The Unwritten Chapters
Knowing it’s a fruitless exercise doesn’t stop me from obsessing over the “what ifs” of life. Witnessing my elderly parents’ journey, even with the tireless support of my sister and brother-in-law, has cast a shadow of concern over my own future. I find myself bracing for elderly years that aren’t yet here, allowing the anxiety […]
Your Greatest Ministry is NOW
Many people become stuck in what they believe was the greatest season of their ministry. They replay it, talk about it, and quietly try to replicate it: They think, “when I led that ministry… when I taught that class… when I felt most effective.” But here’s the hard question: How long ago was that? Five, […]
Waiting Room
I’m sure most of us remember sitting in a doctor’s office waiting room as a child. Like most kids (and adults), I hated going to the doctor. But do you know what I always thought was the worst part? The waiting room! That’s when the anticipation would build up. I’d sit there, watching the door, […]
What a Powerful Name
It was getting late. My fingers were freezing from the howling Michigan wind. It was almost time to go back to the warm building to debrief with the others. Then I saw Raymond. He was moving toward Ed with angry words and a puffed-up chest. Ed was a sweet, frail man staying at the men’s […]
Alone
There’s a captivating program called, “Alone.” Ten participants are dropped in desolate, isolated areas, like Antarctica, and must survive completely alone, and with minimal survival equipment. The environment is bitterly harsh, but many find that being totally alone is what defeats them. Do we fear desertion and abandonment? We NEVER have to fear those things […]