The rocks were far from perfect. Our 30-year-old retaining wall had come tumbling down, and the stone masons were tasked with rebuilding it. They would reuse the rocks, but they’d have to shape them to fit the new design. The…
Don’t know beans about praying
Similarly, the spirit also helps us out in our weakness. For example, we don’t know beans about praying, but the Spirit himself speaks up for our unexpressed concerns. And he who x-rays our hearts understands the Spirit’s approach, since the…
Bumper sticker theology
By Aileen Lawrimore “Prayer Works!” and its bossier sibling, “Pray. It Works!” are sayings I’ve seen on everything from tote bags to T-shirts, bumper stickers to Bible studies. You can get a “Prayer Works” apron for the saintly cook in…
From despair to hope, sans seraphim
By Aileen Lawrimore “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings:…
Christmas ministry to broken spirits
By Aileen Lawrimore What if, for you, it’s actually not the most wonderful time of the year? What if it’s your first Christmas (or your 51st) without your beloved? What if you’re fighting physical, mental or emotional illness? Or what…
Cocoa butter advice
By Aileen Lawrimore In my family, we call it cocoa butter advice. It’s the advice that no one needs, but everyone offers. You know what I mean, right? It’s like when my sister suffered from a rare disorder called obstetric…
Be who you needed …
By Aileen Lawrimore “Be who you needed when you were younger.” This meme, trending in social media, offers a great reminder to those of us who may have forgotten the struggles of our younger years; it’s also a great suggestion…
Backward priorities: Athletics first, church last
By Aileen Lawrimore My kids rarely ask because they know what I’ll say: “Yes, you have to go to church.” In truth, there are exceptions, but my kids know that skipping church is never a given. OK, wait. Hear me:…
Millennial ministry: It’s time we drop the adjective
By Aileen Lawrimore Collegiate ministry. My Facebook newsfeed is full of articles that have something to say about ministry to or with young adults (often referred to formally as Millennials). And if you read BuzzFeed, the Huffington Post or other…