Waiting, Watching, and Trusting the Divine Response There are moments in life when I feel utterly adrift, tossed by questions that seem to have no answer, by doubts that cloud my view of the world and my journey through it. In those times, the image of standing watch, of climbing up to a lonely tower to look out over the…
A Simple Explanation When people talk about “the Church,” what comes to your mind? Is it a big building with stained glass and pews? Is it a place you visit only on Sundays? For a lot of us, “church” might mean a location or a weekly tradition. But if you look at what the Bible really says, the Church is…
Understanding How Christianity Unites People Across the World “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Heb. 11:6) If you look at a map, you’ll see lots of lines dividing countries and nations. These borders tell us where one country…
Reflections on Faith, Identity, and Social Reality in Thurman’s Thought Howard Thurman, a profound theologian, mystic, and a voice for justice, once wrote: “My point of interest is religion interpreted against the background of my life and the life of my group in America. I am very much interested in some of the problems that arise in the experience of…
How Embracing My Calling Breathed New Life into My Faith “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Howard Thurman I used to think that “coming alive in the Spirit” was something reserved for special people—saints, prophets, or those…
Why Being True to Yourself Really Matters “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Howard Thurman Have you ever felt pressured to do what everyone says “the world needs”? Maybe you think you have to be a doctor,…
Understanding a Powerful Metaphor from the Bible Have you ever noticed how trees growing near rivers or streams always look especially healthy? That’s because their roots have constant access to water, which helps them stand strong, stay green, and grow fruit even when there’s no rain. This simple image is used in the Bible to teach us a powerful lesson…
Understanding the Heart Behind “Abba Father” When I talk about God, I choose to call Him “Father”—and there’s a deep reason for that. In the Bible, God is described with many names, each highlighting a part of who He is. But one of the most touching and personal names is “Abba Father.” The word “Abba” comes from Aramaic, and it’s…
Simple Thoughts on Denying Yourself, Taking Up Your Cross, and Following Jesus Sometimes the words of Jesus are easy to read but hard to live. When I look at what he says in Mark 8:34—“If anyone wants to follow me, let them deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me”—I feel both challenged and encouraged. This isn’t some hidden…
