It’s been a bad week for peace, human decency and the teachings of basically every major world religion. On Monday, Israeli troops killed 60 and injured more than 2,700 Palestinians in Gaza. Israel apologists vilified the dead, to justify the bloodshed in the name of ‘Murica and God. And why were Palestinians protesting? Imagine your … Continue reading Our collective sickness: Killing ‘others’ for tribalism
Two thoughts…
Two thoughts and a prayer for today: 1. Jesus was an Arab, a Palestinian and a Jew. 2. If we're to follow Christ we must love our neighbor as God loves us; we must see Christ in all people; we must see the infinite worth of every human life as the image of God. Prayer: … Continue reading Two thoughts…
Fostering understanding through ‘Mercy’
OKLAHOMA CITY — As a boy, Imam Imad Enchassi saw two radically different views of Christianity — one of peace and love, the other of violence committed in God's name. As an adult, Enchassi works to foster peace and understanding between Oklahoma's Muslim community and Christians, Jews and other faith groups — a mission he … Continue reading Fostering understanding through ‘Mercy’
Turning failure into success
When Alton Carter was a child, surviving to adulthood was by no means a given. Surrounded by addiction, poverty, abuse and neglect, rising to be nationally-recognized success as an adult was beyond a long shot. But, Carter did overcome those barriers, and now spends his days speaking to schools, prisons, businesses and civic clubs about … Continue reading Turning failure into success
Ascension: bringing the Incarnation full-circle
Thursday was Ascension Day, one of the most important and yet least celebrated events in the broader Church calendar. We’ve just had Easter — the celebration of our Lord’s bodily Resurrection. The grave and sin were conquered. Then, we had 40 days to walk with the risen Lord through the Easter season, until the Gospel … Continue reading Ascension: bringing the Incarnation full-circle
Facing our demon: Mental illness
This column originally was published May 11, 2018 in the Enid News & Eagle. The data surrounding the issue of mental illness in this column is specific to Oklahoma, but the general themes hold true for America in general. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and few places need awareness of this issue more than … Continue reading Facing our demon: Mental illness
Giving the gift of life
This post originally was published in the Enid News & Eagle April 30, 2018 as an article on organ and tissue donation. If you haven't already registered as an organ and tissue donor, please visit organdonor.org and do so. The mother and three of the kids in the picture below wouldn't exist if it weren't … Continue reading Giving the gift of life
Truth and reconciliation … one small act of love at a time
I normally wouldn’t advise seeking wisdom on Facebook. It’s become a trash soup of hate mongering, clickbait and fake news trolls — all mixed in with the cat videos and actual news we all want to see. But, if you use a fine enough sieve, you can still find some gems of wisdom in the … Continue reading Truth and reconciliation … one small act of love at a time
Align off the true cornerstone
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. Psalm 118:22-24 When a mason constructs a foundation, the first and most important stone is the cornerstone. The placement, elevation and orientation of this stone … Continue reading Align off the true cornerstone
Flames
Flames claim this world's past Consuming life's castaways Setting hearts afire
