“Who can read the New Testament and fail to see that Jesus took sides and accepted freely the possibility of being misunderstood.” –James Cone, “Jesus Christ in Black Theology” As both a parent and a pastor, I have long been a supporter of mental health care in my community. I even serve on a state-wide… Read More
Wits’ Ends Day: TV Show Pitch
Dear Studio Executive, I am writing about a new TV show I hope you will consider producing. It is called “Gal Eye for the Pastor Guy.” It’s about a team of fabulous clergy women who travel around the country doing lifestyle, theological, and ecclesiological makeovers for struggling male pastors. We realize that such a program… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Who Knew?
God, The Sabbath rest of Holy Saturday is not for us this year. If only we shared the Marys’ ignorance of what the dawn will bring, we could spend today in the deep rest of grief. But we have already heard the startling commands: “Go.” “Tell.” And, despite our alarm, despite our terror and amazement,… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Hosanna! Save Us
Hosanna! Save us, O God! From hasty palm waving and distracted worship; from the Holy Week panic about to set in; from the onslaught of emails and plastic eggs; from the special music to arrange and the brunch casseroles to bake; from the late nights, the restless sleeps, the too-early mornings. Save us, O God,… Read More
Saturday Prayer: I am a mess
Incarnate God, I am screaming in the temple, flipping over tables, making enemies of those who do not understand. I am relaxing with my friends, enjoying good food, a nice glass of wine, giving thanks for the bread and the cup and the laughter. I am weeping in the garden, feeling terribly alone, fearing what… Read More
Bullet Journals for Pastors
Bullet journals are really trending right now. Actually, the fact that I just started one probably means they were really trending two years ago. I’m a little slow on the trends. But I have one now! If you, like me, want to start a bullet journal, then you, like me, will type “how to start… Read More
Saturday Prayer: In the Midst
Holy God, Alpha and Omega, Our beginning and our end– We are in the midst: In the midst of the Lenten wilderness with its deprivations and spiritual burdens, moving from temptation to cross through grief and betrayal and violence. We are in the midst: In the midst of church busyness with its committee meetings and… Read More
Wits’ Ends Day: Happy (Ash) Valentine’s (Wednes)Day
Hallmark may not be taking advantage of this unique opportunity, but I thought somebody should create a few cards to mark the confluence of Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday. Sending all my love and penitent thoughts to you lovely clergywomen on this day of hearts and ashes. If you’ve ever struggled with the logistics of… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Some of Us and All of US
Holy God, Some of us are marching today, reminding others—and ourselves– that we are all in this together and we can do better for each other. Some of us are writing today, struggling with the words you have given and the words we will offer on your behalf. Some of us are relaxing today, enjoying… Read More
Saturday Prayer: All the words
Holy God who spoke the world into being, Ignorant, hurtful, hateful words from this week churn in our hearts. Sacred texts wrestle with our mundane vocabularies to form words for our soon-to-be-preached sermons. The words around us wound or comfort or distract. The words within us spin, swirl, and blur. All of these words that… Read More
