The Easter story is a familiar story that many of us have heard since childhood. And we’ve seen it portrayed on countless felt boards in churches throughout the Western world. But I’m afraid it has lost some of its gusto. I guess the felt-board characters haven’t aged very well. Bunnies and chocolates have taken center stage in this modern-day version. Consequently, Jesus gets a casual, “Thank you.” Then, it’s back to life as usual. But this year, I approached the […]
There isn’t much to like about seagulls. They’re noisy, obnoxious and invasive. But this weekend, as I found myself wrestling with how to navigate the news, resolve my fears and hold on to joy, a flock of seagulls taught me a fantastic lesson. On Sunday, my wife and I took our four children on an adventure to a neighboring beach community. After a cold weather snap and an above-average flu season, we needed some time out of the house. As […]
I woke up this morning to the crushing news of the death of a classmate and friend. My heart breaks for his family and those who were close to him. Thirty-five is simply too young to die. And when it hits so close to home, it’s all the more real. In the midst of the pain, you can’t help but ask why. But as I wrestle with my emotions, I’m reminded that reason is a liar. That making sense of it […]
Earlier this week, a friend of mine named Bill reminded me that the holidays are not always joyful. Bill lost his wife to cancer a few years ago, and as much as he doesn’t intend for it to happen, the holidays remind him of what he’s lost. In those moments, it’s hard to give thanks. Bill’s encouragement struck a chord with me because, honestly, I’m guilty of overlooking other’s pain. Even worse, I try to combat it with positivity. But sometimes, positivity […]
We have a camellia bush in our front yard that refuses to take root. Every season, it fails to bloom. At one point, we even hired a landscape company to replant it to see if that would restore it to life. Its sad, withered leaves only confirmed the reality that it was dying. Six years ago, our marriage was like that camellia bush—hanging on for dear life, refusing to bear fruit. When the doctors confirmed that we wouldn’t be able […]
Today, I watched a dear family friend bury their father. As I stood at the graveside, listening to the minister’s words of consolation, I paused for a moment to take in my surroundings. The wind rustled the trees that were as weathered as the tombstones that littered the landscape. Thick clouds methodically danced across the sky hinting of a much-needed rain. I swayed ever so slightly, keeping in rhythm with the melody of the clouds and the breeze. In that moment, although I […]
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all.” Galatians 1:3-6 Those are strong words written 2,000 years ago by the Apostle Paul to the church he established in Galatia. However, I feel like they have a very applicable tone as we navigate the waters of the church in America today. In many ways, American Christians have turned or […]
We get busy in life. Matt reminds us of why we dedicate ourselves to something other than ourselves.
- Robert Wagnon, CEO, Republic State Mortgage
