Reading Time: 4 minutesI had scheduled another blog post for today – Village Talks: Advice I Gave My Black Sons Regarding the Recent Police Shootings. But, when I woke this morning the horrific news that snipers had killed 5 Dallas police officers last night, troubled me deeply. So, I called an audible and am releasing this post first. In light of what has happened in the last several days, how should we respond?
Reading Time: 7 minutesAs I ambled into the house Tuesday night, I was met with: “Dad, it happened again.” Out of curiosity, I queried: “What happened again, son.” With a tinge of anger, shock and sadness, Marvin Jr. said: “Two white police officers shot another black man.” Inherent in his relaying this information was a cry for a village talk – wisdom in the midst of confusion and questions. What should and could I say to my 19-year-old black son?
Reading Time: 3 minutesI believe when God’s people pray, he hears and answers. I believe God is a good, good Father, and when we ask him for bread, he doesn’t give us a stone. I know he gives good things to his children. My trust in God and you is the reason why I am asking you to pray for Micah and the Williams Family over the next 28 days.
Reading Time: 3 minutesI am an imperfect pastor. I make mistakes. I hurt people with my words and actions. And my parents, pastors, and mentors taught me that if you hurt someone or offend someone, you say: “I’m sorry” and ask the person to forgive you. The other morning I was impressed with the thought of how I have hurt and offended my Heavenly Father, and how I needed to tell him, “I’m sorry.”
Reading Time: 6 minutesDiscipline is important in the parent-child relationship. Yet, the way parents discipline their children has always been a controversial topic. The national spotlight shone on issue again last week when police arrested thirty-year old Shaquana Spears for physically disciplining her children after they broke into a neighbor’s home. Was Ms. Spears right or wrong in the way she disciplined her children? When does parental discipline become abuse?
Reading Time: 3 minutesI hate pain. Though it is useful and an indicator that something is wrong, I don’t like it. This is not shocking news, right? I don’t know anyone who likes or enjoys pain. Yet, our pain can be purposeful. God uses it as a platform to compose his greatest work in our lives.
Reading Time: 4 minutesDads, Happy Father’s Day! I hope your children celebrate you in a big way. You deserve it. Dad, you have great influence on your kids, and I know you want to help them navigate life better. Here are some lessons that I think can help children sidestep the landmines of life.
Reading Time: 5 minutesLove the sinner, hate the sin. I believe these six words cause unquantifiable pain and erode the public perception of followers of Jesus. “Love the sinner, hate the sin” seems innocent and even spiritual, but I believe can be a dangerous Christian cliche. Here are at least several reasons why it is and why we should stop using it.
Reading Time: 4 minutesHearing about the disgusting and outrageous tragedy this morning at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, my heart sank, and I began to weep – 50 dead and 53 injured. This mass shooting is the deadliest in United States history. The shooter has been identified as Omar Mir Seddique Mateen, and officials have identified it as a terrorist attack. Sitting here with my family, listening and watching the reports, I ask: How should Christians respond to this tragedy?
Reading Time: 4 minutesOn Tuesday, Trey Pearson, lead singer of the popular Christian rock band, Everyday Sunday, shocked the Christian community by coming out as gay. This is no small story in the evangelical Christian community. Whether you listen to Trey Pearson’s music or not, this news is important for the Christian community and deserves a response.