Ever hear about “speaking up for the voiceless”? It’s sort of odd, because those “voiceless” people really have the same voices as you and me. Their voices are beautiful. And capable. And worth hearing. Those voices are intentionally, systematically silenced and repressed. Or they’re simply ignored out of convenience and privilege, because their words and […]
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Fights About Words
Becky and I are re-watching “The West Wing” on Netflix. One thing we enjoy is the two-decades-earlier perspective on important issues. We’ve had some lively discussions about what’s progressed and what hasn’t. One episode touched the topic of sex trafficking. In 2001, the issue was scarcely a blip on the radar. An advocacy group lobbied […]
Continue readingMore TagAbout Comparing
I ran across an interesting thought about comparing. God created all sorts of stuff. Big stuff and little stuff. Bugs. Stars. Trees. Snakes. I think He’s still creating. I don’t know how. Doesn’t matter. Each time God created, He looked at the results and “saw that it was good.” He didn’t say some things were […]
Continue readingMore TagSomebody’s Gotta Do It
I saw this line from the upcoming movie “JUST MERCY.” Somebody has to stand when others are sitting. Somebody has to speak when others are quiet. I want to add a third line. Somebody has to cycle to bring hope and freedom to kids rescued from human trafficking…while others sit on the couch. Somebody’s gotta […]
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Gratitude is a good way to begin a decade.
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Seek Justice. As we look toward a new year. As we prepare for FREEDOM TOUR 2020. As we absorb and process the news. I keep thinking about this central message of scripture. Seek justice. Do what you can to set things right from a kingdom perspective. But what, exactly, does that mean? May I ask […]
Continue readingMore TagTwo Kings
2000 years ago the people of Bethlehem were offered a choice between two kings. One king lived in a luxurious palace. The other was born in a stable. One king controlled unlimited wealth. The other was born into, and lived his entire life in, poverty. One king controlled an empire, commanded the mightiest army on […]
Continue readingMore TagThe Next Right Thing
One of Becky’s principles is “do the next right thing.” It’s a consistent reminder that life isn’t really about big, momentous events. The path is determined one small choice at a time. Make lots of good choices, one at a time, over and over again, and you’ll look back at a journey you can feel […]
Continue readingMore TagAbout Looking Deeper
“What’s the story…behind the story?” Our pastor asked that question this weekend. I thought about these hand prints. There’s this whole wonderful story about the HOME OF HOPE and a community of rescued kids living in hope and freedom. I love that story, but Jeff’s question reminded me that this is much more than a […]
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Imagine being born in a stinky, nasty place surrounded by chaos. And then imagine, after you survived, powerful political leaders considered you a threat and wanted to kill you. Our neat little nativity scene is a bit misleading. It wasn’t all rainbows and smiles surrounded by a heavenly glow from the star. It was an […]
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Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday. Ever since the turkey settled, we’ve been buried under an avalanche of one-time-only, gotta-hurry-before-they’re gone “bargains.” It’s all marketing, a scheme designed to create a sense of urgency and scarcity. These *holidays* reinforce the perception that there’s not enough for everyone. Better jump in before you’re left out, […]
Continue readingMore TagThankful.Being
It’s Thanksgiving week, a uniquely American holiday of gratitude. And guilt. Lots of folks will express thanks for God’s bounty as they stuff the turkey and themselves. Maybe they’ll even say thanks as they rush through the stores (or click around the web) grabbing bargains. But some of us, maybe you, maybe me, will feel […]
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