Domestic Violence as Idolatry
The ancient gods blamed humanity for their own failings and problems. If humanity didn’t soothe them, they were struck down. Abusers treat their victims the same way.
Generational Feuds: The Frosts & The Coates
The Frosts and the Coates started a feud with one another because they fought on different sides of the Civil War. The war ended, but their feud didn’t. It became a curse.
Jesus, Love, the Bible: Karl Barth
Theological powerhouse Karl Barth was asked to summarize his theology. He quoted: “Jesus loves me, this I know…”
Tilling the Earth to Feed a Stranger: Walafrid
In the first thousand years of the church, monks sometimes planted gardens to share treats with visitors. Walafrid even wrote poetry about it!
Tea & Cookies with Protestors: Desmond Tutu
Desmond Tutu was still trying to bring down Apartheid in the mid-eighties. The powers that be hired protestors to try to smear Tutu, but he ended up sharing a tea party with them.
The Stories We Tell about our Enemies
A West African proverb: until the lion tells the story, the hunter will always be the hero. Hearing the stories, the understandings, the circumstances of those we disagree with is the path to peace along the way of Christ.
Finding Peace and Befriending Bears: Seraphim of Sarov
In the late 18th-early 19th centuries, Seraphim of Sarov fasted, prayed, and meditated for decades. He became a miracle worker, a source of peace, and a friend of bears.
Meeting the Mystery: Shannon Craigo-Snell
“We are finite creatures, but we touch the fringes of infinity” – Shannon Craigo-Snell
A Wedding Blessing – You’ve Made It!
The wedding is happening now. All the preparation, stress, and frustrations are done. Be in this moment. It works for Christmas, too!
God With Us: Irenaeus
Irenaeus told us: “because of his measureless love, [Christ] became what we are… to enable us to become what he is.”