The Pastoral is Political: “Are y’all queer?”

My straight sister-in-law shared a meme on Facebook the other day, asking people to name their first gay bar, as a sign of solidarity with the victims and survivors of the Pulse shooting. She used to work at Disney as a performer; her first was the Parliament House in Orlando, Florida. A confession: I’ve never… Read More

Sunday Prayer: I’m Not Ready to Make Nice

I’m obsessed this week with the song I’m Not Ready to Make Nice by the Dixie Chicks,  written by Martha McGuire, Natalie Maines, Emily Robison, and Dan Wilson. I’ve been praying it all week, when I hear people talking about redemption and forgiveness in the massive loss in Orlando. I’m not ready to make nice. Forgive,… Read More

Friday Five: Love is love is love

Previously when composing a FF in the wake of a disaster or outrage there has been a tendency to try to find something uplifting, or light, or amusing to break the mood. But this week, I am struggling to do this; so many of my friends have been directly affected; some have decided to leave… Read More

Wednesday Festival: writing about the Pulse shooting in Orlando

RevGals and Pals are praying and writing about the mass-shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando on Sunday.  It was Latin night at the gay club, in Pride month.  Fifty people are dead. The Orlando Sentinel has profiles of the 49 people who were shot. If you are wondering how to preach in the aftermath of… Read More

Revised Common Lectionary: Seeking God after Orlando

I listened as a pastor prayed, “Lord, send your Spirit to Orlando to comfort those who are mourning,” and I thought, “The Spirit doesn’t need our sending to get to Orlando; the Spirit was dancing in the midst of the Latinx community of Orlando long before tragedy interrupted their joy.” In fairness, it’s too easy… Read More