Russellings of the Spirit

empathy

  • Mercy Me

    WARNING: This post sounds a lot more like a rant than a thoughtful, well-considered pondering. But let’s withhold judgment for a minute and see where it goes.  Who knows? We might end up with something with depth and meaning after… Continue reading

  • The God Who Gets It

    By now, my response cycle has become a well-practiced routine. I hear news reports of a mass shooting. I shake my head and sigh, “Not again.” I await the slow trickle of further details, incrementally ratcheting up my shock and outrage as… Continue reading

  • The Eye of God

    Beneath his mask of anger, bluff, and bluster, God sees… God sees the fearful, insecure child hiding inside. Beneath the surface of the spreader of careless gossip, God sees… God sees the fragile, wounded heart, yearning to belong. Beneath the… Continue reading

  • This Side of the Desk

    I just finished reading the book When Breath Becomes Air. I am still drying my eyes. It is the story of a brilliant, gifted neurosurgeon named Paul Kalanithi. Kalanithi seems to be on his way to an illustrious career as… Continue reading

  • I Can’t Know

    By my not-totally-rigorous estimate, I have officiated at close to 100 funerals during my career as a pastor. This total was boosted significantly by one memorable week in 2014 when there were three. Every one of these formal church services… Continue reading

  • The Ear

    Who do you talk to? Where do you go? How do you get it ALL worked out? It goes without saying: every now and again we each need a listening ear; A non-judging, open, understanding, wise, loving, accepting, no-nonsense ear.… Continue reading

    The Ear