"Christian tradition teaches that there are times when we, like Jesus, are led into arid soulscapes that bruise and disorient us."               - John S. Mogabgab, Weavings, 1993

She wears a flouncy red polka dot blouse. He wears thick glasses. Another guy went to divinity school to dodge the draft. Over yonder is the hardware store owner and the fireman.

In ancient cave art from the year 250, depictions of Jesus are found. He is dressed in a white robe, like an ordinary shepherd. And his robe is tinged with purple accents, the color of royalty. (Imagining the Word).

At our house the day after Thanksgiving we begin the Christmas tree decorating and the Christmas cards. Soon snippiness, frustration, and marital discord erupts and bah humbug moves into our house.

“The research is clear:  Those who consciously express gratitude for at least three to five components of their lives every week are simply happier than those who don’t.”  - Joan Chittister quoting Martin E.P. Seligman By the time you read this someone has already begun menu planning, grocery shopping and maybe even Read More...

Sometimes our prayers seem anemic in the face of the world’s pain. What words are adequate in the face of evil atrocities?

I felt the knot form in my throat and the tears moisten my eyes. I thought “now stop this, it's only the first museum, so you better pull it together”.

When I was 17, I traveled with other Disciples of Christ youth to the United Nations in New York for an International Affairs seminar. First, we heard a briefing from the Palestinians and then a briefing from the Israelis. I remember how sitting in each briefing I felt complete support for each position.

It arrives unbidden. It sneaks up on us. It oozes in and then rattles us when we didn’t even know there was an occasion. Grief comes not just at the graveyard but also in the ordinary routines of life.

What do you do in your life that is incredibly important to you but deeply challenging to your spirit? Waking up in the night to feed a newborn? Flying across the country to sit with your 88-year-old mom during surgery?

How does it feel to be pushed to the margins? One of my three children started out life as a sports fanatic, but by high school was more drawn to performing arts.

How do we awaken to the awe and wonder of life? In his recent book, “Life’s Too Short Not to Be Religious” author and professor David Dark says “No one awakens all by themselves”.

Burnout, exhaustion, malaise, worry. We all have days when life feels more draining than energizing. Sometimes you are driving home from the office after a 10 hour work day and wondering if there is any food in the fridge to make a nourishing supper for the children. Sometimes you look around and Read More...