Tag Archives: community

Words Will Never Hurt Me?

October 21, 2018 by MelisaB · 1 Comment
forest fire

16th Sunday after Pentecost: James 3:1-12 

You know the saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”. This little chant from the last century was used primarily to mock bullied people for being “triggered”. Or at least that would be the modern translation of this rhyme. Different words, same mockery.

At first hearing, this chant makes sense, except words do hurt. Words can do real damage. The fact that James is spending time on this issue means this social dynamic isn’t new. Continue reading →

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Weep With Those Who Weep

March 31, 2018 by MelisaB · Comments Off on Weep With Those Who Weep
grief

Why is it easier to weep along with a television show than it is to weep with a friend? Is it just me? Maybe it’s because show writers know how to draw out our emotions unexpectedly. Do we listen better when we’re watching a show than when a friend is grieving? Maybe we would listen better if everyone knew how to put their grief into poignant soliloquies. Continue reading →

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God With Us

July 21, 2012 by MelisaB · Comments Off on God With Us
Worship

There is something exciting about traveling to significant places.  When I saw the Statue of Liberty in person I was amazed at how huge it was. (I wasn’t thrilled with climbing the narrow staircase inside, but everything can’t be impressive, right?)  Someday I would like to visit the town that one of my ancestors founded.  He was a pioneer for the US government and settled in Texas.  I don’t know why exactly, but it feels like I would be connecting with something bigger, a meaningful part of my history.  This seems like a common desire—traveling to see historical locations, visiting wonders of the world, or even places that just mean a lot to us personally.   Continue reading →

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For the Joy

April 12, 2011 by MelisaB · Comments Off on For the Joy
joy

Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and the people of Israel, Rahab, Gideon,  Samson, David, Samuel and the prophets…

“These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.  God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 11:39 – 12:1-2, NIV

This list of notable Bible characters comes at the end of a chapter in Hebrews describing how these people lived and died for their faith.  The writer then says we are surrounded by this “cloud of witnesses” and because of that we should also follow God faithfully. Continue reading →

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