2 Timothy 4

Why read the Bible?

Maybe the parable of the persistent widow isn't about God. Maybe it's about us.

The cross is anything but a success story. Failure and disappointment are at the heart of Christianity.

I decided to write about the Joel reading in my Century column for this week, because I find his language and imagery—like that of many of the prophetic books—so rich and inspiring. But if I were preaching myself (not that I ever have to) I would probably choose to address the omissions from the Jeremiah and Timothy readings.

Like Jacob and Esau, my mother and my aunt met each other one day after 20 years of estrangement.

In his love for the law, the psalmist is effusive and sensual; with a few word changes, verse 103 could be said to a lover.

While wrestling with me and my hesitations, down along the riverbank, God whispered in my ear, “Barb: If you are going to tell a story, tell my story.” Ever since that day, honoring that stipulation has been part of the privilege and part of the burden in this vocation called ministry.