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! →

I like asking questions, I always have. Historically this has been a source of trouble for me, but generally speaking, an enjoyable kind of trouble that I would never trade for anything. Questions often result in feeling and thinking, both of which are healthy expressions of what it means to be human, and anyone who … Continue reading The Question I most often ask. →

The pastor where I attended church on this Easter Sunday took his text from the gospel of John chapter eleven. If you are unfamiliar with this passage, it is where Jesus raises His friend Lazarus from the dead. It was an encouraging message and appropriate for the day, but as the pastor was reading the … Continue reading Jesus raises a stink… →

Coming of age in the 1980’s, I was the poster child for American Evangelicalism at every intersection of its emerging influence, including politics and entertainment. Rush Limbaugh provided my political education and Carman (Carmelo Domenic Licciardello) provided the soundtrack. Both of these iconic figures died within a day of each other in February. Contemporary Christian … Continue reading Pundits, Poets, and Presidents →