No one needs to tell us that Christmas is a busy season. There are so many things that claim our attention and time. There are presents to be purchased and wrapped, homes to be decorated, worship services to be planned, music to be rehearsed, and food to be prepared. These often are worthwhile, enjoyable, and pleasant activities, as long as we do not lose sight of why we are celebrating and what we celebrate. All our activities and our celebration aim to focus our eyes and hearts on the birth of God’s son, Jesus Christ.
Commission on the Status and Role of Women
An Encouragement for November
November holds a special place in my heart, as it is the month of my birthday. However, last year, my birthday was not a day of joy but rather one steeped in tension and anxiety. I found myself mediating a heated debate among church members seeking disaffiliation in my former church. On a day meant to celebrate my existence and blessings, I felt my very purpose in life being questioned. Feeling discouraged, on the brink of despair, and lacking the strength to walk this calling path, my eyes caught a phrase inscribed on a birthday candle gifted by my cousin:
An Encouragement For October
Everyone I encounter these days is overwhelmed – by schedules and events and commitments. By expectations and responsibilities and the demands of ministry. By relationships and parenting and caregiving for aging parents. Overwhelm is the thread running through the lives of family and friends, church members, colleagues, and even strangers I run into out and about in the city.
An Encouragement For August
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.
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.