The Rev. Ralen M. Robinson “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” (Proverbs 31:26) Her arms are outstretched, always ready to embrace me from the harsh world. Her mouth is upturned in a smile, greeting me. Her voice flows out, blanketing me with love, and her presence shields […]
Ina, etsi, shi maa, itangu. These are some of the ways I’ve heard indigenous people say, Mother. These are in the languages of just a few of the Indigenous people of North America, more specifically Lakota, Cherokee, Navajo, and Hopi, in that order. As a Lakota woman, I grew up using ina and unci (grandmother), but […]
by Sarah Carson For as long as I can remember, there have been two places I’ve turned when things get challenging: 1) to my faith, 2) to poetry. As someone who grew up in church, I’ve learned prayer can be powerful when I have questions, doubts, and even anger. It can be a way to […]
In the university town where I live, there’s a new club dedicated to what might be this moment’s most celebrated cultural phenomenon. Members of the Taylor Swift Club get together to listen to music and bond over a shared appreciation for all-things-Taylor. “Music tends to have a deeper meaning,” freshman Abby Snelling told the university […]
by Ralen M. Robinson They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. (Luke 24:2-3) When my sister and I were little, we eagerly looked forward to spring–and Easter. Easter Sunday meant fluffy dresses, frilly white ankle socks, colored barrettes and shiny little white […]
by the Rev. Ralen M. Robinson Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. (Isaiah 64:8) The cool clay forms within my hands, molding and contorting to the pressure of my fingers as it forms into a round ball. It […]
by the Rev. Ralen M. Robinson “At once, the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.” (Mark 1:12-13) “Why do I have to give something up?” “Why forty days?” “Lent is too […]
by Dr. Crystal L. Hall This article offers five steps with accompanying biblical principles for creating rest in a world of busyness. As a coach for women in ministry, I’ve helped dozens of lay professionals, pastors and deacons create sabbath practices that stick with these steps. 1. Build awareness of how your culture has shaped […]
by Dr. Crystal L. Hall Here’s how you know this article is for you: You’re telling yourself that if you read your emails but don’t respond to them on your day off, you’re not “really working.” You tell yourself that if you take your vacation, you’ll be behind when you return, and it won’t have […]