I do not want to need the cross, but I do. I do not want to say, go ahead, die for me, I need it — but I have to. I do need it. I want to be able to step into the scene, in between Jesus and his accusers, and say, Stop! This has … More Good Friday
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I try to be, anyway. I try to follow him closely and pay attention, like the twelve disciples. But, like the twelve disciples, I am one-twelfth Judas. Most days are good. I mean, I might mess up, be impulsive like Peter, doubting like Thomas, fearful like all of … More One-Twelfth Judas
Just before the cock crows, the dark is at its darkest. You cannot see the ground beneath your feet. Your right hand cannot see what your left hand is doing. Your parts are not connected, and anything might happen. This is where missteps are made, where paths are veered from and never found again. Fear … More Just Before the Cock Crows
When my oldest son was about five, I tried to read the crucifixion story to him from his cartoon-illustrated Children’s Bible. We made it part of the way through, then he stopped me, saying, “Mommy, I don’t think I’m old enough for this.” I get it, completely. I don’t think I’m old enough for this, … More Old Enough
Drops of water rolled down my cheek. It felt exactly like crying, but with no agony of soul, no taste of salt. I was walking in the rain. I have cried enough in my life to know just what that feels like, tears rolling down my cheeks. The feeling was exactly the same, only they … More Rain
Idols rise up, immediately. Immediately, idols rise up. Sunday School taught me, years ago, not to worship golden calves. I am a good person. I have never worshiped a golden calf. I have never knelt down, raised my eyes to a static, burnished image of a farm animal and said to it, “You are my … More Idols Rise Up
In honor of Baptism of the Lord Sunday: With a rush of water, we are born. We are bathed in warm water as infants, our soft skin kept clean, smelling of newness. We are cradled by a shepherd of the Lord, baptized into the family of God by a gentle hand placing water on our … More Through Water and the Spirit
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. — Luke 2:7 Not yet. I can’t. I can’t lay him down. Not quite yet. I can’t stop looking at him. He is so … More The Manger Can Wait
I am Joseph, I keep watch and guard this rugged cave, soon to see the mystery the Holy Spirit gave. Through dark hours, I stay strong and hold my trembling wife, far away from home while giving birth to a new life. Now in quiet, I stand close and gaze in reverent awe, viewing with astonished … More I Am Joseph
People need God, trees need the sunshine, babies need holding, flowers need rain; children need love, sins need forgiving, lives need God’s blessing to start again. Small ones need care, lost ones need finding, least need uplifting close to the light; scared ones need strength, hurt ones need healing, grace for the journey, peace in … More People Need God
Lindy Thompson 