War is often measured in strategy, territory, and victory. But its deepest truth is measured in the tears of those left behind. Tonight, somewhere in America, a doorbell rang and a family’s world changed forever. Inside the home, life was…
Forget empathy, the new war is on lament
Ever since Joe Rigney released his book about empathy being a sin, the TheoBros of conservative evangelicalism have been piling into his bus, demonizing empathy for those they run over as “the greatest rhetorical tool of manipulation in the 21st…
Why I eat an orange every Christmas
Things were not merry and bright for Edison Cantwell and his five children during the 1932 Christmas season. Christmas was not a welcome time for the Cantwells. Even so, the Christmas of 1932 was going to be a memorable one….
Anxiety versus gratitude
Ask me what my superpower is and I’ll answer with no hesitation: It is gratitude. I have a rich spiritual life supported by many practices including labyrinth-walking, prayer, Scripture memorization, active participation in my faith community, and meditation — especially…
Blue Christmas isn’t just for Elvis
My understanding of Blue Christmas has changed over the years. Growing up, the only version of “Blue Christmas” I knew was the one that involved holding a wooden spoon up to my lips and crooning along to Elvis in front…
The power of story
I was raised on stories. I don’t remember a time when stories were not present in my world. Stories were a foundation for my heart long before I knew what that meant and that has followed me all my life….
Upside Down Advent: Joy versus sorrow
Fair warning up front: I’m going to mess with one of your favorite hymns today. Be prepared. But first, a story. As I was writing this lesson, I got a message from a friend whose beloved cat died Thursday. We…
Just me, a pink float and the River of God
For the past few months, I’ve been framing my spiritual life — really, my spiritual health — with a specific image: I am floating down the river of God’s work in the world on a bright pink float that, for…
Letter to the editor: How to respond to our national losses
Dear Editor: Many of us have been moving through the various grief responses to witnessing the stunning loss of our country’s generosity and compassion. Granger Westberg, MD, years ago was one of the first pioneers in relational studies of religion…
Grief and resilience: A model for facing change
“All change is loss; all loss must be grieved.” This saying is attributed to Don Garner, retired professor of Old Testament, and he has the credentials to be heard. Not only was he a teacher with a specialty in wisdom…
Jill Biden’s renewed faith could light the way
A few years ago, I had the privilege of interviewing First Lady Jill Biden’s prayer partner, Robin Jackson. You can read about that here. From the moment Jackson said hello, I knew we would be lifelong friends. In fact, I…
Creating a sanctuary in times of fear
“Can’t we just agree to disagree?” This has been a common thread lately on social media and among conversations with people I know. Certainly, we can. I like vanilla, and you prefer chocolate ice cream. I cheer for my alma…