So picture this: Harold Kurtz, my dad, whom many of you knew, is about thirty years old. He has gone with his wife and three young daughters, including both Janie and me, to Ethiopia. He has been in language school. Now he has malaria, boomeranging from chills to fever. He wants to be part of … read
The Moth is a nonprofit group based in New York City dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling. They host a radio hour and a podcast, during which people tell their stories. I recently heard one such story that I’d like to share with you this morning, as we think about what it means … read
Who in the community most needs the love of Jesus right now? Maybe the first name that came to mind was your own. Maybe the first name that came to mind was of a dear friend, or of an acquaintance, or of someone whose name you don’t know, but you can tell by the ways … read
When and what are you doing when you have a deep sense of love and connection? I was nine years old, living in rural East Tennessee, surrounded by the deep green shade of trees of the Cherokee National Forest. It was a warm summer day. I was resting in the soft grass on my back, … read
There is something about this story that I find… cozy. Or reassuring. Or I just love it because it’s not too complicated – except for the part about Jesus disappearing at the end. Upon reflection, I think it’s because this story involves some of my favorite things: walking, talking with a friend, and sharing a … read
Today we have the opportunity to reflect on the resurrection story involving Thomas. You know Thomas. He’s the disciple known for doubting. Poor guy. What a tough reputation to have attributed to your name. After all Thomas only wanted to see the wounds of Jesus like the other disciples did. He just wanted proof of … read