We saw last week that Psalm 137 acknowledges and gives legitimacy to the voice of trauma. We also learned that we can take even our darkest emotions to God and that he is big enough to handle our anger, hates, and desire for vengeance. But how does this mesh with the Christian concepts of justice and forgiveness? These are great … Read More
The Father Wound: Defined & Illustrated
It has been said that each one of us comes into the world with a hole in our heart the shape of our dad. And when this hole is not filled, the void is often referred to as “the father wound.” Here’s how I defined it on a project I did for the Bureau of Justice Assistance when I was … Read More
Deconstructive Thoughts on “Forgetting Those Things Which are Behind”
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13-14, KJV) (Phil. 3:13-14, KJV) This blog has always been about sharing “constructive … Read More
Healing Our Divide
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Jesus (Matthew 5:9, NIV) In the evangelical, pro-life culture I serve in, I have some of the best of friends. Politically, we don’t always see eye-to-eye; in fact, sometimes it can seem like we’re on different planets. BUT… we love and trust one another and, post-election, we’re trying … Read More
Reaching Those Who’ve Been Hurt by the Church, Part 3 of 3
***Part 1 made the “awareness” case. Part 2 and this week give the other nine of ten essentials for reaching those who’ve been hurt or disillusioned by the Church. For a full version of this article see here. 7) Humility: As Jesus said, “Without me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5), and it’s at this point we should also enlist … Read More
The Book Launch Series, Part 4 of 4
The paperback is now available! Although I never dreamed I’d be releasing this during a pandemic, as a friend told me this week, at least reading is consistent with social distancing! Please stay safe and get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085RNKTXY I’d also be extremely grateful if you’d help get the word out. You can use the same previous link to … Read More
The Book is Live!
Hi Friends! I’m so excited to let you know that the Kindle eBook version of How I Became a Christian Despite the Church is finally live and available here! I hope to get the paperback version launched in the next 2-3 weeks. Before I do an official marketing campaign related to all this, however, I wanted you all to be … Read More
Shame-based versus Grace-based Churches
In my role as Executive Director of Church Outreach and Engagement at Care Net, I’m constantly talking about the need to refer pregnancy center clients to “grace-based churches.” Often I’m asked what I mean by this term and, although there are several things I have in mind, below is the story of where I first heard the term, as well … Read More
Why the Sea Restores Us
The ocean, like no other place on the planet, is God’s gift to teach us how to make peace with the two realities we struggle most with: constancy and change. Let me explain. Two months ago, Pam and I enjoyed the gift of a week of vacation with some friends who have a condo in Bonaire (an island off the … Read More