Time Traveling Emotions By Beth Demme Are you a time traveler? No? Are you sure? Hear me out, because the truth is you might be. Or at least, you might be living like one. I’ve never been good at science (especially the mathy parts) so I have no idea how actual time travel would work, even in theory, but I …
There Is A Big God And It’s Not Me
There Is A Big God And It’s Not Me By Beth Demme I want a GIANT poster that says, “There is a Big God and it’s NOT me.” This is the foundational truth at work in the Bible, from the very first sentence of the very first chapter. (Genesis 1:1) It’s the first of the Ten Commandments God speaks to …
Prayer Is (Still) More Than a Hashtag
This was originally published in July 2016, but in the wake of the mass shooting in Las Vegas, earthquakes in Mexico, violence in Catalonia, and devastation in Puerto Rico, I offer it again. Why Prayer is (Still) More Than a Hashtag By Beth Demme In the wake of recent tragedies, I’ve seen a lot of #Prayfor____. I’ve seen the hashtags criticized, …
God’s Unlimited Plan
You Are On God’s Unlimited Plan By Beth Demme Have you ever run out of something? Maybe your car ran out of gas? Maybe you were baking and you didn’t have that cup of sugar you needed? Perhaps, like my teenage son, you’ve run out of data for your cell phone? It happens. We run out of things. Do you …
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 …
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 …