2 Timothy

I look to the hills, not to a politician.

Why read the Bible?

Why read the Bible?

“My message is that you don’t have to change who you are to care about this issue.”

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

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

I'm more than a bit smitten with the image of rekindling the gift of God within 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.

Years ago, I wrote a book on sin. To estimate its breadth and depth, I studied biblical and theological sources. But as much as the standard sources taught me, I was surprised to discover that I could also learn a lot about sin and grace by reading storytellers, biographers, poets and journalists.

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

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.

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.

The lepers all received healing. What a happy shock that must've been! But only one, a Samaritan, returned and thanked Jesus.

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.