Matthew 14:22-33, NRSVUE The story of Jesus walking on water is a captivating one, rich in metaphor and lessons that resonate deeply with many of us, no matter where we are on our spiritual journey. As a recently ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, I find myself continuously […]
Read MoreA Beacon in the Tempest
In the patterned cloths of upbringing, thread by thread, we’re often bound,In the whispers of our households, where unspoken truths resound.As we navigate existence, political views are often found,Yet they never tell the whole of who we are, nor where we’re bound. They ask me, with their puzzled gaze, my […]
Read MoreFaith and Life’s Trials: The Journey of a Pastor
When I reflect upon my faith and my life’s journey – growing up in a middle-class, white, conservative family, transitioning from a life of middle-class comfort to economic struggles, grappling with my LGBTQIA identity, and navigating the harsh realities of incarceration – I often wonder about the roots of my […]
Read MoreA Tapestry of Grace: Finding My True Self Through The United Church of Christ
Life is a journey with many unexpected twists and turns. Several years ago, I found myself at a challenging juncture, incarcerated, disconnected, and at an all-time low. Amidst these bleak surroundings, however, a light emerged — I was found by the United Church of Christ (UCC). This spiritual encounter would […]
Read MoreUnpacking Romans 9:1-5: A Beacon of Sorrow, Love, and Divine Purpose
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the complex yet poignant verses found in Romans 9:1-5, where Apostle Paul expresses his profound sorrow, unwavering love, and understanding of God’s divine purpose for the Israelites. In these verses, Paul allows us to see a glimpse of his heart, revealing a depth […]
Read MoreShadowed by the Cross’s Reach
Pastors stand beneath the spire, shadowed by the Cross’s reach, Guiding hearts through life’s mire, entrusted with God’s speech. In robes of hope, they lead the flock, toward light’s embrace, Yet even they, against the clock, can stumble in the race. From pulpit high, they weave the words, threading love’s […]
Read MoreThe Heart of the Storm
In the heart of the storm where judgments roar, As a pastor, a shepherd of God’s own core, A beacon of faith, yet so much more, Queer, neurodivergent, once a convict’s score. Emotions rise, like waves upon a shore, Anger surfaces, a lion’s mighty roar, Not the primal beast, but […]
Read MoreUnveiling Anger: A Pastor’s Journey to Authenticity and Acceptance
Introduction As a Christian pastor, the call to love and guide others is a profound journey, one that can become especially complex when intersecting with identities as a neurodivergent, LGBTQIA individual, and former convict. The path to living authentically, while guided by faith, can be fraught with judgment and misunderstanding, […]
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