie of Rupert on EASTER: The Gospels are far from clear as to what happened. It began in the dark. The stone had rolled aside. Matthew alone speaks of an earthquake. In the tomb there were two white-clad figures or possibly just one. Mary Magdalen seems to have gotten there before anybody else. There was a man whe thought at first was the gardener. Perhaps Mary the mother of James was with her and another woman named... Read more
St. Freddie of Rupert on “Vocation” Read more
11:11 – Lion Song I have these two friends.Brian and Jason.They’re both among my desert island tribe. You know, like desert-island disks but with people. They are part of my sacred thread. I am so grateful for their friendship.These men are such beautiful souls and such magnificent artists. Back in the day, when they used to play together as “Harrod & Funck” they wrote a gorgeous song called “Lion Song.” Long been one of my favorites.My new friend Mallory (see... Read more
GODSTUFF GOOD FRIDAY BLESSINGS: SWEET SISTER FRIEND As you know, I spent the earlier part of this week in Bolivar, MO speaking at Southwest Baptist University. When I received the invitation last year to speak there, I was wary. I wondered how in the world they’d heard of me and if, in fact, they really were familiar with my work. Preconceived notions on my part nearly prevailed. I’m so glad they didn’t. As it turns, a lone student named Mallory... Read more
Bolivar, Missouri – here I come. This week, I’ll be spending some quality time in the Heartland, as a guest speaker at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO. If you find yourself in that part of the world, I’ll be speaking at chapel Monday and Wednesday mornings, and delivering a lecture (on spirituality and pop culture) at 7 p.m. Monday in Pike Auditorium. At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, also in Pike Auditorium, the university will be screening the Coens’ “O Brother,... Read more
Shekinah: She moves in mysterious ways With a deep bow of gratitude to Mr. David Wilcox and his staggeringly lovely song, “Grateful for Her Beauty.” Grateful For Her BeautyBy David Wilcox The night I saw her dancingShe moved in liquid musicLike every song that moved usWas the music of her soul And waking up at sunrise With the sunlight through her windowI pulled aside the curtainFar away from home When she dancedShe knew the musicLike the waving of a wheat... Read more
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