A Long Obedience In The Same Direction

Warren Moon just got added to the list of shame.  I've been a fan since he led the Washington Huskies to a Rose Bowl victory over the Michigan Wolverines in 1978.  I was 8 years old. But according to reports that have come out this week, Mr. Moon is just the latest famous, influential, powerful celebrity to be outed for reprehensible behavior toward a woman who worked for him. I want to go on the record to say I am in full support of women who have had to put up with this demeaning, harrassing, and emotionally damaging behavior publicly speaking out.  I applaud you, and I encourage more of you to take that risk. Why? Because I want every man who thinks it is their right to treat women in this way to know it will no longer be tolerated by the "good 'ol boy" network.  I want men in powerful, influential positions to treat women as valued employees and valued people who have so much to offer that doesn't involve their physical body.  Actually I want all men

They are not robots.  They have minds of their own.  They have wills of their own.  They have ideas of their own, and dreams of their own. As much as I wish there was a way to clone myself and Ann in the lives of our children, it is ridiculously impossible to do so.  At least it has been for us. We recently cleared out a bookshelf that had 8 or 10 parenting books - "How to" guides for raising children that are confident in themselves, that are responsible, helpful, and spiritually grounded.  We read them all.  We attempted with prayer and lots of energy to implement the strategies of the experts.  But it hasn't worked yet. Twenty years into this parenting journey, anyone just looking at the lifestyle of our children would wonder about what went on in our home during their early years.  Most would say if kids get into behaviors that are illegal and dangerous, it must have something to do with the parents.  I know, because I used to think such thoughts.  It's si

Readers of the New Testament discover about 40 days after his resurrection Jesus disappeared into the atmosphere, promising to return in just the same way someday.  That sounds great.  I am all for that!  But when will it happen?  More importantly, when did the authors of the New Testament say it would happen? In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus is quoted saying the current generation of people would not pass away before the end would come (Matt. 24:34).  In The Revelation, John quotes Jesus saying he is coming “soon” (Rev. 3:11, 22:7, 22:12, 22:20).  Peter writes, “The end of all things is near” (1 Peter 4:7).  John writes “this is the last hour” (1 John 2:18).  So the clear understanding of the writers of the New Testament is not only that Jesus would return, but he would return soon . It has been about 2000 years since those words were written.  It seems clear that Jesus was either misquoted, misunderstood the timing, or meant something spiritual rather than literal in his talk

I just read an excerpt from Rob Bell's soon to be published book, "What is the Bible?".  It looks to be a really interesting, challenging, thought-provoking, inspiring book.  The excerpt, which was posted on his Facebook page  has created in me a bit of an inner argument. I'm personally really excited to get this book, and more excited about the thought of perhaps engaging a group of people who have abandoned the Bible completely to take a fresh look at it through the lenses Rob appears ready to help people use. But, I thought twice, three times, even four about even "LIKING" the Facebook post.  I know what will happen.  Many people will question me, "Do you really read Rob Bell?  Don't you know he is a heretic?"  A few will give a thumbs up to me.  Most will say "Rob who?" But it's time to come out of the closet.  It's time to stop worrying about pleasing and appeasing people when it comes to what I believe about the

I've been attending a men's small group a couple times a month for the past year or so.  Most of the time I really like it (which is actually surprising) but occasionally I find it frustrating.  Last night was one of those times.  One of the men, who has only recently joined our group, talked a lot.  And interspersed in his statements were ideas that sounded a bit like Trump was helping the USA become blessed by God again, God was using the current administration to help the church get bold again.  I just sat there and bit my lip.  Because I don't agree. But more than that, what makes me uncomfortable sometimes when I'm with conservative Christians is they say things as if "Everyone in the room automatically agrees with this position because we're all Christians."  As if there is a Christian answer to each thorny political question and all real Christians agree because the Bible obviously tells us what is right. The problem is, I'm finding that m

Dear Dave, I heard the news today that you have an inoperable brain tumor.  At first I felt shock - almost clinical about the news.  Then all morning waves of grief washed over me as I thought about the terrible reality you and your family are staring down. But this is not about me and my feelings.  It's about you.  I started reflecting at lunchtime and through the afternoon about some of the ways you have influenced me since we first met in 2001, two days after the 9/11 attack. Where do I start.  I think of the transition I went through in 2007 from a burned out, depressed young pastor to the new director of Central Services.  You walked with me through that.  You probably wished I wouldn't step down, but you listened to my heart and you worked out a solution that was a win for me, and I hope for the Kingdom of God as well. When, after a couple of years, it was time for another transition as I stepped back into pastoring with caution, part time, while still serving at N