I had the opportunity to attend a beautiful and inspiring Black Lives Matter rally at Government Springs Park in Enid, Okla., on Saturday, with my wife Tammy. We have attended several of these events in recent weeks -- a youth march, an NAACP-sponsored march and rally, and a grassroots protest at city hall. All of … Continue reading Black Lives Matter and the Power of Mary’s Song
Faith
We must protect faith from the state, not by it
New Haven Colony Puritans hang a man for "crimes against the faith." As the presidential race prepares to jump into high gear, and as influential segments of American Christianity seek to ingratiate themselves with and guide — you could say manipulate — our civil government, it is worth pausing to consider the history of intermingling … Continue reading We must protect faith from the state, not by it
What is good about Good Friday?
What is good about Good Friday? As a child, pondering the horrible pain and suffering wrapped up in the Christian Passion narrative, I often asked this question. What is good about something that, on the surface, is so horrible? This question has taken on special meaning for me this year, as we — both Christians … Continue reading What is good about Good Friday?
‘HEART OF THE FAITH’ Principles of unity, equality and peace emphasized in Bahá’í community
ENID, Okla. — If you browse the listings for area churches, there’s no shortage of options in Christian congregations. But, there’s one listing that stands out, if only because few people are familiar with it — the Bahá’ís of Enid. Background to the faith The small local congregation is part of a worldwide faith that is … Continue reading ‘HEART OF THE FAITH’ Principles of unity, equality and peace emphasized in Bahá’í community
‘A DIFFERENT PATH’ Buddhism and yoga bring practitioner back to Christ
ENID, Okla. — In a region often described as the “buckle of the Bible belt,” there are numerous paths to Christian faith. But for one local man, finding Christ again after an episode of abuse within the church meant first rediscovering peace, love and compassion through the practices of Buddhism and yoga. Abuse in the … Continue reading ‘A DIFFERENT PATH’ Buddhism and yoga bring practitioner back to Christ
Beauty amidst the darkness
Tammy and I took a long walk today. Amid all the darkness and dark news we found beauty. Beauty cast into the world by God for us to enjoy. Take some time today to bask in the beauty of Creation. LightFear comes in darknessBut light from God fails us notLight dispels darkness
Answers
In silence we pray Rain falls as prayers ascend Soft flowing answers
Fading
Skin draws paper thin Life shines through as body fades Life soon unfettered
Bleeding
Blood saved at the crossLove coursing through mortal heartBleeding Love for all
The uncomfortable path of truth
Delivered for Noon Prayer, 2.19.2020, at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Enid, Okla., in observance of the Feast of Frederick Douglass (20 February). “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” That line, from our very brief Gospel reading today, is one of the most popular quotes from Scripture. But, what … Continue reading The uncomfortable path of truth
James R. Neal 