Eyes downcast, Jamé exhales slowly. Pain flickers across her countenance. It's ten in the morning, and she's been laboring steadily for three hours. Never is a woman more vulnerable-- or more powerful -- than she is during childbirth. Sam kisses her forehead, laces his fingers through hers, murmurs encouragement. Never does a man feel more helpless than when his beloved gives birth -- and never is he more helpful, simply by being at her side. It's the being, not the doing. The power of presence. This is his gift to her. The two are becoming three, another holy family Continue Reading
Search Results for: Why Giving Up
Why Junia the Apostle wasn’t Imprisoned for Organizing Church Potlucks
As the couple enters the courtyard, a joyful cheer erupts from the fifty Jesus-followers gathered in the enclosure. “Praise God! You’re home again. The Lord has spared you—glory to his name!” The brothers and sisters crowd around the man and woman, hugging them, weeping with joy and relief. The woman wipes a tear from her eye, careful to avoid the large purple welt on her cheek and the bloody gash on her eyebrow. Several sisters surround her, anxious to help. “We’re so grateful our prayers for your release have been answered. You have suffered much for the Name. Please, be seated Continue Reading
Why sure-fire Bible answers may not be as helpful as we think
When we lived in the same town with them, “Bret” and “Lindsey” had been married for nearly two decades. Early on in their marriage, they’d gone through a major crisis. The way they handled it became, in their view, a powerful testimony which they were compelled to share with others. Bret and Lindsey concluded that the answer to marital strife was for the wife to submit every decision, no matter how small, to the husband. She was to serve him twenty-four seven with sacrificial devotion. He, in turn, would provide for the household, manage the finances, bring ultimate discipline Continue Reading
Why I refuse to call Thanksgiving “turkey day”
Let’s play a quick game of work association. When I say “thanksgiving,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Probably a table laden with a juicy roast turkey surrounded by all the fixings, right? I enjoy poultry of all kinds, and I’m looking forward to another turkey feast this year. It might be smoked or brined or plain-old roasted, but however the bird is prepared, you won’t hear me referring to Thanksgiving Day as “turkey day.” Why? Because taking “thanks” out of the holiday’s name shifts our focus away from gratitude toward consumerism. It distracts our already Continue Reading