Do you think we can ever learn enough? Admittedly, I'm rather curious by nature. As an adult, I’ve taken classes to learn quilting, calligraphy, photography, floral design, sailing, inspirational speaking, writing, computer skills, cooking (I keep trying!), cake decorating, counseling and the Bible.
We’ve all said it or at least heard someone say it. “I’ll never forgive myself for…” What if I told you there was no such thing as forgiving yourself? The Bible addresses our need for forgiveness from God, us forgiving others, but not us forgiving ourselves. How does that change how you think about forgiveness?
I remember talking on the phone with a friend who I had gotten to know while we both lived in Manhattan. We had spent numerous lunch or coffee dates talking about every topic under the sun, yet we had never discussed our theological views on gender. When the topic came up that day, we were both a bit timid.
It’s hard not to constantly think of ourselves. Or is that just me?
We live in a culture that worships selfies, is always looking for the next best self-help guru, and often values the rights of self-expression and self-governance above all else. It even seems that our Christian culture is becoming increasingly “me” focused. We want to listen to the podcasted sermons we choose - those we deem to be most interesting or relevant. We gravitate like flies towards books that will help us find our purpose, overcome our personal anxiety, and help us reach our goals.
Billie Meadors was convinced God was about to redeem a difficult part of her past. Having survived an extremely tough marriage and then long season of single motherhood, Billie had just wholeheartedly spent the entire summer recruiting team members, preparing to launch and lead an all new Single Moms Ministry, when a routine mammogram threatened all that.
In my last blog I talked about what diversity is. I asked, “What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘diversity’?”, suggesting anything from gender equality to ethnic diversification. We looked at how diversity relates to perspective, courage, and reconciliation. Then we considered how diversity is not tokenism, patronization, or sameness.
What comes to mind when you hear the word “diversity”? Is it gender equality and women’s rights? Is it immigration and our chaotic Southern border? Is it denominational inclusion and capital “C” Church unity? Is it graciously entertaining differences in opinion or religion? Or, for you, is it racial equality and ethnic diversification?
