Freedom to Keep "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1, NIV). Soldiers of freedom's cause bled into the earth upon which we've founded our nation. The principles of honoring all…
The smoke settles across our fire-scorched battlefield. Beside us, the mud groans as it swallows the two severed dragon heads of distorted identity. The dragon's sister also decays on this field. Misplaced authority oozes its last bit of stench into the distant wind. The paved road glimmers with fresh dew…
Filthy, stained, and weary, I trudged in from the unfinished work in my yard. My strength and supplies had run out. I couldn't go on, and I needed cleansing from head to toe. Shame had once devastated my life in a similar, but far more profound way. I desperately sought…
Sacrifice. Surrender. The spiritual disciplines urge us to give up things we might prefer to retain. The term "discipline" itself carries a grim reputation. Those who observe the season of Lent often wrap these pre-Easter weeks in terms of self-deprivation. We must resist all things delicious, luxurious, or fun so we…
Has anything in your life gripped hold of your shoulders and held you down? Pressed its weight on your chest until you're straining for each breath? Darkness attacks when we're most vulnerable. Seizing us in its terrifying hold, the enemy crushes our strength in an effort to cripple us. Shadows zoom…
Rika's bare sole slapped onto the landing. A hint of ruby light penetrated the black void, trickling down the next flight of steps. She swept her hand across the latex-coated wall. Concrete pocks kissed at her fingertips, despite the institution's regular doses of paint. After rounding the landing, the exit's ruddy glow…
In preparation for Easter, we'll continue our series this week to highlight revitalizing our spirituality. We've discussed mental, social, and physical health. These integrated parts of life weave together as a skin over the most vital substance of self--our core essence. [bctt tweet="Well being begins and ends with the state…
When a sheltered lady boards a pirate ship, survival teeters on the edge of a blade. Her heart throbs with percussive gusto. Tendons thicken in her soul's core. Her spirit expands until she becomes someone she never dreamed. She finds love, masters swordsmanship, and captains a ship. Unknown lands unfold before her.…
"Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering . . . Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing…
"Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering . . . Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing…