Now Let Me Alone

As most of you know, I am an only child. I had an imaginary friend — a monkey named Muntney — that I played with and who got the blame for things I did wrong. But, I was a good girl and don’t believe I was a trouble child. My mom, however, had a different … Continue reading Now Let Me Alone →

Jesus, Take Your Time

Good Morning! When I wake up in the mornings, my cats are usually screaming at me to be fed while they herd me out of my room, down the hall, and into the kitchen to their food bowl. As my coffee percolates on the stove, I scroll through Instagram to see the pictures of baby … Continue reading Jesus, Take Your Time →

Who Are You?

Some of us here this morning are young enough that we are building those “back in the day” stories. Some of us are, well, perhaps a little more like a fine wine or a wheel of cheese: we have lived — or perhaps survived — those “back in the day” stories. Now, instead of calling … Continue reading Who Are You? →

The Fire is His Presence that Gives Us Faith

This morning I step into a unique and beautiful position. This position is one that affords a perspective of a people who has faced many challenges in the past two years. This group of people — you — have been forced to examine who you are and where you have come; in turn, you have … Continue reading The Fire is His Presence that Gives Us Faith →

A Handful of Humility and Pound of Persistence

One of my favorite books is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. This story holds a wealth of lessons and illustrations and anecdotes about life, relationships, hardship, injustice, doubt, grace, and community. In the text Scout Finch is raised by many people: her father Atticus, their maid Calpurnia, their neighbor Miss Maudie, and Atticus’ brother Jack. … Continue reading A Handful of Humility and Pound of Persistence →

Nativity of John the Baptist

Lectionary Reading We celebrate today the nativity of John the Baptist, the prequel to Jesus Christ. We know John. We know of his jumping in the womb of Elizabeth when her cousin Mary, pregnant with the Messiah, went to visit. We know his living in the wilderness eating honey and locusts. We know his baptizing … Continue reading Nativity of John the Baptist →

Pray We All Are Changed

Seventh Sunday of Easter Readings. When I was in college, my grandmother wrote letters and cards to me quite regularly. Most of the time, her letters were not very long — a small stationary page or two. She also sent cards and would write a note on the facing page, underline or circle certain words … Continue reading Pray We All Are Changed →

Where Have You Been?

Second Sunday of Easter Readings. Today, we are a week past the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. A week ago, Jesus left His disciples and walked the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Pain, alone. Some watched Him. Some left Him. One denied Him. One betrayed Him. And then there’s Thomas. Our Thomas who says … Continue reading Where Have You Been? →

Maundy Thursday

Lectionary Readings for Maundy Thursday. Do you remember Big Boy restaurants? My MeMa, without Mom’s okay, gave me my first solid food at a Big Boy. Mom was horrified, but I squealed and MeMa laughed. I also remember growing up and watching the commercials for McDonald’s with Ronald, Grimace, Birdie the Early Bird, and the … Continue reading Maundy Thursday →

It’s Not What He Did

Lectionary Gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday in Lent. Because my parents are visiting this Sunday, I’m going to take advantage of their presence. I remember my summer between high school and college. I was working at Church’s Fried Chicken. I hated that job, but it got me out of the house. I was SO … Continue reading It’s Not What He Did →