It takes a lot of nerve to follow Christ. It takes a lot of nerve to minister to a church and to a community. No matter who you are and what your vocation might be, if you are going to follow Christ, it will call for courage. Before the late Edwin Friedman passed away a… Continue reading Having the Nerve to Follow Christ (Part 1)
Category: Fear
A Better Place Than Worry
I really don’t like that feeling. That sense of being overwhelmed. I woke up early today, much too early. For a few moments, as I lay in bed, unfinished tasks and unsolved problems seemed to parade themselves in front of me. These were followed by a few uncertainties, things about which I am unclear what… Continue reading A Better Place Than Worry
Fear
Fear is very powerful. I suspect I have overreacted in a number of situations with my children through the years because of my fear. I also suspect this has caused me on occasion to be self-protective with my wife. Fear has been a part of my ministry at times. There have been times when my… Continue reading Fear
When You Feel Exhausted
Life can be exhausting. Think of what takes so much energy: Tasks to be done. (And, dealing with situations where the task was not done or was not done well.) Maintenance and stewardship of finances. (And, dealing with finances when you have overspent and lived beyond your means.) Care and feeding of relationships. (And, dealing… Continue reading When You Feel Exhausted
A Question About Children
I’ve got a question. I am very sympathetic with anyone who would dare attempt to raise a child. After all, Charlotte and I have raised two children. It is difficult! Raising children has taught me humility. I sure don’t have all the answers. I continue to learn. But, it is an honor and can be… Continue reading A Question About Children
Who’s In Charge, Anyway?
You know fear. That jagged, raw edge of fear. Your stomach draws up in knots. Adrenaline surges through your veins. You may know what it is to experience a constant anxiety. Maybe you have become a brooding worrier. You fear that things won’t work out. Some fears happen during the storms we face (Mark 4:38-40). … Continue reading Who’s In Charge, Anyway?
The Crime of Living Cautiously
No, these are not my words. Rather, this is the title of a book of poems by Luci Shaw. The full title is The Crime of Living Cautiously: Hearing God’s Call to Adventure. I’ve not read the book. But, the title would be worth the price of the book. Maybe this is because I am… Continue reading The Crime of Living Cautiously
“Who me? Afraid?” #3
When I was growing up, we had a man across the street who became the centerpiece of many childhood stories. Built like Barney Fife, he was a security guard. His voice was loud and his words profane. He threatened more than one neighbor. "Big Al" had lots of bluster and volume. Yet, it was apparent… Continue reading “Who me? Afraid?” #3
“Who me? Afraid?” #2
Feeling Anxious? Most of us have days (or weeks) when we feel anxious. It may just be the result of a number of things coming at you at once. Maybe you didn’t handle some of these well and you fret over that. It really doesn’t matter whether you are a university student, an hourly worker,… Continue reading “Who me? Afraid?” #2
“Who me? Afraid?” #1
I’ve seen it–up close. I’ve seen fear in people and what it caused them to do. It can cause a person to behave irrationally. More important–it can cause a person to behave ungodly. I’ve seen it in me–though I generally prefer that it be be covered up before I go outside. Sometimes I am aware… Continue reading “Who me? Afraid?” #1