Romans 8:14-15, NRSV
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption.
Stories
An Encouragement For July
This summer, in our neck of the woods in Chapel Hill, we have been journeying together through the “humble beginnings” of God’s people as recounted in Genesis. A few weeks ago, we came to the story of Jacob’s vision of the ascending ladder filled with angels traveling back and forth into paradise.
An Encouragement for June
When I was invited to submit an Encouragement for this newsletter, my first thought was to bring in a lesson from my Duke Divinity summer class on death, dying, and bereavement. That’s encouraging, right? The professor started out by asking us to re-think what it means to journey through grief.
An Encouragement for May
I’ve said it before. God has a great sense of humor. The Holy Spirit keeps grabbing my attention even when I’m busy doing the work of ministry. And while I sometimes resist reading yet another inspiring devotion, blog, or book, the reality of God’s love in Christ interrupts unexpectedly.
An Encouragement for April
As my kids push fully into their teenage years, I’m getting (*painful*) daily lessons in learning how to let go. Growing into independence, they no longer want my daily inquiries into their lives, my hugs, my wisdom advice, or even my presence on many days. Knowing that their days living in our home are numbered, I find myself desperate to hold on to every moment with them. Watching them fumble through their first independent choices, it is hard to not control or criticize. Loosing my grip on their lives is a daily spiritual practice.
An Encouragement for March
Upon my departure from Mississippi, a lovely friend/clergy sister/colleague, Rev. Barbara (isn’t it interesting how one person can play many roles in our lives!) gave me a gift bag with a coffee mug displaying Rosie the Riveter. Rosie’s arm is bent with muscle flexed, declaring, “We Can Do It!”