You are never too old to try new things or even begin new traditions. In 2023, I adopted the increasingly popular spiritual practice of choosing a star word for Epiphany Each year I have looked across tables covered in stars before carefully choosing one. Then, I turn it over to reveal the star word that will light my path for the year ahead. Looking Back Last year my word was believe, which felt like a heavy, important, and relevant word. In 2025 I completed my first significant role Read More …
wisdom
God’s Wisdom (#2122)
Passage for Reflection: James 3:17-18 There is no shortage of worldly wisdom. Scroll through any social media platform and you’ll see person after person claiming expertise on a wide variety of topics. Open e-mails and other more formal professional correspondence and you’ll find an alphabet soup of degrees and certifications alongside the sender’s name. Walk into a public library and you’ll be greeted by books as far as your eyes can see. Wisdom is everywhere. James contrasts this Read More …
My Milestone Birthday Experience (#1690)
Age is just a number Another year old, another year wiser You don't look your age Celebrating a Milestone Birthday The three expressions above were all shared with me earlier this month on the occasion of me letting the world know I was celebrating a milestone birthday. Upon hearing the final remark I wondered if the person imagined I looked much older or much younger than my age (if she was even aware of the age I had achieved). According to popular wisdom I have not yet reached Read More …
Review of The Non-Violent Radical (#1358)
Meet the Author Charles McCollough is an ordained United Church of Christ minister with a Ph.D. in theology, and an extensive background in art. He worked for many years on the national staff of the UCC in the areas of adult education and social justice. While pursuing that work, he studied sculpture at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Johnson Atelier, the Princeton Association, and Mercer College. McCollough has taught and/or served as an artist in residence in numerous seminaries, Read More …
Wisdom from the Class of ’42 (#0560)
David Brooks begins his recent New York Times article, "The Life Report," by asking readers over the age of 70 to consider sharing a reflection about their life so far. He then shares wisdom from the Yale class of 1942. On the occasion of their 50th reunion members of the class wrote short autobiographical reflections. Brooks summarizes: The most common lament in this collection is from people who worked at the same company all their lives and now realize how boring they Read More …
What Kind of Disciple? (#0388)
Scot McKnight, renowned New Testament scholar and professor of religious studies at Northpark University, wrote an article entitled "Full Disciple" in the February-March 2011 edition of Neue Magazine exploring the discipleship ministry of local congregations. McKnight asks his readers, "What kind of disciple is your church producing (p.56)?," before suggesting that churches would benefit from aligning their vision with that of Jesus: For Jesus a disciple is someone Read More …