The Idol of Safety

In the wake of another heinous attack taking the lives of innocent civilians, the world feels increasingly unstable. The violence “over there” is no longer relegated to headlines on the other side of the world; it is edging closer to our doorsteps and threatens to invade our everyday lives.  In light of this reality, conversations ranging from our coffee shops to the halls of political power are shouting out …

Living ‘Selma’ in a ‘Sniper’ World

This coming Monday is our national celebration of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. As I have been reflecting on his work and witness, I am convinced his message is as necessary and prophetic today as it was when he was alive (if not more!).  We live in a culture that not …

Lament and the 4 Kids Who Will Never See Their Mother Again

Last night, friends from around our neighborhood gathered to hold a vigil of lament for the Charleston tragedy.  We shared our confusion, our sadness, our anger and our pain.   We read a liturgy of solidarity and empathy seeking to simply sit in the pain alongside our black sisters and brothers impacted not only by this tragedy, but by the …

The Bible (Part 1): Tool of Violence or Liberation…or Both?

The Bible is one of the most misunderstood books in the history of humanity. Yet, it is the most read book in the history of humanity.   It has been used to produce beautiful and broken realities: The Bible has been used to silence and dehumanize women as “less than” and inferior. Some scholars have gone …

Why I’m Giving Up Peace for Lent

The violence of our world seems to be spiraling out of control. Every news outlet is filled with the latest tragedy and for many, the violence has struck closer to home than they ever imagined. Sadly, much of the violence is being done in the name of religion. Religion – at its best – is …