Ambassador Focus Intro
Dear Salisbury…
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." From the moment I arrived in 2013, a strange but beautiful dichotomy began to unfold. The seven years we were called together brought some of my greatest joys and deepest hurts.
The Necessity of Juneteenth
Several years ago, my family and I attended our first Juneteenth Festival in the small town where we lived. I’m both proud and a bit ashamed to share that. Let me explain. Admittedly, and probably like other white people, I was unfamiliar with the history and significance of this annual celebration and commemoration for much of my …
There is a time…to speak
This appeared first at Facebook.com/WestoverChurch on June 2, 2020 “There is a time for everything,” the Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 3; “a time to be silent and a time to speak.” Sadly, Christians and churches have too often chosen to remain silent in matters of racial injustice and systemic racism, and tragically, the Gospel that …
A Reconciling People
A Church's Response to the death of Ahmaud Arbery
Embracing the Darkness
While Holy Week is typically recognized by days such as Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, there is one particular day that doesn't quite get the attention it probably deserves - in particular, the day between the Cross of Good Friday and the Empty Tomb of Resurrection Sunday, otherwise known as 'Holy Saturday,' This post explores the significance of darkness, symbolized with the tomb. When we learn to embrace the darkness, the light of resurrection becomes that much brighter.
An Acceptable Fast
A reflection on Lent through Isaiah 58. There is a difference between an acceptable fast and fasting for self-gain. Don't waste your fast!
Radiance & Goodness
A lesson on radiance, goodness and the glory of God from Psalm 34. Where you find goodness, you find the glory of God. Taste and see that the Lord indeed is good!
Rehoboth
Shovels, Wells & Wide-Open Spaces.
Rosh Hashanah
Days of Awe Depending on which calendar(s) you may use, whether print or digital, perhaps you've noticed a day coming up next Monday, September 10th called Rosh Hashanah. (I use a combination of Apple and Google Calendar, by the way, which I don't know how I would survive without!) It's kind of like one of those days like 'Canadian Flag Day' that occasionally pops up …
A Symbol of Unity
August 11, 2017 You may be familiar with the Oak Grove-Freedman's Cemetery, located at the corner of Church St. and Liberty St. in downtown Salisbury. If not, let me give you a little background into what I've found to be one of the most significant symbols of unity efforts in our community. In 1998, …
The Weight of Depression and Suicide
[This appeared first at LifeChurchNC.com] September 2, 2016 Last Sunday, we concluded a 4-part series through the book of Jonah by exploring the dark and lonely feelings associated with depression and thoughts of suicide. Chapter 4 of Jonah concludes with Jonah reaching a point where he wanted his life to end, pleading with God to …
