The young people in the community I serve are currently reeling from the unexpected and tragic death of one of their own. I didn't know the young man, Devante Waites, and I don't even know the full circumstances of his death other than it was a senseless tragedy. Apparently, the violence he was trying to... Continue Reading →
The Valley of the Shadow of Death
Tuesday evening, my heart broke twice. First, it broke when I received the news that Pat, a beloved parishioner, had passed away. Pat was a wonderful woman who will leave behind a legacy of riotous laughter and chaotic family gatherings. I've only known her for the past two years, and she's been battling one health... Continue Reading →
Dr. Vincent Harding: Changing the World One Heart at a Time
Dr. Vincent Harding passed away suddenly Monday night. He would've been 83 years old this summer. Many of you probably don't know who he is, which I guess is fitting, because he was a humble man who was never interested in fame and glory. His heart belonged to Christ, and his life was spent working... Continue Reading →
Enemies: A Confession
The past two Sundays I have felt compelled to include a prayer "for our enemies" in the Pastoral Prayer section of worship. This is not unique to my style of worship--I often do this. But during Lent it seems doubly important to remember that God's grace and the gift and sacrifice of Jesus Christ isn't... Continue Reading →
Goodbye, General Omar Bradley
No. Not that one. Not the General Omar Bradley of World War II fame and former Chief of Staff of the US Army. I'm talking about this one: Omar came into my life in early September of 2008. I had recently graduated seminary and began my first appointment as a full-time minister in the United... Continue Reading →
Let’s Talk About When I Die: Part 5 (My Funeral)
I am an adventurous person. I like to try new things, to have fun, to enjoy life, and to see God's beauty in the world all around me. So, I desire to be cremated and my ashes divided up amongst little tin cans like these. Everyone who comes to my funeral will be encouraged to... Continue Reading →
Let’s Talk About When I Die: Part 4 (Life)
Angie, one of my closest friends, and I were in our early twenties. We had both experienced death close-up. By that point I had lost an uncle, a great-grandmother and a grandmother... all of whom I had loved dearly. Angie had suffered familial loss as well. Through her, we had both witnessed the worst of... Continue Reading →
Let’s Talk About When I Die: Part 3 (Joy)
"No eye has seen no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Corinthians 2:9b) It's funny. When I see images of what people think heaven might be like, I always feel a little disappointed. Nothing about it seems to live up to my expectations...... Continue Reading →
Let’s Talk About When I Die: Part 2 (Hope)
I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created. (Romans 8:38-39, CEB) Ultimately, this is the reason why I don't fear death. I... Continue Reading →
Let’s Talk About When I Die: Part 1 (Prelude)
No, no, no... You don't need to take out a mental hygiene warrant on me. But one of the outcomes of being a pastor is that we deal with death and dying a lot. A lot. And as a result, I find myself often looking ahead to the time of my own death, wondering what... Continue Reading →
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