If a scan of the evening news is any indication, we remain a world divided. Divided by nations; divided by faith; divided by politics; divided by race. Sadly, the SBC has previously found itself on the wrong side of the last; prompting many people of color to seek Christian community elsewhere. Over the years, dear brothers have approached me asking, “Why are you still here? Why do you stay?” Rather than express why racial reconciliation – a worthy pursuit – should matter to you, I hope … [Read more...]
Treatment family mentors relative to build competence, provide permanency
At MBCH Children and Family Ministries we work very hard to reunite each child in state custody with his or her biological family. We do this because families are the best place for children to grow and flourish. If the biological family cannot stabilize, we look for other family or kin who want to be family for the child in our care. Many of the children served at MBCH come to us with emotional, behavioral, and physical challenges that prevent them from succeeding in a more traditional … [Read more...]
Consequential realities
Everyday people make decisions. Some decisions are more consequential than others. When it comes to the big decisions in life, the time between age 16 and the early 20s has a huge impact on the trajectory of a person’s life. As a person emerges from adolescence to early adulthood, many decisions are made about the people you choose to spend time with. Who has your best interest at heart to help you fulfill your purpose in life? Reality check: from a Christ-follower’s perspective, the life … [Read more...]
Abe Lincoln’s words echo after abortion decision leak
I was reminded of Abraham Lincoln’s words from June 16, 1858, to more than 1,000 delegates at the Republican State Convention in Springfield, Illinois, after a draft opinion by a U.S. Supreme Court judge overturning abortion was leaked to the media. The leak has sparked protests, inflammatory rhetoric and even violence. It is pitting state against state and dividing families. While Lincoln’s words referred to the inevitable struggle to settle slavery between the states, they should serve … [Read more...]
Happy Mother’s Day to a marvelous mom
One of the greatest blessings of my life has been having a mother who lovingly nurtured me as a child and continued to love and support me throughout life. I was the first born of three, so I benefitted in early childhood because mom stayed home. Until the birth of my brother seven years later, I was the beneficiary of her undivided attention. I witnessed what the responsibility of being a mom and a wife detailed – laundry, vacuuming, dusting, dishwashing, sweeping, mopping, changing bed … [Read more...]
Have it your way
I recently sat down with some pastor friends for lunch. It was a place they had taken me to before, but this time I was ready. It was one of those “choose your own pizza toppings” place. Sort of like the old Subway concept where you can point out the ingredients you want to have added to your sandwich, but this time with pizza. Last time, I was not prepared for all the options, and I opted for the traditional Meat Lovers equivalent. But this time, I was ready: four size options, three … [Read more...]
Center … and center peace
Is there anything I enjoy more than a good meal? Not much. I think that’s why I don’t cook much. I guess that’s also why I love, love, love whoever it was who came up with that most marvelous and miraculous invention: the frozen dinner. That genius has likely saved a lot of lives around my house through the years. Thanks, freezy-friend. Everyone talks about those fancy ice sculptures as table centerpieces. But for me? A frozen family-sized lasagna is the real thing of beauty. Thaw it and … [Read more...]
The lifeline
You may remember the television game show, “Who wants to be a Millionaire?”. During the game, a contestant could use a lifeline. That is, he or she could call someone for a hint to a question. If answered correctly, the contestant continued to progress toward a potential win. In the course of our personal and spiritual journey, we all need a “lifeline” from time to time. The ancient image is that of holding the rope for others in the midst of a storm. Lives depended on the faithfulness of … [Read more...]
Lesson from a shooting tragedy
August 19, 2013, began like any other Monday at Uptown Baptist Church in Chicago. As usual, I handled routine administrative tasks and worked on my sermon for the evening service at our soup kitchen ministry. The church employees were in the office working and chatting. No one knew it would become a day marked by tragedy. At 5:00 p.m., we welcomed 150 people from the streets for our first service. For our second service at 5:45 p.m., we had approximately 100 people in the pews waiting for … [Read more...]
Drawing near to God
“You know what it is, right?” It was years ago when my son handed me his drawing and asked me that question. And may I say, I handled it like a real pro. Actually no. I may not say that. Because I froze. Froze like a total mom-sicle. I couldn’t lie. But what kind of mom-monster crushes her little boy’s artist heart? Got. To. Figure. Out. What. This. Is. Nervous smile. Then, “Um, heh heh, well that part is definitely a Christmas tree.” That much had to be right. I knew I’d have to wildly … [Read more...]
A day like no other
Resurrection Day is this coming Sunday! Hallelujah!! Celebrate, for our Christ has risen from the grave! Indeed!! In 1 Corinthians 15: 20-23 we read, “But as it is, Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, at His … [Read more...]
Trust, the SBC, the MBC and the Cooperative Program
EDITOR'S NOTE: Read a news article related to this editorial at the following link: https://mbcpathway.com/2022/04/12/churches-now-able-to-withhold-funds-from-sbc-entities-in-mbcs-new-plan-b-giving-option/. “Trust is like a vase. Once it’s broken, though you can fix it, the vase will never be the same again.” – Walter Anderson One of the greatest unified giving efforts in American Christianity has been the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Every Southern … [Read more...]
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