Anguish. Darkness. Despair. Desperation. Hopelessness. Suicide. Suicide has been called a permanent solution to temporary problems. And it’s a permanent solution that’s increasing in almost every age group in our nation. According to data recently released by the...
You’ve probably heard the adage attributed to Benjamin Franklin, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Most of us know when Tax Day is. Every year, on or before April 15 (this year it was April 18 due to a Washington, D.C....
Today is my cousin’s birthday. When we were kids, I enjoyed boasting about how I was older than her…by eight days. Year after year I reminded her of this glorious truth. Until one day, her mother reminded both of us my joy would be short-lived. There would come a...
Each year on April 13, I stop to ask the same question. I look back on the past twelve months, look forward to the coming year, and ask myself: “Does my life reflect what I claim to be living for?” It’s a question I do not answer casually. Our time on earth is...
Here we go again. A scandal so big and far-reaching that the mighty will fall…again. Oh, wait. I said that already. Again. And again. And again. Last year, it was Ashley Madison, a scandal exposing people seeking immorality and adultery. This year, it’s the Panama...
These days there seems to be no end to scandals. Celebrity scandals and political scandals. Corporate scandals and sports scandals. From the original “gate”—Watergate in the 1970s—to the Patriots’ Deflate-gate in 2015. From Josh Duggar to Jared Fogle. From Volkswagen...
When we think of Easter, our first thought is usually of the Resurrection. A Sunday morning that changed history. Sin conquered. Death conquered. The devil conquered. We have an empty tomb as proof of the once-for-all victory. Or maybe we think of Good Friday. The day...
“Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” John the Baptist exclaimed. Why would John say such a thing? The answer is found way back in the book of Exodus. After God delivered Israel from Egyptian slavery, He established Passover as a time for them...
It’s over. Six years of upstairs and downstairs entanglements and drama. Six years of pomp and circumstance. Six years of loyalties and betrayals. Six years of secrets and celebrations. But Downton Abbey was more than a period drama. It was more than exquisite...
An advertisement for a movie once touted a portion of a review that said, “In a class by itself!” But when I read the full review, the phrase – in context – was not in the least bit flattering. I’m sure the author wasn’t pleased to find his quote taken out of context....
Strong Women In honor of Mother’s Day, many church sermons will be shared this weekend extolling the wonders of...
Confessions of a Recovering Pharisee Have you ever looked up to a pastor or teacher, wishing you could be as...
Imposter Syndrome Have you ever struggled with imposter syndrome? Imposter syndrome occurs when people see you...