Latest Posts
How to Love Your Marginalized Neighbor
Jesus yearned for the hearts of the marginalized—about the forgotten, isolated, shunned, and persecuted people. Throughout the Gospels and the totality of Scripture God’s heart for the people on the outskirts of society is evident. God incarnate—Jesus himself—was even an outcast. Jesus undeniably pursued the marginalized offering them healing and new life. But let’s be honest: it’s often incredibly uncomfortable and awkward. Hearing about God’s heart for the poor and marginalized was what drew...
Are You A Part of the Neighborhood Welcoming Committee?
My family recently moved into a new neighborhood, one with a lot of history. Many of the neighbors have lived on the block for over fifteen years so we were intimidated by the friendships that were already established before our time. We had big plans to introduce ourselves to each neighbor and maybe exchange numbers, but with the hustle and bustle of moving that was on the bottom of the to-do list. Yet, within days of moving, our neighbors had brought over wine, phone numbers and a warm...
How to Love Your Hurting Neighbor
Guest post by Sarah Beckman Last year, as I was finalizing plans for my book release, working harder than ever to balance work demands and family needs, I went through a very dark, personal trial. I prayed every way I knew how, and confided in a handful of trusted friends asking for prayer. I made inquiries and sought the proper authorities for help. I thought I was handling it. And then one day in workout class, I broke down in tears. I suppose it’s only natural that my stress would manifest...
How to Love Your Neighbor in a Sharing Economy
Have you ever stayed at a vacation rental through a service like Airbnb or VRBO - Vacation Rentals By Owner? I have, and I've really enjoyed it! But have you ever considered what a whole town full of vacation rentals does to our sense of community? My friends at FaithStay, a new a trust platform connecting the world to Christian hospitality, asked me how my experience living in a town dominated by vacation rentals affects neighborhoods. How to Love Your Neighbor in a Sharing Economy Guest post...
When God Doesn’t Make Sense
Are you kidding me? Why should I be kind when the world is so cruel? Who will watch out for me if I'm always putting others first? What will I give my own family if I give everything away to others? It doesn't make sense. She knows how you feel. We don't even know her name, but we do know this: she was a single mom whose husband had died, leaving her to raise their son alone. Someone was supposed to be taking care of her, but there was no one left - her entire community was suffering the...
