Loneliness is a growing epidemic in our society. Yes, I said epidemic. Studies have now shown that loneliness and social isolation raises our stress hormones, causes inflammation, and can lead to heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, dementia, and more. In fact, some claim that it could even be a bigger health risk than smoking or obesity.…
A Place at the Table
Yesterday, my husband and I took advantage of the beautiful day to do some work in the yard. One of our primary tasks for the day was to take care of some problematic trees and shrubs and to work on the perennials. Needless to say, like the vineyard keeper in John’s gospel we did some…
You Are Family
As a child, when I feel down and skinned my knee, there was nothing I wanted more than to be held in the arms of a parent. Their soothing words helped me to know that this moment of crisis was only temporary and that I would be okay. When I was a bit older, I…
Go Back Home
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! When those women showed up at the tomb on Easter morning, they didn’t know they were supposed to shout for joy. They were confused and disoriented and more than a little startled by the angel appearing before them. Christ has been…
The Beginning in the End
We spend so much of our lives looking for a savior. In the book of Judges, chapter 3 – the Israelites cry out for a savior when the going gets tough… and God responds by lifting up individuals who would save the people… Othniel and Ehud and Deborah. Over and over, the Psalmists cry out…
Under Dogs, Top Dogs, and the Kingdom of God
In 1887, a new term was coined in the English speaking world – the “underdog.” This was the opposite of the top dog –the dominant person in a situation or hierarchy, the winner, the victor in a fight or contest of wills. The term likely comes from the world of dog fighting, but soon the…
Who Is Included in We?
Everyone loves a hometown hero… The kid who excelled at sports or music or science and then went away to accomplish their dreams. When they return home, that child is often greeted with love and adoration as friends, family, and neighbors cheer on one of their own. This was the case when Jesus came back…
Breaking the Rules
As children, our understanding of right and wrong, good and bad, and the direction of our moral compass is shaped by our parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, older siblings, friends, and neighbors. Sometimes, they do this through gentle encouragement. Other times, it is by laying down strict boundaries. In other cases, it is the failure…