I live in a great neighborhood. While it’s only a few minutes drive to Atlanta’s downtown and midtown neighborhoods, it’s also just as close to the city center of neighboring Decatur. While we live in an urban area, our yard leads into a woods and the houses in our neighborhood… Read More »Fear Versus Trust
I received a message from my church. A woman, whose name I didn’t recognize, had called for me. The message conveyed the sense that the woman wanted to speak only to me and that it seemed like her request was urgent. When I reached Emma, her voice was soft. She… Read More »Security, Austerity, and Compassion?
It’s not working. Let’s face it: most of us know that already. Some of us are afraid to say it. Most of us aren’t sure what to do about it. But let’s get it out in the open: it’s just not working. Many people in the United States, as well… Read More »It’s Just Not Working
Having some time one afternoon, I stopped in at a local bookstore. As is my habit, I went first to see the books on the reduced price table. As I looked over the titles, I stumbled onto a large hardbound volume of photos from the Hubble space telescope. I paged… Read More »Awe and Wonder
It was my freshman year of high school. Among my every day courses in biology, algebra, composition, biology, and history, there was one course that only met one time each week. I looked forward to it. There wasn’t a text book nor was there home work. It was more informal… Read More »Self-Knowledge
I am pleased to welcome a guest blogger to emerging: Glenna Shepherd, pastor of the Decatur United Church of Christ in Decatur, GA. I’m inviting you to take a few moments and consider Glenna’s most recent reflection on ritual and spirituality, both from a Christian and personal perspective. Glenna shares… Read More »Ritual: Grounding our Lives in the Present Moment.
I don’t know him very well. The truth is, if it wasn’t for Facebook, I probably wouldn’t know him at all. He’s a young man in his twenties living in another part of the world. We’ve exchanged a few emails and other chat messages. He’s bright, educated, well versed in… Read More »Music and the Human Spirit
Yes, it’s a familiar story. The young man was out with his friends. Looking across the room, he saw someone who caught his eye. Carefully watching, he became more interested. His friends encouraged him: “Go over and introduce yourself.” After some time, he found enough confidence to make his move.… Read More »It’s a Familiar Story
