Today students across America got up even earlier than normal, splashed sleep from their eyes, and stood around their school’s flagpole—and prayed. I walked to the high school in our neighborhood, and met my friend, Ms. Rivera, head of discipline there. Her previous job was in a prison. She had invited me to attend See…
Tag: faith
What Puff Taught Me About Favor
It was a place off limits to curious fingers that broke vases, and feet that tracked mud. The formal living room, where at times parents and guests would talk. I remember sitting in the stairwell leading up to this sacred place, in my footie PJ’s, listening to the radio play. Where I was in the…
Things Break, Plans Change, Where is God?
The mechanic spoke in whimsical tones, throwing his arms around, and stopping to stare at me when he wanted my reaction. “You ever watch Deadliest Catch?” “Sure,” I nodded. “The reality show about crabbing in Alaska?” “That was my life for 14 years,” he said. “I got out before I died; many of my buddies…
Miracles Don’t Age….25 Years, and it’s Like Yesterday.
On a hitchhiking trip, my friend passed through a camp ground one evening around dusk. He was broke, and hadn’t eaten for some time. Suddenly, his mind was filled with the idea of a baked potato. The more he thought about it, the more he wanted one. So, he did the only thing he could…
Daring to Live in God’s Wake
My brother JoJo approached life full throttle, and most of the time I was right behind him. But not every time! One day while riding our motorcycles through a farmer’s field, he pointed to a high mound of dirt in the distance and shouted over the engines, “come on, lets do a wheelie off that…
Lap Time With Dad
“Ruk” “No, Kevin, it’s “t”ruk.” “Ruk” “Listen very carefully….T.t.t.t.t…ruk” “Ruk” “Can you say “T.?” “T” “Good, good, now “truck.” “Ruk” My father was a patient teacher. There on his lap, up in the ‘’off limits’ living area where my parents entertained guests. Sitting wide eyed, listening to him coach me in my diction. I was…
Dear ‘Jeremiah,’
It didn’t surprise me that you asked my advice during our final meeting. You’re teachable, which I pray you never lose. While I mulled your question, I looked into your eyes. Some call them windows, and if so then God has used a squeegee on yours. I saw nothing but clarity, nothing but expectation and…
Living in the After
It was late afternoon, and I sat on a park bench, watching the players on the court. I didn’t feel like crashing their party, didn’t feel like risking the fool among a throng of urban teens. I wanted to sit tight, and let the urging of the Holy Spirit pass, and then walk home and…
Nine Words to Live By
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16 Could there be any nine words we need to hear more? “But Jesus”—we need to realize that taking cues from Jesus will have us swimming up stream. Everyone was clamoring for a piece of Him, yet He took paddle in hand, and did the…
