Tag: faith
-
Conquering Fear
To Those Who Have a Crazy Dream: Fear is a funny thing. It’s funny because it often comes wearing unexpected disguises. Rather than the scary black cloak and long pointy finger nails we expect, Fear usually arrives wearing business casual, preppy heels, red lipstick and toting a designer purse. She’s prepared with an agenda and…
-
Thoughts and Prayers
The phrase “thoughts and prayers aren’t enough” keep rolling around in my head like angry little marbles. I’ve read phrases like “we need more policies” and “this isn’t about religion.” I’ve read phrases that say God has been “taken out of public schools” and “this kind of thing didn’t use to happen. ” I open…
-
Why Does it Hurt so Much?
I’m standing in church this morning during worship. Surrounded by hundreds of people worshipping God fearlessly and beautifully. And what is the thought that comes rushing into my head, right past the bethel music lyrics on my tongue? What if someone came into the church right now and started shooting? What if that story became…
-
I Think I Might Have Lied Yesterday
I said something yesterday, something I’m not sure I meant. I had rushed into the hallmark store to escape the sudden onslaught of dreary winter rain. While I was mindless browsing through the jewelry, the proprietor made a dull comment about the weather. I (too) cheerfully responded, “I love the rain, because it brings the…
-
Hope!!!
Before I finish my lunch break, I have to share this little thing on my heart. Its changing my walk with God. It’s changing how I see people, and it’s really not complicated, but if you will take hold of it it will mark you and strengthen you. Bill Johnson says “Hope and hopelessness are…
-
To my future children:
Dear future children, Some people are saying I should stop dreaming about you. They are telling me, decidedly even, that the world is getting too evil to think about bringing children into it. All around me, they are saying we should stop dreaming. Just like that. Turn a key, close a lid, shove under the…
-
Let’s get off Justin Bieber’s Back
“I can’t stand your religious meetings. I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes, your public relations and image making. I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time…
-
I Came All the Way to Asia for This
I’ve been in the Philippines a few weeks now, so I thought it was time I shared a little bit about my experiences in Asia Pacific. First, a good adventure is almost entirely at the mercy of who you are with. I’ve been to some pretty spectacular places, but the view is made a thousand…
Sarah D. Shearer 