Painfully Hopeful

Sometimes

I’ve written in the past about the strange world pastors inhabit. We come into spaces where people are at emotional extremes, from deepest grief to highest celebration, and we wonder if anything we do has any impact at all. We tell the story of Jesus, we try to share his love, and we long for…

Falling In

The season of Fall 1 began on Thursday. With the march of the seasons the light changed from the honey glow of late Summer to a more crisp light anticipating the coming chill. It’s probably my second-favorite light in which to practice my hobby. Aside from the allergies 2, I love the fall. A lot…

Covering Up

As many readers of Painfully Hopeful know, I’ve been writing a serialized novel on Tuesdays entitled Welcome to the Valleys. It’s been a whole lot of fun to do, and weeks ago it became the longest work of fiction I’ve ever written – and I’m only in Chapter 3! To better organize the project I…

Enjoying My Reputation

Dr. Alistair Brown, of Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, shared the Keynote at ABCNJ’s Annual Session. He and his wife are some truly wonderful people and I’d describe him as “old school Evangelical 1.” The man has faith, and to him the Message of Jesus of such vital importance he can’t not speak about it. He’s…

Unpacking The Old Guard

Yesterday’s post completed the transition from the Tunnel and into the Inner Valleys proper. Interesting things are happening and we got to re-introduce a character whom I believe will be staying around for a bit. Let’s unpack. Walter gets a clue I think the shadow’s recent willingness to participate in the group’s conversation has helped…

Fiction Tuesday – The Old Guard

After the shadow’s proclamation Walter held his hands up and motioned for silence from the other companions. “Let’s not discuss this here, we’ve probably already said too much in the open. Let’s get on the road, and then we can ‘chat.’” He glanced up at the nearby evertorch and added, “Ok with you?” Ama and…