C.S. Lewis famously opined in the Abolition of Man "In sort of ghastly simplicity we remove the organ and expect of them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst. We castrate and bid the geldings be fruitful." I'm meditating on these words, while reflecting on my … Continue reading Friend of Sinners
A few years ago, I enjoyed binge watching Marvel's The Punisher on Netflix. Sadly, the show has now been cancelled, but perhaps it will show up again at some point? Season two was particularly interesting for a variety of reasons. Warning, if you haven't watched the series, there are some spoilers ahead. The themes of … Continue reading Heaven and Hell according to ‘The Punisher’
I can't believe its been three years since we said "good bye." Imagine teardrops left uncried From pain trapped inside Waiting to escape Through the windows of your eyes ‘Why won’t you let us out?’ The tears question the conscience ‘Relinquish your fears and doubtsand heal yourself in the process.’ The conscience told the tears … Continue reading Remembering Courtney
One of the many highlights of this inauguration day was the dynamic verse penned and delivered by Amanda Gorman. In the opening lines of her beautiful poetry she wrote, "Somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished." Not broken, she said, "simply unfinished." What is true for our nation, especially … Continue reading Not broken, simply unfinished.
Twice today I was compelled to comment on public posts made by Christian pastors commenting on the events of January 6th, when Trump supporters encouraged by the President's remarks felt justified in storming the Capitol resulting in death and destruction. It seems there is some movement now among many who endorsed the Presidency of Trump … Continue reading Let judgement begin with the House of God.
Who knew that travel could be a means of God’s grace in life? A few years ago, I discovered this truth as I was privileged to travel to Canada and the beautiful city of Toronto. For eight days, I was immersed into a familiar and yet foreign culture. I witnessed a genuine intentionality in all … Continue reading It’s not a gift. It’s a command.
During my time as a professor of communication studies at Louisiana College I taught a class entitled “Defending Christianity in the media and marketplace.” The idea behind the class was to challenge students to explore and understand the culture so that they could be better equipped to defend Christianity in a culturally effective way. As their … Continue reading What is really good about your church?
"There is nothing more disenchanting to man than to be shown the springs and mechanism of any art. All our arts and occupations lie wholly on the surface; it is on the surface that we perceive their beauty, fitness, and significance; and to pry below is to be appalled by their emptiness and shocked by … Continue reading Soliloquy
Have you ever been misunderstood? Often the words that issue from our mouths are not the words heard by our listeners. I recall speaking with a student who was working to finish a research paper. I asked her in my Northeastern Arkansas vernacular, “How much do you ‘like’ to be done?” She responded, “I haven’t … Continue reading Evaluating bad preaching and other poor communication of the gospel.
Like so many Americans (but sadly not enough) my heart sank yesterday as I witnessed Trump supporters crawling all over the Nation's Capitol building and then breeching its hallowed halls because Donald Trump is a sore loser. January 6th, 2021 will be remembered as a sad day for this Republic. But not just for America, … Continue reading God have mercy
