I want to share some thoughts about Reading Genesis, by Marilynne Robinson. I can’t remember who first told me about this literary commentary on Genesis, written by one of my favorite authors, but I do know that as soon as I heard about it, I went online and bought it right away. I know something…… Continue reading Genesis, by Marilynne Robinson
Learning Disruption
Disruption is hard. Many of us, as we continue to learn how to interrupt behaviors that are toxic and situations that are negative or harmful, recognize how challenging it is to take a pause, call timeout, or disrupt the flow. We don’t want to call attention to ourselves, we don’t want to embarrass others, we…… Continue reading Learning Disruption
Between Confidence and Fear: the Risen Christ
At dawn on that first Easter morning, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to the tomb with spices to anoint Jesus’ body. There was just one problem: an enormous stone was blocking their way. There was no way they were going to be able to roll away that stone, and they…… Continue reading Between Confidence and Fear: the Risen Christ
Treasure, and Faith
Members of the Wartburg Seminary community have been writing short daily devotions during the Lenten season, and I have really enjoyed the opportunity to start my morning with these meaningful reflections. Last week, two of my colleagues, Dr. Samantha Gilmore [our preaching professor], and the Rev. Dr. Troy Troftgruben [our New Testament professor] each wrote…… Continue reading Treasure, and Faith
Call to Allyship
I want to share a recommendation of a short book that I finished last night. The title is Called to Allyship: Preparing Your Congregation for Leaders of Color. It is edited by Rev. Angela !Kebab, and includes chapters written by a variety of leaders of color in the ELCA. Each of the chapter is focused…… Continue reading Call to Allyship
If there is no hope for Judas…
This is my Wartburg Lenten devotion from today; Judas is plays a pretty significant role in my Lenten reflections, especially during Holy Week, and so I wanted to share this devotion here, too. When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests…… Continue reading If there is no hope for Judas…
Zero at the Bone
I read this book after reading an article about it in The New Yorker. Wiman is a poet, and is fighting a rare form of cancer. He is still alive beyond when the doctors all said he should be dead. In this book, he offers poems, personal reflections, quotes and other short meditations that combine…… Continue reading Zero at the Bone
Learning from The Race Card Project
I want to share a bit about a book I just finished: Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think about Race and Identity, by Michele Norris, the creator of The Race Card Project. I first read about this book in The New York Times, and as soon as I read the story, I knew I…… Continue reading Learning from The Race Card Project
A Fresh Take on a Traditional Confession
One of the things that I love about the Lutheran liturgical tradition is the way the language of the prayers, sung parts of the service, etc. become so familiar after years of recitation that I know them by heart. It is comforting to enter into a worship space and be carried through the service without…… Continue reading A Fresh Take on a Traditional Confession
What did you think about “Barbie”?
Did you see the movie “Barbie”? I finally got around to watching it on our flight to Tanzania—I think we all did!—and I’m glad I saw it; it is definitely thought-provoking, and it is also quite entertaining. I read a review of it in The New Yorker when it first came out, and I agree…… Continue reading What did you think about “Barbie”?
Happy Lutheran 