The scene generally looks the same: after my older son and I pick up his brother at preschool, I have a choice to make. Do I take the shorter route, the one that winds down MacArthur and through the center of town, complete with stoplights and traffic and grit galore? Or do I take the back roads that take a few minutes longer but guarantees a glimpse of the magical view?
The Brilliant Theology of the Desert Mothers
In terms of my life circumstances, I couldn’t possibly have less in common with the ammas who fled to the desert for spiritual growth and exploration. I have a marriage, a parish, and two kids. And a dog. And chickens (maybe they had chickens in the desert?).
Why I Still Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas
While “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is an animated cartoon about characters who look funny, who make silly noises and often pratfall, Linus’s recitation of Saint Luke’s verses is its solemn core. For a few moments, the story’s busyness is suspended to make room for a larger and more eternal story.
No One Wants a Fairytale: Remembering the Rebel Martyrs with Teenagers
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 […]