Q: What's worse than facing day after week after month after year of poor health, with no answer in sight? A: Having your church friends tell you,   "The reason you're not healed yet is because you don't have enough faith."   Has anyone ever said as much to you? Or, have you heard those words come spilling out of your own mouth? The place of faith in healing is a subject worthy of a separate post, but for now, let's acknowledge most of us have been guilty of insensitivity toward those with long-term health problems. We act like Job's comforters, offering theological Continue Reading

My brother Wil has trouble hearing. As health problems will do, his condition sometimes causes him to feel frustrated, depressed and isolated. One day, he made plans to meet a good friend of his -- we'll call him John -- in a public parking lot. As Wil waited near his car, John approached him from out of his line of sight. Wil didn't notice him until John was almost right next to him. "You are hilarious!" grinned John. "I was right there and you didn't notice me!" On the outside, Wil managed a smile. On the inside, he was crushed. John was just being funny -- but by making light Continue Reading

I know what you’re thinking. Are you some kind of hater? Don’t you know Christians should be loving and non-judgmental? Now don't ya'll get your panties in a wad. I'll explain. I’m not targeting gays or liberals or fundamentalists, or any other groups taking potshots at each other. This is not about those arguments. I’m simply reflecting on Scripture passages that give us some relational limits  -- all from the New Testament, by the way. Here's the thing: We love the idea of being gracious and inclusive. But in a culture that shouts, "Don't judge!" and insists there are no Continue Reading

If you're a woman, think about how many times you've walked into a new situation and started out by complimenting the other women in the room. I really like that color on you. Those shoes are super cute! I love your earrings. Or am I the only one? I thought not. Compliments aren't inherently good or bad. It all depends on our motive. If praise is genuine and flows from a pure motive of building others up, compliments are great. But if praise is false or the motive is to fend off insecurity and get others to like us ... maybe not so much. I'm a natural encourager, careful to Continue Reading