Our culture often frames life as a relentless competition: whose children are most accomplished, whose alma mater boasts the most victories, whose family dynamics appear picture-perfect, and even, disturbingly, whose Lenten observance is most impressive. We find ourselves measuring sacrifices, community service hours, and prayer time against others, as if these were points on a…
The Alien, Widow, and Child
If you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, and the widow … then I will dwell with you in this place…. — Jeremiah 7:6. This verse exposes the timeless human tendency to marginalize the vulnerable: the refugee seeking sanctuary, the child deprived of security, and the widow left desolate. Even in the context of…
Ocean Calls
The biting March wind whipped at our faces, a stark contrast to the sun’s warm, insistent glow. Suzy and I, along with our dearest friends, had escaped to Pawleys Island, our sanctuary, a place where the rhythm of the ocean overpowers the mundane. Even though the air held a lingering winter chill, the raw, untamed…
Lonlieness
The profound assurance that we are never truly alone, as God reminds us, is a balm to the soul, particularly in the face of loneliness. This deeply human condition, loneliness, is not merely a fleeting feeling; it permeates our being, influencing our interactions and shaping our perception of the world. Isolation breeds a defensive posture,…
Friends
Throughout my life, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to experience the enduring power of friendship. From childhood companions to the unexpected bonds forged during my sabbatical—like Razor and Breeze, whose presence enriched my time immeasurably—I’ve learned that genuine connection is a universal human need. We all thrive on the support, camaraderie, and shared experiences that friendships…