Narrative Lectionary: Called to Decolonize (Genesis 12:1-9)

Later this month will mark the one year anniversary of Hurricane Maria’s devastation of Puerto Rico as its 3.3 million residents still reeled from the impact of the often forgotten Hurricane Irma which hit the island just two weeks before. As I type these words, I whisper the name Raúl Pagán, my father’s cousin—que en… Read More

The Pastor is Political: The Pastor Halo

I recently had to file a complaint to the Office of Child & Family Services about the inspection of a summer camp that takes place on our church property. A new summer camp is trying to get  underway and the mandated surprise inspection did not go well. The director had only 2 campers, both autistic, and had… Read More

The Pastoral Is Political: It’s All Connected

On this auspicious day, my attorney is pleading my case in my capitol city, having been arrested in the General Assembly building for “trespassing.” I spent a large part of my summer participating in the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. Convened by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II and Rev. Dr. Liz… Read More

The Pastoral is Political

The road signs are blooming in our neck of the woods. Early voting has begun for the primaries which will decide who we vote for in the fall general elections. It’s been an interesting process. For the first time, both of our young adult progeny are informed voters. They are seriously evaluating candidates’ literature. Their interest… Read More

The Pastoral is Political: Resurrection Courage

Last Wednesday, April 4th, I had the privilege of taking part in a silent prayer walk through the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. It was my first time there. I was filled with mixed yet deep emotion being there on that day, especially. This silent sojourn was both a commemoration of Dr. King’s… Read More

The Pastoral is Political: That Dog, Those Cows, and the Elephant in the Room

About that dog: A dog died on a plane earlier this month.   My Facebook and Twitter blew up with the story of the 10-month-old French bulldog who died on a United Airlines plane after the flight attendant required the animal to be placed in the overhead bin during the flight. A “shaken” passenger began… Read More

The Pastoral is Political: Animals of the Flood

I remember where I was 16 years ago today when I learned what began happening at 8:46 a.m. in the United States. And I remember where I was the next few days: watching the news coverage in disbelief, trying to make sense of the never-before experienced. Now, Hurricane Irma has been having the same effect… Read More

The Pastoral Is Political: “Reclaiming My Time”

Count me as a very grateful beneficiary of the public service of U.S. Representative Maxine Waters. She is perceptive and persistent. If you haven’t seen this recent exchange between her and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, please take a moment to savor her awesomeness in this video.  Her office had sent him an official letter. His office… Read More