It was the Spring of 2000. There I was, a freshman at Trevecca Nazarene University, sitting in the class most feared by fledgling religion majors: Biblical Exegesis. Even the name makes a person want to duck for cover. It sounds like the sort of class you walk into wearing a hazmat suit and gloves beforeContinue reading “Our Motherly Father: God, Mom, and Prayer”
Category Archives: Autobiography
Ballad of a Dead Man
“Why are you here?” she asked me, as we sat in a doctoral seminar, Summer 2016. Why am I here? That is what she asked me. Right there in front of God and everyone. And what was I to say? I was not entirely sure why I was there either. Of course, there is anContinue reading “Ballad of a Dead Man”
Dad, Dreams, and Death: An Anniversary Reflection
My dead father used to come to me in my dreams. I had never been visited by the dead before, so naturally these visits caught me off guard. I desperately anticipated them, yet I recoiled all the same. “Hello, hate to see you, but I’m glad you’re here.” Prior to my own living deadContinue reading “Dad, Dreams, and Death: An Anniversary Reflection”
In Memoriam: A Tribute To Bo Bandy
I came around the door, re-entering my office to gather a few things before departing for the day, and then she looked up at me, eyes confused, hands shaking, “Bo Bandy passed away.” She sat down, tears rolling down her cheeks, mascara smudging. Death had re-entered the building. My mom just dropped a bombshell. AContinue reading “In Memoriam: A Tribute To Bo Bandy”
We Become What We Pray: Final Thoughts On Confession
In this concluding post discussing gleanings through the practice of daily confession, I will note four areas of focus: We become what we pray Prayer sanctifies us The epiphany of grace that happens within confession Confession creates awareness that leads to proper witness. Firstly, the practice of daily Confession gives fresh meaning to the ancientContinue reading “We Become What We Pray: Final Thoughts On Confession”
The Daily Confession of Sin, Part 2: Being Mindful
When I mention engaging in a Daily Confession of Sin, I do not mean repeating daily the popularized version of the “sinners prayer,” in which one confesses they are a sinner before God in need of forgiveness, and then “accepts Jesus into their heart.” I am assuming that Daily Confession of Sin precludes that oneContinue reading “The Daily Confession of Sin, Part 2: Being Mindful”
The Daily Confession of Sin, Part I: A very Brief Introduction
It may be news to some that not all Christian traditions embrace a daily routine of confessing sin. Though Forgiveness is part and parcel of Christian teachings, for many, regular prayers of repentance would imply that one is indeed not Christian, or to use an old school nomenclature, that one has “back slid” or “fallenContinue reading “The Daily Confession of Sin, Part I: A very Brief Introduction”
“Daddy, Is it our Turn to do the Bread?”
“Daddy, is it our turn to do the bread yet?” my little girls asks, her big brown eyes gazing up at mine awaiting the point in the church service when she gets to “do the bread.” I am often beside myself at how much truth comes from the mouths of babes, especially my own. ThisContinue reading ““Daddy, Is it our Turn to do the Bread?””
Part 3- Becoming an Episcopalian: The Sermon, Crossing Oneself, Smells & Bells
*This is the final essay of my 3 part reflection series “Becoming an Episcopalian,” reflecting on my transition into the Episcopal Church. Please scroll down to see parts 1 & 2 as your leisure or desire so determines* 6. Sermon in Support Role, Eucharist Central One of the striking dissimilarities between a formal and “informal”Continue reading “Part 3- Becoming an Episcopalian: The Sermon, Crossing Oneself, Smells & Bells”
Part 2: Becoming an Episcopalian: Using Written Prayers, Memorizing Prayer/Scripture, & Worship Space
*This post is part 2 of the previous post/reflections on my foray into Episcopalian piety. Please read part 1 for the theological context from which I come prior to being an Episcopalian. I below note three areas of piety that have been quite formative for me (two were noted in the previous post). I offer theseContinue reading “Part 2: Becoming an Episcopalian: Using Written Prayers, Memorizing Prayer/Scripture, & Worship Space”
ParanormalChrist 