ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJuly 9, 2025Like many of you, I have been unable to find words to describe the grief and sadness I have felt in regard to the flooding that has taken so many lives (both in Texas and in the Carolinas). Even my prayers have been more emotion than words, though it is in times like this that I remember the words of the Apostle Paul, “…the Spirit
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJuly 8, 2025So I’m driving down Louetta the other day, and the car in front of me is dragging part of the plastic underbody panel. This wasn’t the only part of the car with some problems, as there was a great deal of duct tape holding the bumper and the back quarter panel in place. As we pulled away from a red light, the plastic underneath fell
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJuly 7, 2025Clement of Alexandria lived in the second and early part of the third century. He became a priest and eventually one of the church’s early theologians. He was one of Origen’s teachers and has always garnered the respect of theologians throughout the centuries. And though I read some of what he wrote during my time in graduate school, I was deeply troubled by his misogynistic
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJuly 5, 2025Challenges come our way no matter the time of year or our stage in life. Yet just because we call something a challenge does not mean it occurred unexpectedly. There are times when we choose to be challenged, and often our faith demands it. And simply being challenged does not necessarily mean it is an inconvenience or painful. Challenges are what motivate us to rise
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJuly 4, 2025I appreciate the wisdom of the famous philosopher, Bob Dylan, who said that a “…hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.” In Galatians 5:1, we read, “For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” What choices do you make each day that demonstrate that your freedom is never
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJuly 3, 2025Truth saves! Falsehoods and disinformation kill! I am baffled by the number of very smart people who buy into what I can only describe as nonsense. I know it has to do with people’s insecurities that desperately want an explanation with a clear cause for why they are feeling apprehensive. And sadly, there are people who, for the purpose of power and/or money, have done
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJuly 1, 2025We are a little less than two weeks away from the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) being held in Memphis, TN. Like always, I am rather giddy about attending and absolutely thrilled by the sixteen people who will be attending from Cypress Creek Christian Church. My enthusiasm was slightly diminished when I received word yesterday that registration for the Assembly is
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJune 30, 2025Today is the last day of June, which means it is the last day of Pride Month. Though just because a time of celebration has come to a conclusion does not mean pride, education, advocacy, and general support will conclude. Christmas happens on December 25th, and we begin celebrating it the day after Thanksgiving (in stores shortly after July 4th), but the wonderful news of
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJune 29, 2025I reached for my cup of tea and then lifted it to my lips—not once or twice or even three times, but four different times. These all occurred after the cup was empty. Each time I thought to myself, I need to get up and make myself another cup. Each time, I went back to what I was doing instead of getting more tea. It
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJune 28, 2025As I read through the Bible, I repeatedly encounter numerous instances when God seems to announce inclusion, even in spite of the chosen people of Israel, the disciples, and the early church choosing an attitude of protectionism through exclusion. Of course, claiming we are better than everyone else, and if you disagree, we will kill you was sort of the norm in ancient times. Though