(This post was originally published on the Baptist Churches of New England’s blog on July 24, 2023. You can find it here.) Let’s see if this sounds familiar: “But what if I’m not really saved? The fear of finding out too late that I used the wrong words or didn’t fully understand or committed too little... Continue Reading →
"Sometimes it seems that our many words are more an expression of our doubt than our faith. It is as if we are not sure that God's Spirit can touch the hearts of people: we have to help Him out with many words, convince others of His power. But it is precisely this wordy unbelief... Continue Reading →
A favorite fairy tale of my childhood was Toads and Diamonds. I probably missed the point of the story because I was so absorbed in the gorgeous illustrations. Of particular interest to me was the picture of the kind sister spilling jewels and flowers from her tongue (while I hurried past the page with frogs... Continue Reading →
They were feeling me out, poking to see what I was made of. Mischief sparkled in their eyes, and gentle teasing bounced toward me. This lunch was the first of many among new friends, and I felt a mighty push to impress. Gathering every ounce of wit available, I opened my mouth. My young heart... Continue Reading →
"Say what you wanna say / And let the words fall out / Honestly I wanna see you be brave." (Sara Bareilles, 'Brave') You get a text asking if you're interested in taking on a big assignment. Or your old nemesis from high school (totally a thing) sends you a friend request. Or God confronts... Continue Reading →
She glanced in his direction, but her eyes slid easily over his form and moved away to someone else. Through the course of the evening, she conversed with every single person... except him. She laughed at their jokes, offered warm encouragement, and posed thoughtful questions to all the guests but one. Have you ever been... Continue Reading →
And He said unto them, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15) Analyzing the speech of most believers, you'll find a strange device on our tongues: Christianese. We sound like we're stuck in the King James version of reality, trying to make the world around us understand... Continue Reading →
The Super Bowl is just around the corner, and fans are getting antsy. Snacks will be prepared, faces will be painted, and chaos will most definitely ensue. As you dust off your best game day recipes, here's something to ponder: what if you cheered on the people—all of the people—God has put in your life... Continue Reading →
Most people collect things. I gather inspiring quotes and spread them around my space to wave hello as old friends do when I’m bored. Or tired. Or sad. Or just 100% done. One such companion, originally included in a play by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, is “The pen is mightier than the sword.” As a particularly uncoordinated... Continue Reading →
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. (Ephesians 4:29, The Message) I grew up watching my mischievous little brother occasionally get his mouth washed out with a bar of soap. As the firstborn perfectionistic good girl, the chunk of... Continue Reading →
The Dwelling Place 