If you want a teenager to run away from church go ahead and teach them about the virgin saints. If you want teenagers to see the power they hold and the faith they can embody tell them about the the fearless arguers, the brave truth tellers, the rebel saints.
Talking about Immigration in an Age of Fear
I am shaken by the anger and hatred people are expressing today at white supremacist rallies, on social media, and in YouTube clips.
This anti-immigrant sentiment is contrary to Christian values; it is inspired by ignorance, hatred, and fear. But it is also true that immigration is a very complex issue. Many people prefer to shout cheap slogans (“Build the wall!”) rather than exploring the many shades of gray that immigration issues entail. We have a lot of work to do, as individuals, families, and communities, to create a climate of truth-telling and civil discussion around immigration.
Here are a few suggestions of things you can do.
Responding to Hate by Being Together
“What do you remember about last night?” “Just being cold and wet.” I was talking with my nine-year-old daughter while we walked to school about […]
Encouraging Caring and Empathy through Child Sponsorship
We scrolled through the images on the child sponsorship website. Boys and girls with dark hair, shirts buttoned all the way to the top, serious […]
Parenting as a Perfectionist
Where is the line drawn between wanting your children to grow into their best selves and accepting them for who they already are? This question […]
I Spy a Giveaway!
A couple of weeks ago I laid down with my nine-year-old son to read Lindsay Hardin Freeman’s book The Spy on Noah’s Ark. I flipped […]
Friendship Bracelets and Forming Faith with Youth
My left wrist currently sports a grand assortment of colorful friendship bracelets; a sure sign that I spent the summer with the people and doing […]
Sandwiched
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one that was actually there, And that has made all the difference. A […]
Signing Our Way Through Vacation Bible School
Editor’s Note: This is the second post in Meredith Baker’s series on Whole Body Worship. In case you missed her first post on liturgical movements, […]
The Lesser Feast of the Myrrh Bearers: Joanna, Mary, and Salome
When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. […]