When I finally returned to the church, I was disheartened by what I saw. Eugene Peterson made this observation: “The vocation of pastor has been replaced by the strategies of religious entrepreneurs with business plans.” 12 The purposes of God’s church ought to be the love of all. “It must hold God and man in … Continue reading Does a church love itself, or others?

Love is personal. Love does not place people into categories; rather, it sees each person as the unique being they are. Five years ago, I met the wife of a detained immigrant man. She reached out to me for help: transportation to work and an immigration lawyer. I called a local church who enthusiastically promoted … Continue reading Human dignity frees us to experience infinite joy

On each visit, I check in with the front officer. After he verifies my ID, I ask for permission to embrace my father. Often my dad chokes up when we hug. His voice breaks when he says, “Son, I love you. I’m happy you came to visit me.” Tears always appear as I listen to … Continue reading My Dad’s One Question from Prison

How much space is within the soul? Is each soul a different size? Does the soul expand or contract? If it were a circle, how far would its radius be? What’s inside the soul? How did it get there? Can something leave the soul and then come back? Is there something that never leaves its … Continue reading Finding hope in an unlikely place

My wife and I married young and spent our first year in an apartment. We worked, saved, and, along with a gracious gift from my in-laws, had just enough money to purchase a small fixer-upper. We got a great deal, remodeled, and in few years, sold it for a fifty percent profit. Using all the … Continue reading Longing for Home

This video is from an on-stage interview at 4thFridays. The discussion is about what ripped happiness out of me and how I found it once again. It's taken from the book: Opening Happiness.

On each visit, I check in with the front officer. After he verifies my ID, I ask for permission to embrace my father. Often my dad chokes up when we hug. His voice breaks when he says, “Son, I love you. I’m happy you came to visit me.” Tears always appear as I listen to … Continue reading Am I alright, son?

“Jesus took the bread and blessed it. Then He broke it in pieces and gave it.” He puts you into His hands. Not just one hand, but both hands. With all of His ability to hold you, He holds you. “Jesus took the bread.” Then He raises you up, close to His face. He places … Continue reading Blessed Pieces

Marcus and I met at his second book recording in the Federal Detention Center. Before we began, he told me the account of his child’s first book delivery. The story was about how his wife surprised their five-year-old son with his book recording. Marcus’ wife, Jennine, went through the usual routine: she pulled up to the … Continue reading Hidden