As one who writes and creates with words, fact-checking and truth are second nature. Double-checking credible sources brings us closer to understanding the issue. Unlike writing a diary, I aim to reach the reader and make a connection. Well-chosen words…
Living as aliens
Last Tuesday, we elected a convicted felon, a mediocre businessman and a weak leader to be the 47th president of the United States. First, the part about being a convicted felon and being charged with other crimes. I started to…
Take America backward
The last time this happened, I met with two other ministers in a bottle shop. The owner opened up early for us. We filed in with bags under our eyes, proof we stayed awake too late watching news outlets and…
Christians and the fight for justice after Trump’s return
As we reflect on the state of our nation after the results of the 2024 election, we are confronted with a renewed sense of division, uncertainty and urgency. Donald Trump’s rise to power once again has raised profound questions about…
Save this column and don’t say we didn’t warn you
To about half the country, it appears the other half has lost its ever-loving mind. And forgotten how bad things really were in 2020. But here we are again — just like in 2016 — with the most dangerous man…
How will your grandchildren look back on your vote this year?
Driving around my neighborhood in North Dallas, I’ve noticed an unspoken correlation with political yard signs this fall. Because we’ve lived in the same house for 25 years, I have a pretty good idea of who my neighbors are. It…
Trump supporters’ silence about his threat for vengeance
In the 1990s, my friends on the far left were upset that I favored impeaching and convicting President Bill Clinton for lying under oath. When Democrats on social media were lauding Garth Brooks’ singing of “Amazing Grace” at President Joe…
What happened to ‘friendship evangelism’?
My grandpa, Edwin Penner, mortgaged his house to build our hometown Baptist church in Chico, Calif. Once built, he drove his Dodge pickup over every Sunday at 6 a.m. to turn on the heat or air conditioning for the comfort…
ELCA bishops warn about ‘hate-fueled’ political lies
Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America issued a letter Oct. 1 to “condemn the hateful, deceptive, violent speech that has too readily found a place in our national discourse.” The letter from the Council of Bishops said: “We…