Lord, teach me. . . .

I submit that a man who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.  –Martin Luther King, Jr. In Luke 10, there is a story we know as the story of the Good Samaritan. Jesus’ telling of this story is prompted by the “expert in the law” who asks Jesus: What must I do to inherit eternal life? Like any good teacher, Jesus asks a question back: What is written in the Law and the Prophets? And the answer comes quickly. Love the Lord your God . . . and love your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10:27). What’s so hard about that? I’m afraid sometimes Christians have become so caught up in the way Jesus walked through cities and towns blasting the religious leaders and healing folks often injured by those leaders, that we assume he has come to reverse what “the Old Testament God” taught. But that j

Sometimes when you’re overwhelmed by a situation— when you’re in the darkest of darkness— that’s when your priorities are reordered. – Phoebe Snow When I was much younger, there was a television commercial featuring a young mother, some screaming children and a demanding husband, all wanting a piece of her time. This wise woman put her hands over her ears, closed her eyes and pleaded, Calgon, take me away! Next shot: same woman enjoying a quiet time in a bath overflowing with bubbles. Times have changed. Now this list of demanding individuals would likely include a boss or two, maybe some obnoxious neighbors—even a well-intentioned friend or three. The television is louder; the news is everywhere (and seldom good). We could all use a nice, hot bubble bath now and then. When was the last time? When did you last turn off the TV, silence those many voices—and simply walk away into a time of quiet and restoration? Everyone needs it, regularly. Putting yourself las

A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure,  permanently,  half slave and half free. –Abraham Lincoln Three times in three gospels, similar words are recorded, spoken by Jesus: A house divided against itself cannot stand and will fall in desolation . That was a couple thousand years ago. Things really haven’t changed much, have they? People are constantly “taking sides” with greater fervency. Everyone seems to be absolutely certain their way of thinking is the only way; everyone who thinks otherwise is just wrong . And the internet makes it all seem even worse. Even our churches are in need of healing. Money grows tight; we argue over finances and politics. We come on Sunday morning seeking the Love of Christ and discover our own humanity on display for the world to see. Time to back the bus up. Why do we really come to church? We come with longing in our hearts. A longing for something more , something not of th

You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone’s soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and drive them and who knows what they might do because of it, because of you. That is your role, your gift. --Erin Morgenstern Every successful businessperson has at least one “elevator speech” they carry in their mind, that thirty-second speech that sums up who they are or what their aspirations of success are. As followers of the Christ, we should also have a faith story to offer, for those occasions when someone asks: Why should I believe there’s a “Greater Power”? Where have you seen it in your life? Here’s one of mine: Four years after my first husband died, our wedding anniversary date was especially hard. I don’t know why; it just was. I had a chat with God at one point: God, I know it’s going to be okay, and I am really appreciating the person I am becoming. In fact, if it’s your plan that I am to walk alone for the rest of my