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Paul’s discussion on the body of Christ mentions “uncomely” parts, those that need extra attention and care. I think we should speak love to those parts, making sure they don’t feel alienated from the rest of the body. Those organs. Those extremities. Those feelings. That just won’t do right. That don’t look right. That won’t … Continue reading Speak love to the “uncomely” parts

You ask God for help with something and he comes back with, “It’s already in your hands.” Seriously? I compare it to Elisha’s response to the widow in II Kings 4, who told him she had nothing and needed help. He asked her what she had in the house. She’d just told him she had … Continue reading It’s already in your hands

She was the 13th child. The last. Born August 13, 1913. She was named Rose, which seemed kind of special following Amy, Hattie, Susan, Grace – the few I can remember. And she was a special kind of Aunt. The kind you liked to be around. Although she was a church goer, she didn’t mind … Continue reading Aunt Rose

Anyone who denies the value of the village has missed the most important thing about community. We didn’t learn it in school. We gleaned it from our every experience every day living in proximity with people of value and conviction who loved on us by teaching us everything they knew. Not in a classroom. Not … Continue reading Village Mothers

On a hot summer night, when it was 90 degrees on Barclay Street in east Baltimore, we’d sometimes sit outside well into the morning. It was too hot to be inside. Especially on the upper floors of our three-story house. In fact all the neighbors sat outside on their summer chairs, the ones that cowered … Continue reading 90 degrees on Barclay Street

Beloved Child, Your Grandmother used to say that to you when you didn’t really understand her meaning. “Put it down and let it walk.” She had concerns for your ability to keep moving in spite of strife or bad feelings. I have a concern about one thing – the extra weight you’re carrying. Not the … Continue reading Put it down and let it walk

When I pray I actually feel heaven open up and glory come down – in a Turkish restaurant or a dusty library or on a sandy beach. I am so much the recipient of God’s grace and favor, and apparently it has nothing to do with houses and land and money. Nothing can compare to … Continue reading God’s love overwhelms me

I’m writing something today because I’m supposed to write something today. Every day. Wow! I’m not inspired.  I want to set my hair on fire in protest to children being separated from their imigrant families; and that’s just the latest thing. I’m sure it’s my feeling of not having power to stop this. Or to … Continue reading Today…I’m writing something

You, my Dear, are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. You are by no means a mistake or an accident. If you don’t believe me, read Psalm 139 in its entirety. But focus on verses 13-16. They give great detail about your beginnings and believe me, they’re no different than anyone else’s. Oh yes, you … Continue reading By divine design

Must have been difficult working alongside Jesus. He was much more than the inner circle of three, the crew of 12 disciples and the many others who followed, in spite of not understanding the reason, could ever have imagined. He went against every convention of their tradition. He bucked the system every chance he got. … Continue reading This. Do.