ENID, Okla. — Members of at least six congregations of the Christian and Jewish faiths gathered at St. Stephen AME Church Monday evening for an ecumenical service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and his enduring legacy. The service, hosted by St. Stephen AME and St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, featured an address by Rabbi … Continue reading “Stepping Into Fear” — Christian, Jewish congregations hear message of hope, love overcoming fear
fear
Surrender to trust
There is perhaps no greater force drawing us away from God’s love than our fear. Our regrets over the past are fears of inadequacy, and for our place in this world. Our longing for the past is based in the fear that our best is behind us. Our anxieties over the future represent innumerable fears … Continue reading Surrender to trust
The Holy Innocents
Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents, recalling the episode in Matthew’s Gospel when King Herod, fearing the threat to his reign of the prophesied King of kings, ordered the slaughter of all Jewish boys two years old and younger in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:13-18: When the wise men had departed, an angel of the … Continue reading The Holy Innocents
Veil
Darkness fights true light Deep within soul's bound cradle Fear holding the veil
Pray for Independence
I love Arnold Friberg’s classic painting “The Prayer at Valley Forge.” This painting depicts George Washington taking a knee in the snow, falling down before God to pray for strength and guidance at perhaps the darkest hour of the Revolution. It is a painting oft-portrayed on patriotic occasions, and I think it is very fitting … Continue reading Pray for Independence
Where My Words May Go
Writing may be humanity’s greatest unconsummated passion. A great many people, perhaps a majority, think at some point to take up the craft. An idea springs from a moment of divine epiphany. Or, it builds slowly, layer upon layer, as imperceptible in its form as the sculpture lying within limestone. Children’s books, memoirs, novels, histories, … Continue reading Where My Words May Go
Our Own Worst Enemy
Thoughts on the Refugee Order In the little more than two days since President Trump signed an executive order barring Syrian refugees indefinitely from entering the United States, and placing a 120-day moratorium on all refugee admissions, there has been no shortage of commentary on the matter. Social media, news media coverage of all kinds, … Continue reading Our Own Worst Enemy
James R. Neal 