The summer of 1969 was a year of great upheaval in the world. Most teenagers I knew were pretty oblivious to national and world events. I turned sixteen in February, and like my friends, my self-centered focus was on going places to do fun things. And yet, the world screamed for attention. Richard Nixon became … Continue reading “A Magnificent Desolation”
Culture
The Earth was Filled with Violence
Genesis 6:5-8 When the LORD saw how wicked everyone on earth was and how evil their thoughts were all the time, he was sorry that he had ever made them and put them on the earth. He was so filled with regret that he said, "I will wipe out these people I have created, and … Continue reading The Earth was Filled with Violence
Holiness, Part Two
Holiness is an old-fashioned word not well-received in our 21st-century culture. The image that comes to mind is of a couple of women out shopping. The older one has long hair, braided and piled on top of her head, and the younger has locks down to her waist. Both are without makeup in long denim … Continue reading Holiness, Part Two
The Reluctant Disciple and The Homeless Woman
For many years, I called myself a Reluctant Disciple. It’s not that I don’t love the Lord. It’s certainly not because I haven’t seen His faithfulness in my life. My walk with God has been characterized by a lot of foot-dragging. In some cases, I’ve been pulled, kicking and screaming, into His service. Just look … Continue reading The Reluctant Disciple and The Homeless Woman
We’re Dang Near Royalty
You’d think by now I would stop asking, “Why?” “Why did they do that? What were they thinking?” After living this much life, you’d think I might stop being surprised. As I sat in a large waiting room last week, my Judgment Meter was registering in the red zone. We were there for over an … Continue reading We’re Dang Near Royalty
Time Capsule
A recent newspaper article described a local high school celebrating its fiftieth anniversary. This year’s senior class dug up the time capsule left by the first graduating class in 1971. It contained various items those teens thought would be interesting or important for a future generation to know about their life and times. Fifty years … Continue reading Time Capsule
Squeamish About Blood?
A teenager sat with me in a tiny room of the residential treatment center. She was admitted to the program a few days before, and like the other adolescents there, if her parents had good insurance, she might stay there for up to three years. She showed me the scars that ran up the length … Continue reading Squeamish About Blood?