Dear Roy, You were the friend of my youth. You are black and I am white. When we became adults, we drifted apart. You served in the military. I served in the ministry. You died too soon for me to tell you this in person, so I’ll tell you now. You endured more than you … Continue reading A letter to Roy. He’s the Black guy in my pictures.
A place you might call grace
The reoccurring theme that I often hear expressed by those who have exited high control religion in its various manifestations, is that upon exiting they are often left with a sense of sadness and loss of community. This is something that I have experienced as well. Being conditioned to only see community through the lens … Continue reading A place you might call grace
How to love your neighbor – a review of Joey Peyton’s “The Second Commandment”
Brené Brown succinctly expressed that empathy fosters connection, but recent narratives within Christianity suggest a significant dearth of connection and the empathy vital for its flourishing. Joey R. Peyton seeks to address this through his work and ministry, exemplified most recently in his book, "The Second Commandment: Loving Your Neighbor in Today’s Changing World." The … Continue reading How to love your neighbor – a review of Joey Peyton’s “The Second Commandment”
Nothing but the blood?
Understanding the teachings of the gospel I learned as a child, the gospel I've come across throughout my life, and the gospel I struggle to grasp now is a challenging prospect. The gospel as I was taught it as a child, and believed into my early adulthood, entailed the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus … Continue reading Nothing but the blood?
Melodrama in argyle socks
As my path grew increasingly narrow as I was coming out of high school, it led me to a specific point so confined it was easy to hoard all the oxygen in the room. And with the Bible I had committed to memory and the mastery of the Pentecostal doctrine, I breathed easy, while others … Continue reading Melodrama in argyle socks
Abandoning the false paradise of familiar narratives
I once jumped off a train trestle into a beautiful Idaho lake. I was a much younger man, and I had to build up my courage to do so. I remember what it felt like to fall. It seemed like it took so very long to plunge into the depths of the lake. As I … Continue reading Abandoning the false paradise of familiar narratives
A Rock that doesn’t Roll
A review of Leah Payne's "God gave Rock & Roll to you" For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with the sound of my voice. Now before you write me off as a narcissist, let me explain. Growing up in rural Arkansas as the last of four children, there weren’t a … Continue reading A Rock that doesn’t Roll
Displays of light
On this side of the high-control culture of religion, I occasionally experience dreams, particularly anxiety-induced ones that are common to everyone. These dreams often revolve around themes related to my past involvement in and around my Pentecostal church. For example, a recurring dream involves me arriving late for church, expected to preach, but finding myself … Continue reading Displays of light
The sad prompt of dry religion
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a powerful voice for change during the civil rights movement in the United States. He spoke passionately about the importance of religion not just as something that comforts us spiritually, but as something that should motivate us to make positive changes in the world. One of his famous quotes … Continue reading The sad prompt of dry religion
Do you want to end racism? Ten ways to be Anti-racist.
In a world marred by centuries of systemic racism and oppression, the call for change has never been louder. Racism, deeply ingrained in societal structures, has caused immeasurable harm to communities of color. As we strive for a more just and equitable society, it's crucial for white individuals to recognize their role in perpetuating systems … Continue reading Do you want to end racism? Ten ways to be Anti-racist.
Charles Simpson: A champion of Charismatic Christianity passes the torch
In the annals of Christian ministry, certain figures stand out as luminaries, their lives weaving a tapestry of faith, dedication, and impact. Among them, Charles Simpson shines brightly, his journey marked by humility, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to the Gospel. His family announced this morning that Brother Simpson has passed away. Although my interactions … Continue reading Charles Simpson: A champion of Charismatic Christianity passes the torch
Scot Loyd 
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