The Courage To Stand

A man and woman standing on the side of a road.

As we journey through Advent we actively—wait. I am of Lakota heritage, and hold in my heart, in my prayers, and in my spirit, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, also waiting, and doing so actively. For well over a year the tribe has been objecting to a proposed route for the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL),…

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When Politics Gets Personal

A person takes a picture of an american flag in front of a crowd.

Ever since November 9, I have been a in a state of disbelief, not because of the electorate’s decision to select the Republican Party’s candidate, as the President elect, but at the events that have occurred since. There have been a spike in hate crimes, even more divisive rhetoric being spoke and unfortunately there is…

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The Courage To Turn Tables

A group of people holding up a banner with their fists up.

Perhaps like many of you, I’m reeling and trying to wrap my head and heart around the election results. But maybe like fewer of you, I know this isn’t a new day or some new reality. I suspect that the level of violence we’re seeing would’ve happened regardless of the outcome. The sad and sorry…

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My Hope Is In Us

A person holding a sparkler.

Advent is the great liturgical season of waiting. We yearn, we search, and we reach out, and we dream of Immanuel who will walk amoung us. We spend much time preparing our homes and our churches for the holiday, and we wait. This season of waiting with expectation is the perfect time to work on…

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Painting Emily For Transgender Day Of Remembrance

Pregnant silhouette with radiant heart

Trigger Warning: description of depression and suicide Her name was Emily. As a pastor, I was always happy to have someone new visit the congregation.  So I was particularly thrilled when Emily scheduled a meeting with me after visiting worship for the first time. During our meeting, Emily shared that she identified as transgender woman,…

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How I Face My Anxiety & Fears

Two stuffed monsters that say the gremlin gang.

I am a former “sufferer.” Sufferer is a term that David Johnson uses to describe people that experience panic and anxiety. David is a former sufferer and has a clinic in New Zealand to help people that suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. From the time when I was in my twenties until five or…

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Beyond The Ballot, We Cannot Rest

Row of American I Voted stickers

Daily, we have borne witness to the divisive language and tactics that have been employed during the 2016 Election. I have often had to remind myself: God is still in control and all things happen according to His plan. The 2016 election has reminded me how much further we actually have to go as a…

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Christians Vote For Reproductive Justice

This christian votes for reproductive justice.

At its core, Reproductive Justice is about autonomy and self-determination. It’s about more than parenting decisions—it’s about trusting individuals and families to make informed and prayerful decisions about their lives. This is why we know Reproductive Justice is an LGBTQI issue! Defined by the Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective SisterSong, Reproductive Justice is “the human…

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Painting Perpetua & Felicity: Patron Saints Of Same-Sex Couples

A painting of two women holding a heart.

In the current political climate, many claim that LGBTQ folks have achieved full equality since same-sex marriage was dubbed legal in 2015. I remember celebrating the Supreme Court’s decision as my wife, toddler, and I packed up our home and set off on a year-long journey volunteering throughout the country. We left the day after…

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Delegations Of Clergy Lead Moral Marches In Over 30 Capital Cities

Crowd holding justice and rights signs at rally

On Monday, September 12, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., delegations of clergy will lead “Higher Ground Moral Day of Action” marches at 30 state capitol buildings and the city hall building in the District of Columbia. Three new states have recently joined the moral march including Delaware, Maryland, and Michigan.   “The Higher Ground Moral Day…

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