Recent Articles
Homelessness in America: Who Is My Neighbor?
As I consider a potential move, I’ve begun to reflect on the question, “Who is my neighbor?” Chance encounters with the unhoused at fast-food restaurants have influenced my thinking on how we should answer that question.
Report: Relationships of U.S. Adults Remain Homogenous
The close relationships of most U.S. adults tend to be very homogenous, a new Public Religion Research Institute report found. White respondents had the highest level of homogenous relationships.
Why We Must Repent of Numbness and ‘Stay Angry’
Sandy Hook and maybe Parkland may have been the last school shootings that I let myself enter into and mourn. I have chosen to be numb, instead. I’m both sorry for my numbness … and I’m angry.
The Time for Pious Words is Over
Anyone who has read the report on the Southern Baptist Convention should agree that “the time for pious words is over.” The report confirmed what SBC sexual abuse victims, their families and their supporters have said for decades.
Searching for the ‘Kin-dom’ Come Here and Now
What has not been said about mass shootings and the toll they take on children? What does justice look like in the days ahead? Where does ‘kin-dom’ come amidst such tragedies?
U.S. Mass Shootings Horrific, Not Incomprehensible
Texas Governor Greg Abbott described the mass shooting at Robb Elementary at horrific and incomprehensible. He is right that this tragedy is horrific, but it is no longer incomprehensible.
We Can’t Let Another Mass Shooting Leave Us Speechless
In a country where it is typical for there to be more shootings on the calendar than days in the year, Uvalde has managed to leave us speechless. Here is why we must work to find our voice following this senseless violence.
SBC Report Agonizing, Sickening and Convicting
Reading the Southern Baptist Convention’s Sexual Abuse Task Force report since its release this past Sunday afternoon has been an agonizing and sickening exercise.
‘Title 42’ Usage Violates Refugee Act, Ignores Intent of Provision
The Title 42-based policy enacted by the Trump administration will remain in place, a district court judge ruled on May 20. There are a lot of misconceptions about Title 42 regarding what it is and what it does, so here is a brief overview.
The Shooter Did Not Act Alone: America Helped Pull the Trigger
The horrific situation in Uvalde, Texas, comes after other recent mass shootings, in Buffalo, New York, and Laguna Woods, California. In each incident, the same message emerged, “The gunman acted alone.” Here is why this isn’t accurate.
Things Are Different Now
A glitch in a recent graduation ceremony in which I was involved led to reflection on adjusting as circumstances evolve. There are some, in both religious and political life, who don’t acknowledge the need for such modifications.
Dominion, Domination and Theological “Replacement”
The biblical call to have dominion has often been misunderstood and modified into having domination over creation – and other humans. Those stoking fears in the U.S. of a “great replacement” are continuing a false and insidious practice.
Good Faith Media Welcomes Interns for Summer 2022
Libby Carroll and Kira Dewey are Good Faith Media’s Ernest C. Hynds Jr. Interns for summer 2022, beginning their internship June 1. They are the sixth group of interns since the program’s launch.
Bumps Along the Two-Way Street of Communication
A comment by one attendee at a preaching conference provided a humorous quip for the next few days. However, the statement reveals a widespread issue facing all faith leaders.
On the Longing for Home
Most adults in the United States remember a close relative who was not born here. The “Old Country” is hard to let go of. Everything there is familiar, even the pain.
Climate Change Indicators Reach Record Levels
Multiple climate change indicators reached record high levels in 2020 and 2021, according to a World Meteorological Organization report. Sea level rise, ocean heat, ocean acidification and greenhouse gas concentrations reached record levels.
Words Matter
I do my best thinking when sitting on top of my zero-turn lawnmower. The latest reflection focused on words and the need for being careful with what I say and quick to apologize when I cause offense.
Many U.S. Synagogues Experiencing Membership Growth or Stability
Six-in-10 U.S. synagogues from two major traditions within Judaism report that they are either growing or maintaining their membership levels, according to a Faith Communities Today report published on May 17.
A Word About Stewardship
There is nothing quite like planning for your demise to awaken the awareness that this world is not our home. Here are a few lessons and insights from preparing my last will and testament.
Lessons and Insights from Festival of Homiletics 2022
Hundreds of preachers descended on Denver, Colorado, this week to attend the 2022 Festival of Homiletics. The festival is planned by Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and this year’s theme was trauma.
When Bootstraps Are Helpful – And When They Are Not
As a Texas girl, I know all about bootstraps. Yes! Tangible bootstraps are great, especially when you’re puffy and pregnant! But the proverbial ones? Not nearly as much.
Look Back | Mental Illness: A Key Component in Criminal Justice Reform
Effective criminal justice reform must address mental illness as a contributing factor to incarceration and recidivism. This was the focus of a bipartisan Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in early 2016.
History or Memory? A Scholar-Activist Seeks Justice in the Public Square
What should we do with public monuments and statues that are based on problematic interpretations of events handed down through generations? One scholar in Virginia is attempting to answer that question.
Violence at Funerals Is a Grave Offense
Several Palestinian funerals have been disrupted in recent months by Israeli police. The Israel-Palestine conflict is complicated, but interrupting mourners at a funeral is dehumanizing.
Reports Show Mental Health Struggles Increased During Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the prevalence of anxiety and depression by 25% worldwide, according to a World Health Organization report. This is one of several reports noting an increase in mental health challenges in recent years.
A Mass Shooting at My Mother’s Supermarket
A frantic call from my sister is how I learned about the most recent mass shooting in Buffalo, New York. This TOPS supermarket is near my mother’s home, and she shops there frequently.
Navigating the Dark Side of Your Thoughts and Emotions
Even the best and the brightest among us can find ourselves enshrouded in a whirlwind of emotional turbulence or bombarded by thoughts of darkness and despair. Here are some facts, and observations, about mental and spiritual health.
Catholic Leaders Condemn Acts of Violence at Journalist’s Funeral
Catholic leaders in Israel issued a joint statement on May 16, condemning the violence that took place on May 13 during a funeral procession for Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.
May 18, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Biden on Calls on America to Reject ‘Poison’ of White Supremacy; Buffalo Suspect Considered Attacking Elementary Schools, Churches, According to Online Chat Logs; Christian Nationalist, Pro-Trump Pastor, Spouting Lies and Hatred, Calls for Further Right-Wing Insurrection; Refugees Who Found a Home in Atlanta-area Church are Poised to Help Ukrainians as War Continues (and more)
Randall Lolley Remembered With ‘Echoes of Mercy, Whispers of Love’
Echoes of mercy and whispers of love flowed as family, friends, colleagues, congregants, students and inspired younger ministers gathered in Greensboro, North Carolina, on May 14 to celebrate the impactful life of W. Randall Lolley.