The same tradition can bring life to one household and oppression to another. Even in the same house, a rule can be life giving or demeaning.
Tag: remain on the vine
These Ten Things
There was once a woman who perfectly copied her mother’s treasured pot roast recipe. First, she took the roast and cut off both ends. Then she put it in the pan, measuring water carefully… leveling each teaspoon of seasoning with a knife. She always set a precise timer. One day, while teaching the recipe to…
Your Redemption Draws Near
I once said to my grandma, “I wish Jesus would come back.” It wasn’t during a trial. I think I was just feeling the irritation of living. I had a bill due, or something equally inconsequential. She said, “Yes, I hope so too. But, not yet.” I was shocked. Maybe even a little worried that…
Blessed is Everyone Who Eats Bread in the Kingdom of God
The first time I heard the scripture in Matthew 7:21-23, I quickly applied it to others. In subsequent readings, it unsettled me. I’ve come to a place where it keeps me company with a content sort of fear and trembling. I don’t get it, but I accept it. It goes: “Not everyone who says to…
The Ordination of Humankind
Twelve is a significant number in the Bible. There were 12 tribes of Israel, and Jesus chose 12 disciples. He even chose 12 knowing there would be one who was a betrayer. So I imagine all the times Christ looked him in the eye, giving him every chance to follow and believe instead of choosing…