It was beautiful and creepy at the same time. We walked the pristine grounds for three hours, watching swans sail on the pond, wandering down row upon row of Camellias in their final bloom, strolling around manicured lawns and rose gardens surrounding the original Middleton Plantation house.Under the oaks facing the river, a string quartet warmed up for a wedding. Such a serene setting. Such an unlikely place for injustice and brutality. We knew if the land could speak, it must have some chilling tales to tell. The swamps thick with cypress trees, the clumps of cane, the river and the Continue Reading
Everything Happens For a Reason… or Not.
Have you ever caught yourself repeating a catchy phrase you’ve heard, but haven’t really thought through? Just because something is oft-repeated doesn’t mean it’s actually so. As followers of Christ, we need to put today’s common sayings through the filter of God’s word to see if they are true. According to Colossians 2:8, some philosophies are empty and deceptive. They come from the elemental spirits of this world, not from Christ. Here are two examples: 1. “Everything happens for a reason.” Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for Continue Reading
Why I Don’t Send Positive Thoughts
Have you seen the blurb about hurting people who need encouragement, and how we should create an “intention avalanche” and “send positive thoughts” their way? It’s absolutely true we all need encouragement -- but I’m pretty sure I’m not able to pick up thoughts others may “send” my way. (I’m not good at mind-reading.) Nor do I wish to depend on the power of human intentions, however good they may be. Why? Using the “power of intention” and “positive thoughts” as a remedy for difficulty or despair means placing our faith in people instead of in God. It’s contrary to what we see Continue Reading