In the June burst of green and sunshine, I am taking a bike ride through the historically black neighborhood where I live in Chicago. Along the way, I encounter a heron and a flock of geese; I see wrappers and plastic bags littering the sidewalks, discarded in the gutters. I smell freshly-cut grass and waveContinue reading “Sorrow and Joy during the Black Lives Matter movement”
Tag Archives: joy
Rejoice with me
Along with three others sisters in their mid-30s, I am in a busy café in St. Louis, Missouri, enjoying a lunch of sandwiches and salads. A bit ago, we prayed over our food. Between bites, we’re laughing and chatting about the work we need to do. Feeling happy and a little anxious, we stillContinue reading “Rejoice with me”
Most wonderful time of the year
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Except, for you, this holiday season is anything but. Maybe you are moving through the annual traditions for the first time without a loved one because of death or divorce. Maybe a job loss or economic hardship means buying gifts or booking travel is financially outContinue reading “Most wonderful time of the year”
Thanksgiving and the Eucharist: the story of our lives
“With five brothers,” began my dad, telling the familiar story to my niece and nephew, “your Great-aunt Kathy was always getting her food stolen. Her spot was right next to your great-grandfather, who used to tease her. Every night at dinner, your Aunt Kathy would huddle over her plate, with her fork ready to stabContinue reading “Thanksgiving and the Eucharist: the story of our lives”
Christian resistance in the style of St. Francis
It’s indisputable that today’s signs of the times point to heartache, injustice, division and confusion. The truth seems to be debatable. The persecutions of the little ones — from immigrant children, refugees, victims of natural disasters and targets of sexual assault; those who are on the margins — often are the ones who bear theContinue reading “Christian resistance in the style of St. Francis”
Don’t blink
There is nothing everyone is so afraid of as of being told how vastly much he is capable of. You are capable of – do you want to know? – you are capable of living in poverty; you are capable of standing almost any kind of maltreatment, abuse, etc. But you do not wish toContinue reading “Don’t blink”
Ugandan faith lesson #5: hope
Faith lessons from my Ugandan family Editor’s note: This is the final blog post of a five-part series “Faith lessons from my Ugandan family” (see lessons #1, #2, #3 and #4) by Messy Jesus Business guest contributor/Rabble Rouser Nicole Steele Wooldridge about her experiences in Mbale, Uganda. More than almost anyone I know, my Ugandan host parentsContinue reading “Ugandan faith lesson #5: hope”
Easter freedom playlist
This Easter season is full of all sorts of life-changing, resurrection energy. The Risen Christ is alive and among us! Praise music is in order as we party down and praise God; celebrate our freedom from chains of sin and oppression. We are set free to serve and act as healers and helpers in thisContinue reading “Easter freedom playlist”
ALLELUIA in abundance
Happy Easter!! We’re in the midst of the octave of Easter—eight days especially for rejoicing—and then we can celebrate the awesomeness of the Easter miracle for many more days. I have a personality type that loves to be set to “fun” and “joy,” and I love to celebrate the goodness of God as much asContinue reading “ALLELUIA in abundance”
Easter Sunday: ordinary resurrections and trembling tombs
Alleluia!! Alleluia! He lives, and laughs death right in its face, saying, Surprise, surprise! Nothing can kill this everlasting love! Ordinary resurrections are everywhere. There are glimpses of light where despair was once too intense for hope! The broken bone has healed completely. The child awoke from the terrifying coma. Your neighbor offered you anContinue reading “Easter Sunday: ordinary resurrections and trembling tombs”