I learned a few new facts about grapevines this year that really amazed me. I think most Christians have been told, many times, the general principles of grapevines and pruning and how they relate to our spiritual growth, but I found out a few new things this year that made it even MORE interesting. I’ve […]
Being a “safe place” is hard. In two separate topics in the last year, I’ve been confronted with discovering that I had not been a “safe place” for others to talk about their real and personally-lived experiences. Both people are very close to me – much closer than an acquaintance, with whom I have regular
1,256 houses burned down. 215 more houses and businesses looted across 35 city blocks. At least 3 dozen, but more likely hundreds, of people of all ages dead. 6,000 more held under martial law armed guard to prevent further bloodshed. Firefighters turned away by armed rioters. An entire thriving business district and residential community wiped
The past year and its many upheavals has forced me to think hard about just where I place my trust, and what provides my peace. A president? A political party? The very nature and greatness of my nation? The stability and permanence of my cultural ideals? What I think of as “church?” The freedom to
