Articles on Community
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Unity in Diversity
You’ve probably heard the adage “There’s unity in diversity.” I’d like to share my perspective on this reality, and what better time than now! February, designated as the month to celebrate Black History, a history I celebrate 365 days a year — is a good time to talk about diversity and my affiliation with Shalem…
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New Year, New Life, Renewed Call
Early one morning something was stirring outside. It was almost as if something was tapping on the window, beckoning me out. I pulled open the front door and immediately felt light gusts of wind as I stepped onto our sheltered patio. As I looked heavenward, the upper branches of the eighty-foot redwoods by the garage…
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Joseph, the Righteous Dreamer
Matthew 1:18-24 I’ve always thought that Joseph got shortchanged in the Gospel, and in the church’s devotional life. Mary gets so much attention, and rightly so, but Joseph doesn’t even get a speaking part! Unlike Mary’s Annunciation, Joseph’s Annunciation that we heard last week doesn’t get a lot of notice. But his “yes” to the…
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What is Waiting to be Discovered in the Darkness?
“And the people stood afar off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.” (Exodus 20:21) The year is winding down, and the winter solstice is just around the corner. For me, the shorter days leading to the longest night are a time to reflect on what has been revealed in the…
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Why I Said “Yes” to this Pilgrimage
It is hard to walk in the dark. If you’ve ever gone camping and had to use the restroom in the middle of the night, you know the challenge of walking over uncertain terrain to find the facilities. That’s when you’re glad you remembered to pack a flashlight. The truth is, we’ve all been walking…
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Meandering
My spiritual journey has meandered over the years. I grew up the youngest of seven children in a loving, traditional Roman Catholic family. My early faith formation taught me valuable lessons about the importance of spiritual community, prayer, meaningful rituals, and family. I’m grateful for those lessons. As a young adult, I wandered away from…