There are unfortunately pastors who believe it is not a high priority for them to understand the challenges of an individual with a chronic illness. But the truth is that how well you understand a chronic illness be the difference between isolation and community. Note that for this discussion, we …
Jamie Coots, Doctors Are Not God’s Enemies
Jamie Coots, a famous snake-handling preacher in Kentucky, died this past week due to a snakebite. Something about this story unsettles me. This is not because I have a history with snake handling pastors, and I don’t have any long-standing issues with reptiles either. Actually, it’s not even his …
When Two Strangers Took Stuff From My House
Last Saturday, I had two complete strangers roll into my house and take most of my furniture. When they were done, I thanked them. And gave them donuts. These two strangers attend the same church as my family, and they came to help us move. Even though I had not met them, they came to help us …
You are Never Alone
Today, I am sharing part two of Joanne's story. Part One is here. Her story is one of triumph and faith through crazy disasters. She is truly one of my heroes. I am so excited to share her story. Be sure to read her story in her own words here. There are no easy answers on how to stay steadfast in …
What About That Dead Dream?
What do you do when your dream changes? When it just withers and dies unexpectedly upon the vine of life? For twenty years, I 'knew' I was called to full time pastoral ministry. I went to school to gain the training to support this dream. I got an internship in my senior year as a first step. I was …