Sex trafficking isn’t a “women’s issue.” Maybe that sounds silly, but I’m always struck by the fact that women seem to dominate the voices speaking out about these horrible crimes. While the majority of the victims of sexual slavery are women, the perpetrators are overwhelmingly male. Unless we’re going to blame the victims, it’s time to […]
Continue readingAuthor: Rich
Wow, That Looks Hard!
People said that a lot at our table this weekend. It was “Missions Weekend” at our church, and the lobby highlighted a whole bunch of missionaries and missions projects. People stopped, talked, and learned about incredible work happening around the corner and around the world. Most of these folks are doing difficult, often dangerous work. […]
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HAPPY MONDAY! A friend’s graduation inspired today’s word-of-the-week… WE My friend Melvin completed a year-long rehab program. At his graduation the other guys spoke about Melvin’s time with them. I was struck by how often they used the word “we.” These men arrived from big cities and small towns. Most had tough roads marked by […]
Continue readingWhat’s Your Dream Goal?
“What’s your dream goal for the FREEDOM TOUR?” Interesting question, and honestly one I hadn’t really considered. Strange, for a project based on following God-sized dreams. Once you get that kind of idea rattling around your brain, it creates its own space and hangs out. You realize it’s not going away. So I looked back […]
Continue readingThe Problem Of Human Slavery
Human slavery is a terrible thing. I write that mostly to remind myself. Sometimes I wonder, in my safe, comfortable suburban home, if I really appreciate the horrors of this pervasive crime we allow to exist in our communities. Becky, Woody, and I recently attended Human Trafficking Awareness Day at the Colorado State Capitol. We talked to folks from a broad […]
Continue readingWhere’s The Bible Centered?
I’ve been reading about different traditions when it comes to interpreting the bible. Without trying to explain all of the different options, it’s interesting to realize that I see scripture almost exclusively from a Christ-centered perspective. I’d never really considered that other options existed, but I’ve learned that they do. As our small group studies the life […]
Continue readingI Love Surprise Endings
From my friend Dick Foth: A man parked his shiny new sports car in a rather sketchy urban neighborhood. As he got out and locked the car he saw a young man staring longingly. “Hey, Mister,” said the kid. “Where’d you get that great set of wheels?” “My brother gave it to me.” “Get outta […]
Continue readingThe Circle Grows
You move down the road by putting one mile in front of the last one. It’s fun to imagine grand visions of big adventures, but the simple fact is you advance the vision and construct the adventure by stacking one mile on top of the last. And in the middle of winter when I’m accumulating miles […]
Continue readingAre You Trapped Or Free?
Free to choose. How you’ll respond. What you’ll believe. The risks you’ll take. Who you’ll listen to. The legacy you’ll leave. Whether you’ll forgive. How generously you’ll give. Which allegiance you’ll serve. We’re all completely, totally free to make the important choices that impact our lives and the lives of those around us. But… Choice […]
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HAPPY MONDAY! a twisty discussion leads to today’s word-of-the-week… CHEEK “So I guess you’re gonna tell us we have to turn the other cheek.” The sarcasm puddled on the table. A guy who’s lived on lobster boats doesn’t easily buy the notion of non-violece. We were talking about fear, and I said “He hit me” […]
Continue readingDo You Think About The Benefits?
“How can I contribute?” That’s the question you hear in a community. Everyone knows the mission. They’ve caught the vision. It’s a tipping point, and once you get past it things get really interesting. And creative. And fun. You know what you hear less and less? “What’s in it for me?” “What’s the Return On […]
Continue readingThe Things I Can’t Do
I still get frustrated by the whole wheelchair thing. After so many years you’d think I’d be over it, but not so far. I know I talk a lot about “don’t let what you CAN’T do keep you from doing what you CAN do.” Those aren’t empty words, but believing something doesn’t always make it […]
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