The Reason You Don’t Feel Forgiven By Beth Demme Every Sunday in church we join together and pray “The Lord’s Prayer.” To someone who is skeptical about church, this might seem a little cultish. I get it. Anytime a group of people says something in unison it’s tempting to assume they don’t mean it. And maybe some people don’t. But …
Resurrection is Everywhere
Why I Need Resurrection By Beth Demme On a recent Spiritual Retreat, I was walking through the forest and I was struck by how resurrection was everywhere. I associate resurrection with Springtime, but it’s only the end of summer now, just about to edge into fall. Everywhere I looked I saw new life growing out of the old. I saw …
What if the Cross Is Really About Solidarity?
What if the Cross Really Is About Suffering? By Beth Demme Is there an image of Jesus that makes you uncomfortable? I’m thinking in particular about a crucifix I once saw in Nicaragua. It was sculpted and constructed in such a way that I felt I could almost hear Jesus moaning. The way the blood flowed from the nail holes, …
It Is Safe to Let Go
It Is Safe to Let Go By Beth Demme Sacrifice. It’s an unpopular concept. I know it can be a stumbling block for people, even people of faith. I know it has been a stumbling block for me. In the letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul says, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of …
Step Toward Others in Love
Step Toward Others in Love, Even If They Hate You For It By Beth Demme I was going to title this, “Why I’m Choosing Sides and Praying for Nazis,” but I was afraid you wouldn’t read it. I am, however, choosing a side. I choose humanity. And I am praying for the Nazis, White Supremacists, Alt-Right, and all those who …
Stepping Out In Faith
Stepping Out in Faith By Beth Demme Has anyone ever told you to take a leap of faith? It can sound irrational, even dangerous. For example, in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, one of the last challenges Indy faces as he searches for The Holy Grail is a “leap of faith” across a deep chasm. When he steps out …
It’s Not About What You Can Do
It’s Not About What You Can Do God Can Make Abundance From Nothing By Beth Demme I know you know the story. The story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand. Jesus wanted a little peace and quiet to mourn the death of John the Baptist. He tried to go off by himself, but the crowds followed him. Jesus put …
Speechless Prayers Might Be Your Best Prayers
Some moments in life leave us speechless. Sometimes wonder, or gratitude, or disbelief, or grief seem to steal our words. Sometimes I want to pray, but there are no words. Other times the words come, but I know they are not enough. There are times when I am awe-struck by the beauty of creation or the gift of another day. …
You Are A Good Egg
You Are A Good Egg (Willy Wonka Theology) By Beth Demme Remember Veruca Salt? The spoiled brat who got to tour Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory? Her tour ends in the Golden Egg Room. She runs all over the room, having a fit and making a mess because Wonka won’t sell her father a Golden Goose. Her tirade ends when she …
Check Your Soil
Seeds of Love Have Been Sown In You By Beth Demme I know many people who have beautiful stories about their conversion to Christianity. I love those stories! However, I don’t have a story like that. Not exactly. Because I grew up in the church, I don’t have a day circled in red on the calendar that marks my “before …