Ash Wednesday with Ryan Woods

February 13, 2013.Reading time 2 minutes.

Tonight at Northaven, I’ll be inviting our folks to watch this short, but powerful, video from Ryan Woods. Ryan died of his cancer last Fall, but his openness about his dying stands as a challenge to all of us to live the time we have left. As he says in the video… “We’re all in […]

My Introduction of Bill McElvaney

February 5, 2013.Reading time 18 minutes.

The following is the gist of my introduction of Dr. William K. McElvaney, as he received the “Distinguished Alumnus Award” tonight from Perkins School of Theology. It includes some biographical info that I omitted, since it was also in the printed program, but that makes sense to include here. I am deeply honored that Bill […]

Our Everyday Insanity

January 31, 2013.Reading time 13 minutes.

“Try not to think about it. That’s what I do,” The Judge texts me. “The Judge,” for those unfamiliar, is a term of affection I use for my wife. She’s a State District Judge in Dallas County. I texted her this morning, soon after I heard the news of yet another shooting. This time, the […]

The End of the World As We Know It

December 18, 2012.Reading time 13 minutes.

“So, if they say to you, ‘Look! He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out.If they say, ‘Look! He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it…But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”— Jesus Christ (Matthew, Chapter 24) “It’s […]

What We Owe The Christmas Angels

December 15, 2012.Reading time 21 minutes.

We are still grieving. I am still grieving. It was around noon yesterday when I saw the news alert for this shooting come across my phone. I burst into tears. Twenty young children, the most innocent and helpless members of our society, cut down by what will most certainly be judged to be a mentally […]

Reponse to the Connecticut Shooting

December 15, 2012.Reading time 4 minutes.

Dear Friends: The unspeakable events in Connecticut today have everyone reeling, and in shock. It’s almost unfathomable to believe the loss and the grief. I can share with you that I have been crying off and on all day. I find myself moving back and forth between deep grief for the loss of innocent life, […]

Standing Up to Black Friday

November 19, 2012.Reading time 6 minutes.

If you know me at all, you know how obsessed I have become with the story of Jdmityai Damour, the Walmart employee who was tramped to death on Black Friday in 2008. For those who don’t know, a brief refresher. And then, a word about this year…ie, what’s happening, what I’m consider, for this Black […]

Burnings

November 16, 2012.Reading time 14 minutes.

One of the more fascinating stories to come out of this presidential election cycle is the Romney campaign’s behavior on election night. For ninety minutes that evening, despite the fact that all the major television networks had called the race (even FOX), there was no communication from the Romney campaign. Did he know some objective […]

Praying for the Peace of Jerusalem

November 15, 2012.Reading time 2 minutes.

Deeply concerned about the news out of Israel and Gaza today. It seems like both sides of that conflict are engaged in a dangerous game of chicken with each other. And so, perhaps a good time to repost this song and video from me. In the name of our common God, let’s keep praying for […]

What the Presidential Election Should Teach the United Methodist Church

November 9, 2012.Reading time 11 minutes.

One of the trends in United Methodism these days is to talk extensively about “the mission field.” It’s a buzz word. It’s a concept. The question is asked: “In every place where we do ministry, what does the mission field look like?” It’s a very very good question, and I’m glad we’re asking it. Demographics, […]