A Theology from Below (and Subterranean Book Review)

Year after year as my community seeks to live well in the unique soil of our little neighborhood, we discover how much our neighborhood has to teach us about ourselves, each other and the One we follow. Because real life is textured with both the beautiful and broken realities of humanity, we find ourselves formed and informed in new ways that we …

To My Four Kids, From Dad

After five days in the hospital filled with overwhelming joy, paralyzing fear and complete exhaustion in the wake of the birth of our twins, I finally found a moment to walk outside the florescent lights and sit under the bright moon. Sitting on a small patch of grass outside the hospital doors, the reality of …

A Celebrated (Yet Toxic) Addiction & the Gift of Today

I’m a doer. Not only do I feel pretty darn good about myself when things get checked off my “to do” list, it actually gives me a weird high and offers a really tangible grid for success.  Interestingly, once I get stuff done, I almost immediately turn to the next thing to get done.  Family admin.  Household chores.  Finances.  …

My Dad, Grief and Groans of New Creation

I’m sitting in my dad’s hospital room as a write this. Having just endured open-heart surgery, I have never seen or experienced him in this current state. Last night, as my sisters and I stood with him in the ICU singing, praying and telling him stories of his grandchildren, the only form of communication he could muster …

Smoking What We’re Growing: 8 Things That Happen When We Live (or Don’t Live) What We Talk About

I was down in Mexico a few years ago for a gathering of peers who are leading faith communities around the world. It was a rich time of conversation, encouragement and visioning.  Walking through a local Mexican neighborhood between sessions, something struck me. While those of us in the Minority World (often called the 1st …