How can our attempts to help a hurting person actually hurt them?
Lately, I have been thinking quite a bit about Paul’s admonition to the Galatians and how it relates to those of us who are reaching out to addicts and other people in need.
“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” (Gal. 6:1 NIV)
This passage and the verses that follow have some important principles to keep in mind as we seek to be people helpers and not “enablers”.
Read MoreLove Is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation With the Gay Community
Andrew Marin’s life changed forever when his three best friends came out to him in three consecutive months. Suddenly he was confronted with the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community (GLBT) firsthand. And he was compelled to understand how he could reconcile his friends to his faith.
In an attempt to answer that question, he and his wife relocated to Boystown, a predominantly GLBT community in Chicago. And from his experience and wrestling has come his book, Love Is an Orientation, a work which elevates the conversation between Christianity and the GLBT community, moving the focus from genetics to gospel, where it really belongs.
Why are so many people who are gay wary of people who are Christians? Do GLBT people need to change who they are?
Read MoreWomen and Addiction – Part I
When most people think of the alcoholics and addicts served by rescue missions, they think of the “Skid Row bum” – a disheveled older alcoholic who has lived on the streets for years. But, especially in recent years, the number of young female addicts who look to mission for help is on the rise. According to Dr. Susan Merle Gordon of the Caron Foundation, “Addiction doesn’t have the face most Americans imagine when they think of an alcoholic or drug addict."
Read MoreThe Power of Making Amends
"If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering." (Matthew 5:23, 24)
Read MoreRihanna Puts a Face on Domestic Violence
Since news broke about Chris Brown’s alleged physical confrontation with pop star sensation, Rihanna, both stars have been surrounded by media speculation and discussion. Rumors have bitterly swarmed around both stars—ranging from Rihanna being a victim of domestic violence because she “gave Chris Brown an STD,” to Rihanna provoking a physical confrontation with Chris Brown by “hitting him first.” While the public anxiously eats up whatever information the media has to offer, it is not hard to discern that Rihanna is more than an artist now; this is because she puts a face on the issue of domestic vi
Before Rosa Parks, There Was Ida B. Wells-Barnett
Because history is largely based on perspective, many historical greats are seemingly omitted from history. For instance, it is believed by many that Rosa Parks was the first to protest the giving up of her seat to a white man. While this story is often heralded as a testimony of protest and change—particularly in relation to the formation of the Civil Rights Movement, there was a woman who refused to give up her seat 71 years before Rosa Parks. Her name was Ida B. Wells-Barnett.
How can a Christian who has been sober for many years still say he is an alcoholic?
Jerry Dunn, a former president of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions, caused quite a stir back when his book first came out in the sixties. Some leaders within our movement challenged him by asking, “How can you say you’ve experienced complete deliverance and still call yourself an alcoholic?” Even today, some Christian workers struggle with this dilemma. While his words appear to be contradictory, if we look more closely we will find some real wisdom in them.
Read MoreJoin Sojourners and World Vision This April in The Mobilization to End Poverty!
The Mobilization to End Poverty is a three-day movement planned to be held in Washington, DC where thousands of Christians will gather to share new ways to end poverty, while also connecting with Congress members and other government officials to see what steps they are taking to address extreme poverty. This event combines workshops, events and powerful speakers such as Jim Wallis, Tavis Smiley and John Perkins to help inspire and bring social justice to the poor.
This Christmas Choose Guitar Praise for a Christian Alternative to the Rock Star Gaming Phenomenon!
Every kid wants to be a rockstar this Christmas season. Between Guitar Hero, released by Activision, and Rock Band, released by MTV Games, the phenomenon of rock music video games is sweeping the nation. However, some parents are uncomfortable buying either of these games, as both are rated T for Teens by the ESRB for “Lyrics, Mild Suggestive Themes”. Enter GuitarPraise, the Christian-themed, family friendly guitar music simulation counterpart produced by DigitalPraise!
Viewing Women Through The Eyes of “The Wife of Noble Character” (Proverbs 31:10-31)
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"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." ~Proverbs 31:30
Young Love: The Importance of Being Acknowledged
Note: This post is not meant–in any way–to vilianize the individuals mentioned in this blog. Rather, it is meant to enlighten others of the gravity of Young Love, as well as the angst that can potentially stick with someone for many years after that love has been revealed and denied. This is also MY perspective; others mentioned in this story have not had an opportunity to share their side of it, and may be prompted to upon reading my blog. I will allow them the chance to share their side of the story if they are open to doing so…
Read MoreMy Sisters In Christ…….Are we……Passing the Truth…on to our girls…..?
Passing the Truth…..
Day in and day out, I pass the younger versions of ourselves, trying to create an identity out of looking like the latest fashion icon (within their financial portfolio), behaving in the manner of whoever the "It Girl" is at this current moment. And striving to be known for being themselves while taking on the attributes of whoever is notorious for getting what she wants.
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Anger
"Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry." Ephesians 4:26
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God’s Perfect Will
"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2
Last year, the church I attend did a bible study through the book of Romans. I would recommend going to www.harvest.org/women and checking out the Women’s Bible Fellowship link on the left side. It was a great encouragement to me throughout the year and also helped to convict me of some serious sin issues in my life. Romans 12:2 was one of those verses.
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