What if Your Grievances Are a Fantasy?
Body
“Carrying grievances is like going through the day dragging a bag of rocks and then wondering why we are stooped over, dispirited, and exhausted.”
Pew: One in five U.S. adults raised in an interfaith home
Body
“People from mixed religious backgrounds take a variety of spiritual paths as adults, with many adopting their mother’s religion … some choosing to identify with their father’s faith…others opting for neither…..
Discussion
Wheaton: What We Learned from ‘Same God’ Controversy with Larycia Hawkins
Body
“In a 15-page Trustee Community Report released today ‘with a spirit of both lament and gratitude,’ trustees reflect on a task force’s final findings of what went wrong and who bears responsibility. They also offer nine recommendations for how the Illinois school can improve, as well as eight prayers.”
Discussion
True Confessions of a Homeschool Mom
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the number of articles and posts I’ve read where fellow mombloggers are confessing that their lives aren’t perfect. The buzz words today are “authenticity” and “transparency.” Whatever your vocation or message, it has become important to emphasize that you have many flaws and sometimes bad things happen in your life.
OK. So I recognize the need to know we aren’t alone, to gain encouragement from the idea that others have faced similar circumstances, to feel understood. But I thought it was a given that even if someone appears to be blissfully successful, they still have real life problems like the rest of us. I mean, haven’t you noticed how many Hollywood couples can’t seem to stay married (or faithful), for longer than 5 minutes?
Death, disease, betrayal, and fear are felt by everyone—just read the headlines while waiting in the checkout line at the store. Money, fame, and beauty don’t immunize you to sorrow or pain. Tragedy is not a respecter of persons.
Discussion
Artificial intelligence spawns ethical concerns
Body
“The ethics of artificial intelligence (AI) has drawn comments from the White House and British House of Commons in recent weeks, along with a nonprofit organization established by Amazon, Google, Facebook, IBM and Microsoft. Now, Baptist computer scientists have called Christians to join the discussion.” BPNews
Discussion
The Importance of the Golden Rule
I’m assuming we’ve all heard The Golden Rule—“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” the origin of which is usually credited to Leviticus 19:18 and the words of the Lord in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31; also known as The Great Commandment.
For people who like techie speak, The Golden Rule represents the ethic of reciprocity. And every major religion, including some not so major, recognize this maxim as words to the wise. Most parents use it as a way to teach children empathy and how to treat others.
Discussion
Have Donald Trump's Lewd Comments Changed How You Will Vote?
We all know that Trump’s recording has hit the media, and that many supporters are changing or considering changing their voting intentions. Were you affected? If you were not going to vote for him and still are not, then you would be unaffected.
Poll Results
Have Donald Trump’s Lewd Comments Changed How You Will Vote?
Discussion
Ordering Finances Wisely, Part 6: Helping Another in Financial Crisis
Read the series so far.
Pastors and other leaders are often faced with helping others in personal financial crisis. The crisis may take several forms:
1. job loss whether by layoff or firing
2. a major medical crisis
3. debt at the tipping point
4. divorce or other family crisis
5. death of a spouse or family member
6. societal economic crisis with widespread impact
Job loss, whether by layoff or firing
The income flow stops (as in the case of being fired) or will soon stop (as in the case of a layoff) but the outflow does not. Single income homes are more susceptible to financial impact because the second income of a spouse may cushion the blow.
Discussion