From his brief autobiography we learn that…the Irish, then called Scots, began swooping down on the English coast, sailing up the rivers, raiding the settlements, and carrying off plunder and slaves. Among the captives was Patrick. So Ireland’s patron saint was not Irish! He had been reared a Christian. His father was a deacon, but…
Category: Discipleship
Does Love Trump Hate…of Trump?
It wouldn’t surprise me if Donald Trump’s first two weeks as president coincided with a global rise in stomach ulcers. News outlets and social media are a minefield of opinions and denouncements. Love trumps hate, they say. But I’m not sure love trumps hate of Trump. I’m not here to defend Trump. He’s a big…
The Christian’s Electra Complex
Genesis 19 sees the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The angels who visited Abraham warn Lot about the destruction. Lot flees with his wife and two daughters. Lot’s wife famously looks back and turns into a pillar of salt (Gen. 19:26). After escaping, Lot lives in the mountains with his daughters. It must’ve been remote…
Purpose and Politics
Many know I’m not crazy about Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton. During the campaign season, my mantra was, “I’m afraid it’ll come down to Trump and Clinton.” See kids, nightmares can come true. Just keep believing 😉 Now that we’re past all hope of not electing Trump or Clinton, I pray for Trump and our…
When I Consider How My Light Is Spent
John Milton was a Christian and poet in the 1600’s. By age 44, he went blind. Milton wondered if he could continue serving God without eyesight. Sometimes, he simply felt useless. Milton’s anxiety and grief spill out in his 19th sonnet: “When I consider how my light is spent.” The sonnet ends with the Lord’s…
The Comings and Goings of Wind
Fire, wind, and an earthquake happened because of God’s presence but God was not in them (1 Kings 19:11-12). Manifestations or experiential hallmarks of God’s presence are not God. Signs follow those who believe but signs are not God (Mark 16:17). Jesus healed many people but healing is not Jesus. Jesus is healing. Jesus raised…
Putting the “Ugh” in Ugly
Sketch by Patrick Murphy Yesterday, Americans elected Donald Trump as their next president. (Read my pre-election thoughts here). Today, the news and social media are blowing up with opinions about this election. (Silly me, I thought it would be over yesterday). Cyber-space is full of doomsday predictions, verbal attacks, defensiveness, cattiness, and righteous indignation in…
The Complete Jesus–Mallory Patrick
Today’s post is by my sister-in-law, Mallory Patrick! *** “Behold, I cast out demons, and I do cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected” (Luke 13:32) Many believers focus on Jesus’ pre-Cross ministry, which included visible, miraculous healings and miracles. But in this verse, Jesus says that His coming was…
Just the Factions, Ma’am
America’s presidential election is…beyond description. People often say they’re voting for the lesser of two evils. But many see no clear favorite in the race toward lesser evil. (And what a sad finish line that is). The picture above captures this feeling. Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump are imagined as super-villains from “The Dark Knight,” part…
The Voice of One 