Patience

Paul stood up and began to speak: “The God of this people Israel made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm God led them out of it. For about forty years God put up with them in the wilderness.” – Acts 13:16-18, excerpts...

Bargaining

You have said to me, “Come,” but you have left me to wander in search of your desired “where.” You have named me, “Blessed,” but you have been unrelenting with every trial on my life. You have said to me, “Be still and...

New Songs

Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, God’s praise in the assembly of the faithful. – Psalm 149:1 (NRSV) I used to sing. Not shower singing or holler-in-the-car singing or hum-to-myself singing, all of which I still do. But once upon a time, I sang in...

Ready for a Miracle

Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.” – Exodus 3:3 (NRSV) If summer is your favorite season of the year, you might want to cover your ears while I say this: Hints of autumn are beginning to...

Killing the Messenger

We are not fond of messengers — O God, we confess it! What is there to love about one who comes dressed unapologetically in freedom to inquire into our weariness? We prefer such a messenger beholden to our labor. What is there to heed in the questions of one who...

Treading Water

In advanced swimming lessons and in lifeguard training, many years ago, treading water was my favorite part of the final tests. Far from being a challenge to exert as much energy and strength as possible, treading water was a challenge to conserve energy as much as...

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