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 …

4 Tips for Following Jesus in Election Season

Well, here we are again. The season that seems to come around all too often and stick around far too long. Some of our dinner table dynamics are still trying to recover from “conversations” that percolated during the last election season and our “unfriend” counts have finally slowed.  We have come to embrace the fact (whether we like it or …

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.  …

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 …

6 Myths of Community

As we move into a new year, our little community of Jesus followers is taking some intentional time to individually and collectively reflect, evaluate and consider the implications of committing to each other and God to our shared life in Golden Hill for another year. One of the practices we have committed to in this time is to confront the …