The Whirlwind
For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. — Hosea 8:7 The events of January 6th have rightfully shaken many of us to our core. The idea of a free and fair election is fundamental to the democratic process. The violent assault on government officials was committed with the intention to overturn […]
A White Jesus
In churches across America, we hang portraits and images of a white Jesus. Chances are that somewhere in the hallways, offices, chapel, study rooms, or sanctuary you will find Warner Sallman’s “Head of Christ,” or some similar image in your church. Ethical and historical conversations about this are not new. Historically, we know that Jesus […]
An Easter Prayer
Christ is Risen. Bless us in all the workings of our hands; may they serve you and be pleasing in your sight. Blessed Lord, who gave your word for our learning; grant us the open hearts and ready ears to be touched by your grace. Let grace rise in our hearts. Let us love you […]
Hope Amidst the Violence
I shared the following earlier this week as our campus gathered to send love, prayers and hope to the UNC Charlotte community — The heart-breaking violence of this week has touched the lives of so many in the UNC Charlotte community and well beyond. The fear, sadness, and loss will be with many for some […]
Tear Gas and Jesus
Most of us remember the Christmas story from when we were children. At the heart of the narrative is the tale of how Mary and Joseph, traveling to a foreign land are turned away from a safe place in a time of crisis. In their desperation, they are forced to shelter in a stable […]
The voice was rare in those days.
1 Samuel 3:1 “Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.” When Samuel heard his call from the Lord, it was difficult to recognize because the followers of God had forgotten what it meant to be his people. […]
The Gun God
A great deal of conversation has been had around people’s use of “thoughts and prayers” as a response to tragedies like the horrific school shootings that have staggered our country over the past few years. As a person of faith, I don’t think there is anything wrong with sincere thoughts and prayers in response to […]
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On Tuesday morning, I was working in my yard, doing some last cleanup and watering before heading to the mountains for our Annual Conference in Western North Carolina. My phone rang in my pocket, which startled me. It was my counselor Tamela. She was wondering how I was doing ― what I was thinking about […]
Books and Broccoli
Summer brings some much needed down time, even amidst Wesley-Luther’s still busy schedule. That gives me an opportunity for reading, writing and taking on some personal growth goals. For two of these summer plans, I wanted to invite others to join me in, if they feel so led. The first is an invitation is to […]
Of Love and Legos
“Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.” ― Søren Kierkegaard It is hard to explain how much my brother and I loved Legos as children. Both of us had our difficulties as kids, but in our bedroom, with a sea of bright blocks the colors of our imaginations’ […]