Reflections on the loving kindness of the Triune God
Our host was friendly and open at the start of our lunch visit but after an hour he suddenly turned quiet. And despite some serious conversational CPR we three guests realized the party had died so we said our goodbyes and slipped away. Later I learned I had stepped on a relational landmine. My companions—a …
Read More TenderThere it was again. In an academic book—this one on Christian Anthropology—a scholarly writer noted, in passing, Augustine’s “pessimistic view of human nature.” And that was it. In recent years I’ve seen the same dismissive charge against Augustine by a number of otherwise sound scholars who dismiss original sin with a single sentence. Let me …
Read More Augustine’s PessimismHere’s the first question an editor asks a writer: “Who’s your audience?” It’s like asking a soldier before he shoots his rifle, “What’s your target?” Readers already know the rule. If a first sentence starts, “Use this document to see if your SSI benefits are taxable” we know where it’s going. So, too, if a …
Read More AudienceTwo weeks ago I watched a video of my friend’s teen daughter doing great gymnastic routines at a meet in Galveston. I’ve also enjoyed seeing my brother’s grandson grow in his rich musical skills. And before Christmas I attended a church play with an extended drum sequence by four lads who had honed their skills …
Read More Good GiftsWe’ve all been disappointed. And the source of that disappointment is often a person we trust and care for. Someone we expected would say yes said no. When we waited for a text or phone call it never came. When we offered a tender gift it didn’t draw a “thank you” or even a smile. …
Read More DisappointedIn the Bible, Exodus 3-14, God confronted Pharaoh through Moses. His message? “Let my people go!” But Pharaoh, a poor listener, rejected God’s call. At least in the beginning. Later he responded, but only in the face of repeated disasters. You might want to read the narrative. So what was Pharaoh thinking? Was he a …
Read More Pharaoh’s Hard HeartThe New Year is here. Is it time to lose thirty pounds? To find a spouse? Or, if you’re married, to build a happier marriage? Is it time to clean out the garage? Or the closet? Or maybe the fridge? Surely there’s some bold new ambition to chase! Here’s mine. I want a closer bond …
Read More New Year GoalsAs Christmas arrives this week let’s picture a sweet six-year-old child who is enjoying the big day. When she’s asked, “So, dear, what would you like for Christmas?” she’s likely to respond with our title phrase. What are the chances this will surprise her parents? The “What I really want …” response will almost always …
Read More “What I really want is …”“In God we trust,” the official motto of the United States of America, was affirmed in 1956. Even before then, in 1864, the words were inscribed on an American coin. It’s a popular slogan. In 1860 Nicaragua had already adopted the phrase; as did the Canadian Province of New Westminster on their coat of arms. …
Read More “In God we trust”Most of us have heard of Cervantes’ story of Don Quixote and the windmill. Quixote wanted to joust with a “giant”—actually a spinning windmill—so he galloped ahead with his lance taking aim. Of course he lost the joust: the windmill shattered the lance and knocked him off his horse. So what do we make of …
Read More Don Quixote