May Love Drive Our Labor

My dad corrected me once, a hundred times. I mean, when he corrected me about something, I never wanted to make that mistake again. But there were a hundred different mistakes requiring singular correction. In this case, my adolescent self sauntered off for another...

Irony From My Juvenile Forensics

As a debater from 8th through 12th grade, I spent untold hours finding evidence in UTA’s library, writing briefs, practicing rhetoric, scrimmaging debates, reading current events, and ultimately applying it all at tournaments around Texas. In those moments, I was so...

Big, Dark, and Scary

When my granddaughter was not yet quite 4, my son-in-law and I thought it would be a good idea to take her to the theater for a piece of cinematic fluff the name of which has since left my mind. We had talked about the possibility that at her tender age it might be...

Unexpected Realities

I met with some other Christian educators in Nashville a while back, as planned. I did not expect my hanging clothes to stay in Nashville, nor Joan’s. But they did. As I drove back from Nashville late Saturday night I did not expect a flu-incipient pastor to invite me...

A Twilight Zone Morning

Recently I experienced a Twilight Zone of a Sunday morning. The Southlake church where I am preaching is completely new to me. That’s not unusual. What is unusual is how many incidental relationships from my very young ministry are there. The pastor himself served a...

The Compassion and Certitude of God’s Promise

The previous day’s air, cooled and dried by a front, convinces me to wear a suit I normally neglect during summer. I recognize my mistake as soon as I step outside. Before I reach the garage, sweat has softened my collar. It’s not all that hot—probably high 80s. But...