In December of 1991, the Soviet Union broke up and left Russia as its legacy. Six months later, I was in Latvia singing and dancing about Jesus. The free nation of Latvia had been invaded by the Soviet Union in 1940. For 51 years they were under communist rule which…

Let’s start with the obvious. George Floyd’s death was avoidable, unnecessary, and criminal. If you aren’t sure, watch the whole tape. His death stoked the fires of years of oppression and not valuing black lives. Also, most police officers are good, decent, caring people who want and do the best…

My Church family has experienced three major losses of amazing young men in the last four months. There are no words to make everything all better after a son, a brother, or a father, has died; however, there are words that can confuse and make the hurt worse. Well-meaning people often spout unsound theological…

I am sickened by people, diminishing one tragedy by comparing it with another tragedy just to make a point in their facebook news feed. Planned Parenthood shooting. Syrian refugees. Paris attacks. Young black men shot by police. Police officers killed in the line of duty. Guess what. Each one is a…

To our Church Thief, We love you. We feed you and clothe you. We pray with you and provide a safe place of worship for you. Why would you steal the tools we use to minister to you? The Connection struggles every month to find the resources to do this…

Mother’s Day is not for Moms. Yes, we get the attention and focus, but, more importantly, Mother’s Day is an opportunity for our sons and daughters to learn how a woman should be treated. Don’t miss this opportunity, Moms. You are your son’s first love. You are his first kiss and…

You are probably familiar with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. It appears as a triangle with physical needs like food, clothing, and shelter, on the base, with safety stacked right above. It purports that until these foundational needs are met one cannot move on to love/belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization. I used to…

Everyone needs some go-to activities, or inactivities, to preserve mental health. Only recently did I intentionally name and develop them in my own life. I’m not talking about being with friends or family, seeing a psychologist or taking your meds. All these can be good and helpful, but I’m talking…

Just as peaceful protests were dispersing late last night shots rang out. Everyone hit the deck. Police and protestors united. “F**k. F**k. F**k!” from the mouths of the protestors at the violent intrusion into a night of peaceful protest. “Get down. Get Down. Get Down!” from the mouths of the police…

Without fail…someone gets close enough to disrupt my circle with loud ugliness spewing out of their mouths.