ZAMBIA! That's what was on my calendar for the end of June. My plan was to be back in Zambia with Chuck Madinger and a team from TWR to test the three pilot episodes of Holding Esther. For weeks our team discussed it, planned it, and were on the verge of purchasing plane tickets. Then we got the call. Our partnering organization needed to reschedule. I had to adjust my attitude a bit and trust that God’s purposes are better than my plans. This closed door opened opened a window for me … [Read more...] about When God Closes a Door
Something in the Rowing
After a full day of feeding thousands, Jesus walked down to the lakefront with his disciples. Their boat was waiting for them. Daylight was fading and clouds were skittering across the twilight sky. It would have made sense for them to camp out until morning. But Jesus had bigger plans. They were already worn out from the day, but they did what Jesus said. Each man took his place while Jesus watched from the shore. I see Peter taking charge, and then offering a hand to Jesus as he stood … [Read more...] about Something in the Rowing
Are You Taking Time to Grieve?
Jesus got the word that John had been beheaded by Herod. John was dear to Jesus. They were cousins. But, even more than this, John had been the one who prepared the way for Jesus. Even when people want to give John position, he said, "I am not the Christ. I'm not even worthy to tie his sandals." John was arrested. And while in prison, he had plenty of time to think. He wondered if he had missed it. Maybe Jesus wasn't the Christ. So, he brought his doubts to Jesus. I wonder how many of us … [Read more...] about Are You Taking Time to Grieve?
Uncovering Treasures of Dignity
Would you take just 2:25 and enjoy this beauty, this dignity with me? Do you love this as much as I do? What would it be like if today you and I chose to restore human dignity to another? What would it be like if you pulled up to the intersection and asked the woman holding a sign what her name is? Or even if you sat down with her and asked to hear her story? What treasures of dignity might we uncover? I'm reading Job right now. This time around I'm less struck by the … [Read more...] about Uncovering Treasures of Dignity
Our World Needs Watchmen
This little boy ... ... is stepping into manhood. Several weeks ago, he turned 18. We gathered family and friends around. One by one, they spoke words of courage and blessing into his life. A beautiful May evening with the smell of fresh-cut grass in the air, this night was so much like the night Josiah was born. He shouldered his way into the world just 45 minutes after we arrived at the hospital. So handsome, so sweet. At night, I'd go into his room and just watch him and pray … [Read more...] about Our World Needs Watchmen
May Happened
When May comes around we are limping toward the finish line. The binders are battered. The pencils are barely even nubs. The lunches are whatever we can scrape together. And we love Jen Hatmaker for saying it out loud. We were awesome back in October, right? May happened. If May wasn't enough all by itself, now there's this. When did this become a thing? So ... I googled, "When did kindergarten graduation become a thing?" And it looks like sometime in the early 90's was when it … [Read more...] about May Happened