Hope was waning and faith was fading. The sun was slowly setting on the Jewish nation. Far too many oppressors had subjugated them to tyranny and oppression. Greeks, Syrians, and Romans had fought for the right to rule over a patch of desert not much bigger than the state of Delaware. All so they could … Continue reading
Twenty years ago a young man walked across a stage and received a piece of paper that was evidence of four years of hard work, study, perseverance, and ping-pong. Tassels were flipped, hats were tossed, pats on the back were given. The future was before him, and he was eager to apply all that he … Continue reading
So what would make me come out of my self-induced blogging hiatus, you may ask. The leader of the free world approvingly re-tweeting someone who called him a “king of Israel” and, “the second coming of God.” That coupled with Trump describing himself as “the chosen one” during an interview about trade wars with China … Continue reading
I don’t know where people get the energy. I really don’t. I mean, I’m a caffeine addicted, 4 -cups-a-day coffee drinker, and I don’t possess the energy that some people seem to have. Because it takes energy to be outraged all the time. Another controversial celebrity endorses a product, “Boycott that product! If you own … Continue reading
One of the best descriptions I ever heard for the life of a preacher is that it’s like living in a goldfish bowl. Everyone can look in, see what you’re doing, and tap on the glass to try and provoke a response. And there’s no hiding, not much anyway. I have lived that life for … Continue reading
Yeah, yeah, I’m back. It’s been 9 months since I’ve written, but if you’re expecting something as miraculous as birth, you will be sorely disappointed. The main reason I haven’t blogged is simple: I don’t have much to say. The news is banal. Social media is a land populated by extremists who scare normal people … Continue reading
Dear Atheists, I’ve seen your comments. They’re hard to miss. Since the tragic events in Sutherland Springs, Texas your snark and condescension are more than conspicuous. Now if you are a brand of atheist who wants to weep and mourn with us, then thank you, this letter is not meant for you. But for the … Continue reading
It’s something I have done since my first ministry. On Fridays I walk through the empty sanctuary, sit in each pew, and pray. I pray for the people who will sit there, whoever they may be. I pray that something happens to touch their hearts, strengthen their faith, or encourage them to live radically for … Continue reading
I grew up southern. Even more significant, I grew up Virginian. The foothills of the Blue Ridge were my playground, the red clay of the Old Dominion was my sandbox, and the countless historical sites and landmarks were my classroom. I cut my teeth on the stories of the settlers of Jamestown. I can trace … Continue reading
I had to check the calendar several times Saturday. White supremacists marching the streets. A KKK rally complete with pointy hats and rebel flags. People murdering each other over a statue. Were we in the 1960s? Wait, is that a Nazi flag? Is this the 1940s? To say my head was spinning is an understatement. … Continue reading
The Pondering Preacher 