My week started with a glimpse of heaven. I attended a worship service where all the ethnic churches of the Tennessee Baptist Convention were gathered. I listened to the beautiful Korean choir, enjoyed the sways of the Sudanese singers and gloried in my Lord, as we sang “How Great is our God” in multiple languages. … More Unnatural Disasters
I was locked inside the library with my boss and co-worker on Saturday. The building was surrounded by barricades and police. I could see snipers on the rooftops overlooking our downtown square. A garbage truck was parked in the middle of the street to keep someone from using a vehicle as a weapon. And still … More Post tenebras lux
Have you ever wanted to just “go off the grid” and hide from the troubles of this world? I’ve seriously considered it more than once in the last 50 years. It seems between natural and man-made disasters, the world is coming to an end. I have friends who have stopped watching the news; they claim it’s … More No exemptions
I was always a strong-willed child. My mother used to say I should pause before I so freely spoke my mind. She had the gift of restraint…me, not so much. As the years have passed, I like to think the Lord has helped me to develop that very important spiritual gift of self-control. It’s a … More What do we have to prove?
My youngest son leaves tomorrow to travel to the other side of the world, and I find the thing that upsets me most–more than the suicide attacks and strife “over there”–is the IT system crash of British Airways. Really? Does it have to happen the day before he travels out, Lord? Yet, as he walks … More In His Hands
Today, I sat in the back of the sanctuary at the Arabic Baptist Church and watched my youngest son be surrounded by the congregation. They gathered to pray for him, as they have done so many others, to ask God’s blessings and protection as he goes out on mission. I’ve been on the receiving end … More We come, they go
I sometimes plan very far ahead, and sometimes…it just gets away from me. Today was one of those days. About an hour before I was to host a bridal shower with my sister at my house, I realized…I need to think about how it’s going to work. Did I have an agenda? I hate bridal … More Unless the Lord builds the house
When I think today about the loss of a friend, I ask: What defines a life? Is it wealth or fame? Position or power? No, it’s none of these. A life well-lived is a life of obedient service to the Life-Giver. This is the kind of life that leaves an impact, that makes a difference, … More What Defines a Life?
Tonight we were together as family — I’m talking blood relatives. The family you’re born into for better or worse. On most days I’m happy with my family, and thank the Lord for having been raised by godly, loving parents. I miss my parents, and when we go through hard times, I miss them more. … More Holding Hands
Tonight I was with a small group of the faithful for a time of prayer at our church, and we did some reflection on Psalm 23. It is such a beautiful psalm of comfort, and now, back at home, I’ve turned off the TV to simply swim in it some more. One of my seminary … More Make me lie down