MY INVISIBLE, FOREIGN HEROES

A Tribute to the Immigrants Who are Dying For Me

The year 2020 will go down in history as one of our nation’s most difficult. We’ve dealt with pandemics, economic recessions, angry civil discourse, and racial tension in the past. We’ve never had to deal with all of them in a single year. There are some who are suffering more than others. We should acknowledge […]

immigrant workers

THE DISCRIMINATING VIRUS

Covid-19 and the Plight of the Global Poor

The Covid-19 Pandemic will have a yet uncertain impact on the global economy. While Americans will suffer, most will escape the devastating impact felt by the poorest countries in the world. Obviously, the virus spreads indiscriminately. However, the plight of the poor places them inequitably in the path of the pandemic. What does the Bible […]

covid19 and the poor

NAVIGATING THE NEW NORMAL

Smart is Always Better Than Afraid

The Covid-19 global pandemic will most likely be a seminal event. When we return to normal it will be a new normal. How do we surf the turbulent waters of a seminal event? How do we live smart so that we don’t have to be afraid?   The Seminal Event My Grandfather’s generation was shaped […]

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FREEDOM AND JUSTICE

Jesus and the Essential Tension

My Christian Ethics Prof would bring a rubber band into class from time to time, playing with it as he lectured on the essential tension inherent in some ethical questions. A rubber band is useless without tension. The right amount of tension and it holds things together; too much tension and it breaks. What can […]

freedom

OUR CONFRONTATIONAL CULTURE

Three Ways to Confront the Culture as Jesus Did

We live in an increasingly confrontational culture. More and more of our political leaders are taking to twitter causing an avalanche of responses. Technology has given us unprecedented access to each other and equally unprecedented angry conversations. Millions have entered the fray. In the present cultural morass, where millions can react with lightning speed, how […]

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THE MASKED CHRISTIAN

A Statement of Faith and Love

I never thought masks would be controversial. Welcome to 2020, where the complexities of a global pandemic have us debating the finer points of mask-wearing. One Ohio State Representative is refusing to wear a mask (he used Scripture to justify his refusal). US officials including Surgeon General Jerome Adams and Vice President Mike Pence have […]

mask wearing

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Learning How to Pray from the Lord's Prayer

The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May when people are asked: “to turn to God in prayer and meditation”. The president is required by law to sign a proclamation each year, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Nothing can stop a praying […]

National Day of Prayer

THE BIG MIRROR

What Covid-19 Will Reveal About Us

No one has a crystal ball on the pandemic we are experiencing. Opinions and predictions abound. Business leaders want to get back to work, while normally mild-mannered medical scientists are screaming extreme caution. Politicians are stuck somewhere between those two voices. The rest of us are left scratching our heads and shrugging our shoulders, unsure […]

covid-19

OUR GLOBAL TRIAL

Living in the Shadow of His Wings

It’s Day 15 of “Shelter-in-place” (I live in Dallas County). Covid-19 free (so far), still working and getting paid, groceries in the fridge, and plenty of toilet paper (though it’s dwindling), I’m an American who has a lot of blessings to count. Others are not so fortunate. I see them and hear their voices. My […]

soar like an eagle

A CHRISTIAN RESPONSE TO COVID-19

Lessons from Martin Luther and the Bubonic Plague

People are struggling right now. Financial concerns are at the top of the list for many. For others, it’s the fear of catching the virus. A few are worried about a loved one who is already sick. Obviously, for more than a few, it’s toilet paper. Some of my friends who are young, healthy, and […]

coronavirus