Friday, Aug. 31, 2018 -- A lion of American public service lies in state in the U.S. Capitol today, at peace after more than six decades of service to our republic. By any measure John McCain was a successful man. But, I don’t believe the outpouring of grief at his death can be attributed entirely, … Continue reading Farewell, Maverick: Our loss and our greater call to serve
Courage
The banks of the Jordan
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 Moses is speaking to the Israelites, reassuring them as he prepares to hand over leadership to Joshua. He knows he soon will die, and the Israelites must go on without him, … Continue reading The banks of the Jordan
Finding strength in the humanity of God
For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the … Continue reading Finding strength in the humanity of God
In the Doldrums – Part 4
This is the fourth of five parts in the short story of a young man facing his self-doubt in the midst of a mid-Atlantic storm, and finding meaning in an unexpected place. A new part will be up each night through the conclusion, at which time the story will be published on Amazon - reviews … Continue reading In the Doldrums – Part 4
The words that burn
The Lesser Feast Day of Jan Hus Sometimes when I’m having trouble getting my thoughts together, I’ll look for a quote that speaks to me, a pearl of wisdom from someone who might offer guidance. It was in such a rut-breaking search that I recalled a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.: “If a man … Continue reading The words that burn
Free yourself
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and said, “Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life.” Acts 5:19-20 NRSV When we are in a jam it’s natural we turn to God for relief. Like the apostles, we want God … Continue reading Free yourself
Praying for strength
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NRSV Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word. It was in high school that I first began to practice meditation and prayer. One of … Continue reading Praying for strength
James R. Neal 