Psalm 31:9-16 Oh, how I've read this passage throughout the years! Prone to depression, I've struggled with the darkness that can sometimes overshadow my soul. With two suicide attempts by the time I was 23, I've struggled to find meaning in the messiness of life when things are going poorly. Somewhere along the line, though,... Continue Reading →
Psalm 126 What a sigh of relief! Here we are, a little more than half way through Lent and I've fallen behind on my daily discipline (writing a devotion based on my studies). Me being me, I start beating myself up over these sorts of failures. And then it just becomes so much more difficult... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
One day I'm going to write a book about Rhoda. No, scratch that--I can't possibly write a book about Rhoda. Only she can write that... but one day I will write a book about what Rhoda taught me about faith and salvation. And trust me, volumes could be filled with what I learned from her. When... Continue Reading →
"Jay" (that's what I'll call you)--we grew up together. We lived in the same neighborhood. Our mothers had also been school mates growing up in this same neighborhood together. You would think we'd have gotten along a bit better. But for the most part we just seemed oblivious of each other. We were often in the... Continue Reading →
Wow! There is more good news about young people thanks to reports from CBS News and The Huffington Post (click here for the story and video)! Here is the breakdown: The students at Olivet Middle School in Olivet, Michigan have a special young man on their team named Keith Orr. Keith is learning disabled and... Continue Reading →
The devil tried to trip me up this morning. No, I wasn't literally tripped by a little demon with a pitchfork. But in a moment that was marked by selfishness and a lack of love, I felt my soul battered and beaten to the point that I wondered if I was making any sort of difference... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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