By Amy Butler I don’t know if you feel it this time of year like I do. But in the midst of the twinkling lights, all my eyes seem to focus on are the burned-out bulbs. And rushing crowds outside…
Thanks for the negative space
By Amy Butler My oldest son is a very gifted artist. There is much wondering about exactly how and why this is the case, given his genetics. Nevertheless, he produces some incredible work. Watching him learn his craft at a…
Teaching laypeople about the honor of preaching the gospel
By Amy Butler If I were being completely honest, I would tell you that the whole idea was a little, tiny bit self-serving. Having recently completed my doctor-of-ministry degree in preaching, I, strangely enough, managed to maintain my passion for…
Job, the Coen brothers and ‘A Serious Man’
By Amy Butler I have a bone to pick with the Coen brothers. After preaching a 3-week series on the book of Job, I was looking forward to a new take on Job’s story when I went to see the…
Presence is pastoral care
By Amy Butler I’m fairly certain the most comforting words are not words at all. At least through all these years of trying to be an effective pastoral caregiver, I sure hope so. While I’d like to imagine I can…
The blind chaperone and the homeless woman
By Amy Butler Every once in a while, I’m shaken into the reality of my own inability to see clearly. Again. It happened a couple of years ago. In a moment of weakness, I had earlier promised offspring Sammy I’d…
Of slugs and sermon illustrations
By Amy Butler I seem to be always scouting around for theological metaphors — you know, fast-and-ready ways to talk about that mystery we like to call God. I do not consider this tendency of mine an exceptionally unusual talent….
Dear Michelle
By Amy Butler Dear Michelle: I’m probably supposed to call you something more important now that you’ll soon be our country’s first lady, but I’m not sure what I should call you exactly, and, anyway, we’re not much for titles…