difficult opportunities
I was driving to my friend’s memorial service when rows of taillights began braking in front of me. I flipped on the radio and learned that traffic was backed up because of an accident miles ahead. I lurched and stopped for 10 minutes . . . then 20. Now I was late. I thought about turning around and going home. But then it occurred to me that sticking it out would be the best way to show that I cared. I didn’t know if I would make it to the service, but every minute of my forced waiting would express my devotion to my friend.
cover-up
Historians weren’t sure if Reformer Huldrych Zwingli had been sexually promiscuous with the daughter of a prominent citizen. Misbehaving priests weren’t uncommon in the 16th century, yet such gossip seemed like something his Roman Catholic enemies might spread to discredit Zwingli.
May 20, 2013
What encouraging words from a pastor, teacher, or mentor proved to be life-changing for you? Why?
May 6, 2013
How have you reached out to a prodigal whom you love? What has helped you point them back to Jesus?
November 26, 2012
What’s a good way to encourage a friend who’s feeling down due to the loss of a family member or friend?
another advocate
When I was asked to say a few words at the farewell dinner for a friend who was emigrating, I Googled for some help. Here’s a sampling of what I found: “Every goodbye makes the next hello closer.” “It is the end of something simple and the beginning of everything else.” That last quote got me thinking about what Jesus…
painful truth
My 4-year-old son and I were watching television when we saw a commercial for skin cream. A woman’s face appeared and then the camera zoomed in, revealing a rather serious set of crow’s feet. But it didn’t stop there. Computer animation gave us a peek beneath the surface of her skin—into her very pores. Finally, they showed the wrinkle cream…
a friend in dark places
The Gap, a towering, jagged cliff near Australia’s Sydney Harbor, has the notorious distinction of being the spot where many people have gone to commit suicide. A simple invitation from a kindly stranger (“Why don’t you come and have a cup of tea?”), however, has thwarted numerous attempts. For 50 years, Don Ritchie has lived across the street from The…
friend of sinners
Jesus’ teachings can seem to be paradoxical.
Exhibit A: He requires a standard of living that’s even more rigorous than the Old Testament. Jewish law condemned adultery (Exodus 20:14); Jesus said that even looking at someone lustfully was wrong (Matthew 5:27- 28). Jewish law allowed for divorce (Deuteronomy 24:1); Jesus condemned it except for marital infidelity (Matthew 5:32). Many Jewish leaders misread…
sock puppet and frenemy
Do you use a sock puppet to secretly keep track of your frenemies? Plan to spend your staycation watching vlogs and webisodes?” If you’re not sure what all that means, turn to the latest edition of the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. The book of words has just added more than 100 new ones. Two new entries caught my attention: sock puppet and frenemies. A “sock puppet”…
