I was eleven years old in 1982 and in the sixth grade at Gosnell Public Schools. Gosnell is a curious little community nestled just beneath the Missouri state line as you cross over into Arkansas. During the 1980s at the height of the Cold War, our rural community thrived because it was adjacent to the … Continue reading Rethinking my Ed(sex)ucation →

Political expediency and Biblical theology make for poor bedfellows and often dangerous ones. This is especially true when it comes to powder keg of the Middle East. In the past few days I have seen an increase in social media chatter from Evangelicals touting that as Christians we have a responsibility to stand with Israel … Continue reading Should we support Israel no matter what? →

It is an unseasonably cool day. The rain started early this morning, unrelenting in its monotony, steady sheets followed by slow drips. A seasonal anomaly soaring in value because of increasing scarcity. In just a few days summer's heat will once again extract lament. But in this momentary spring reprieve the sun is absent from … Continue reading The entangled sparrow →

There were two occasions during my public-school career when I was asked to sit in the hallway as punishment. First, when I asked “why” in an algebra class and secondly when I objected to my history teacher describing American slavery as an institution where slaves actually benefited from the benevolence of slave owners. The apologetic … Continue reading In defense of an uncomfortable education. →

One of the highlights of my childhood was the annual tradition of buying new shoes for the coming school year. My mother would dutifully take me to the shoe store, and the ritual would ensue which included picking out a new pair of shoes that were comfortable, durable, and fashionable, but most importantly affordable. Throughout … Continue reading A faith that isn’t barefoot →

One of the many joys of the teaching profession is watching students grow, evolve, and then launch out into the world. This is the time of year when we celebrate their achievements and accomplishments and send them out into the world with a blessing. For those students who choose to enter the competitive activity of … Continue reading The joys of teaching. →

This is a transcript portion of my message delivered on April 21, 2021 in the chapel service at Oklahoma Baptist University. The Christian life is seen by many as an attempt to earn the favor of a reluctant rule keeper. And only by doing better and trying harder will we ever earn the right to … Continue reading For those suffering from sexual abuse…Don’t give up on Jesus. →

“Who do you think you are?” is an oft-issued query to others and to ourselves in a world that’s constantly evolving. The myriad of changes weighs heavy on us mentally, emotionally, and sometimes physically as we attempt to make sense of what is happening and anticipate what is coming next. In an effort to compensate … Continue reading Who do you think you are? Lessons from The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. →

The Island A mysterious voice thunders from the heavens, “Fair winds and following seas.” The inhabitants of the island stop in their tracks and stare into the sky.  The inhabitants of this island are not natives neither are they guests. They are there by choice and by decree. Exiled to this place by events unclear … Continue reading Fair winds and following seas… →

Dearest Beloved Mother,  My first memories of you are of sitting on your lap, hearing you sing of Jesus. I would take your hands and clap them together. This was a common occurrence, as you were always singing of our Lord. I remember hearing you pray early in morning before I would wake. Praying, crying … Continue reading Happy Birthday Mom! →