The Wizard of Oz. The Grapes of Wrath. The Gunslinger. The Fellowship of the Ring. Pilgrim’s Progress. On the Road. Red Barchetta. In my years as a high school English teacher, I discovered a book that helped target the literary components of the story. How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas Foster says, … Continue reading We cannot define who we are by who we exclude. →

I am not cradle Episcopalian.  I was raised in the Baptist Church…Southern Baptist in Texas.  Grew up with the beliefs, the traditions, the doctrine, and the expression of that denomination within the Christian faith.  I am an alumnus of Baylor University which is the Baptist university within Texas.  I will return to this in a … Continue reading How will you share your story? →

In the 1997-1998 school year, I taught in an old two-story school building.  K-12 in one building.  And everyone ate lunch together.  All the little children ate with their older brothers and sisters and cousins.  It was really a beautiful experience.  And 6-man football playing on a 50-yard field with all the trucks parked around … Continue reading Who are you? →

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 that he will not … Continue reading Where are you going? Where have you been? →

In 2009 when I was living in Seattle, I had the once-in-a-lifetime privilege to see Dr. Maya Angelou.  A teacher colleague had a ticket to see her in a small church venue, but he was unable to attend.  He graciously offered the ticket to me.  I could not tell you a single word that she … Continue reading Imago Dei →

Tonight is a night of extremes.  We began with our Agape Meal, breaking bread together, laughing, sharing stories, reuniting in that specific space after many years of not having this meal.  The meal is a time of beloved community.  And now we have moved into this space of the Maundy Thursday Service.  During this service … Continue reading The Dragon is Us →

There was once a velveteen rabbit, and in the beginning he was really splendid. He was fat and bunchy, as a rabbit should be; his coat was spotted brown and white, he had real thread whiskers, and his ears were lined with pink sateen. On Christmas morning, when he sat wedged in the top of … Continue reading All Soul’s Day Interment Service →

I remember when I was in college I wanted to be a counselor.  Differences in how people respond to situations fascinated me, and I particularly enjoyed abnormal psychology. I also enjoyed child psychology, nature versus nurture, and how children reacted during different circumstances and to various types of people.  And, how situations in childhood could … Continue reading Why do you stay? →

Flannery O’Conner wrote, “There is a moment in every story in which the presence of grace can be felt as it waits to be accepted or rejected even though the reader may not recognize this moment.” We have been talking the last few weeks about Jesus being the Bread of Life and what that looks … Continue reading How should I live? →