Faith in the Cracks

In Acts 17, Paul encounters an altar to an unknown god in Athens. He then goes on to talk about the God he knows. The God Paul speaks of cannot be confined to temples or altars, his God is bigger and more mysterious and unknown, yet at the same time, God is closer than our breath. Support the show

Psalm 23 is a familiar passage for many. It is a reminder that we are tended by the Great Shepherd. What does it look like to allow ourselves to be tended? To be led and restored. To know we do not walk through darkness alone, but that God is always with us? Let yourself be tended this week so that you may tend to others as well. Support the show

Happy Easter! He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!And pastors everywhere are tired. Many services but a good tired. The joy of Easter is that love triumphs. The women found the empty tomb and in their fear they were also overjoyed. May we go tell others that Jesus has risen and may we let love win!Support the show

As we enter Holy Week, many churches were filled with shouts of Hosanna! and people waved palm branches. Some churches also read the passion story of Jesus before Pilot. And while some churches will observe Holy Week and hold services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday to remember the upper room and washing of feet as well as the crucifixion and the denial of Peter, some will not. Some churches will celebrate the Great Vigil of Easter and tell the stories of salvation as they wait for Easter to arrive. It is a reminder that not everything in the story of Holy Week is a celebratory moment, but that we must go through all the emotions of the week to arrive at Hallelujah!Support the show

In her book "The Soul's Slow Ripening" Christine Valters Paintner talks about the practice of Three Essential Things. Finding those values that speak to who we are called to be in a particular season of life. Those things may change as we move from season to season or period of time in our life. What is essential for us in our 20's may change in our 60's and it is ours to seek what is essential that we may seek to live out the soul's deepest calling. Support the show

Do you remember memorizing things when you were growing up? Poems, Bible verses, songs? There is a difference when we memorize things and when we learn them by heart. To learn something by heart, we let it become a part of who we are, we know it deeply and it shapes how we respond in the world  What are verses, phrases, or stories that you know by heart? How does that help in your daily life?Support the show

Sorry about last week. But honestly, it felt garbled and haywire. This week has not been much better. The war, the rising cost of things, the human lives lost. We are not yet in the Kingdom of God. We are not yet to the fulfillment of the promises of God, but we are called to keep working for justice and mercy. To do the small everyday acts to bring about goodness in a world where there is lots of darkness. Support the show

The beginning of Lent starts with Jesus fasting in the wilderness for 40 days before being met by the adversary. Hungry and tired, Jesus is met with tests that begin with If you are the Son of God...prove it. Yet Jesus knows that his identity is in God and therefore relies on God and not on self sufficiency.  Eleanor Hamilton, a pastor in Scotland has a Facebook page called "Whispers of Grace" and she writes beautiful poetry. She talks about wilderness of our own making or that is forced upon us. Her poetry resonated with me and I wonder how we might open ourselves up to the new that we are being prepared for and rely on God and not ourselves when we are in the wilderness of our lives.  Support the show

On Transfiguration Sunday, we stand on the mountaintop — glimpsing the radiant glory of Christ before turning toward the ashes of Lent. In this episode, we explore the movement from light to dust, from revelation to repentance, and from spiritual highs to faithful presence in ordinary days.Transfiguration reveals who Jesus is: radiant, beloved, holy. Ash Wednesday reminds us who we are: fragile, beloved, human.Lent lives in the space between those two truths.Join us as we consider how this season isn’t about perfection or performance, but about making room — room for truth, healing, and grace to seep into the fractures of our lives.Support the show

In Matthew 5 as Jesus continues his sermon on the mount, he tells those listening "You are the salt of the earth;...you are the light of the world." Not you will develop into these things, but you are. You already have what it takes to flavor the world, preserve the good and heal the hurts. You already have the ability to shine forth and banish the darkness. What does it mean for us to be salt and to be light in the world around us? Support the show

We are at the turning point of winter. This time has been recognized by many cultures, across many centuries and across many continents. Imbolc, St. Brigid's Day, Candlemas and Groundhog Day all arrive in the first days of February and mark a turn toward spring. Winter is not yet done, however ne hope, new light, and new life are beginning to come forth. Support the show

 In Matthew’s Gospel, the first disciples leave their nets, their boats, and their families to follow Jesus—immediately. What gives someone the courage to step away from what’s familiar into the unknown? In this episode of Faith in the Cracks, we explore what it means to recognize God’s call, to trust when we can’t see the whole picture, and to take the next faithful step when clarity is still unfolding. Support the show

What does peace really mean when justice is unfinished?In this episode of Faith in the Cracks, we listen again to Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail and reflect on his warning about “negative peace”—the calm that comes from avoiding tension rather than confronting injustice. From Birmingham in 1963 to Minneapolis today, we explore how faith is tested in moments of disruption, and how real peace often asks more of us than comfort allows.Support the show

  In this episode of Faith in the Cracks, a scene from War Horse becomes a mirror for our own moment: two enemies stepping out of the trenches to show compassion in the middle of war. Reflecting on recent events in Minneapolis and the deep divisions they have exposed, we name the tragedy of lives lost, the danger of becoming entrenched in opposing narratives, and the ways our humanity can slip from view. This episode invites us to seek the cracks where God is at work—calling us out of the trenches and toward peacemaking, compassion, and a new way forward together.  Support the show

As 2025 comes to a close, we pause to reflect on where faith has met us this past year. May we look back and see God at work in our lives. And as we look ahead to 2026, let us trust that God has gone ahead and as we ask God to make ways were there were none before, we seek to be open to the unexpected ways in which God can move within our lives. This podcast will take a two week break and return in mid January! Thank you for listening and for your support!Support the show

Joy and Light have been a theme in the previous weeks. this week, we welcome the joy and the light of the Christ Child into the world. May we step back from the crazy of Christmas as see God's presence in the fragile and vulnerable Christ Child. Support the show

As we enter the 4th week of Advent and as we are in midst of Hannukah, light continuing to grow is a central them. With recent events like the shooting in Australia, we see darkness rear up, but we are reminded that light, although it starts small, grows as the flame is passed. The light grows through each act of hope, each act of love, each act of peace. May we be the light in the world and share that light with others. Support the show

Advent is the first season of the liturgical year in the church. It is a time when we wait for the Christ child to be born again and we wait for Christ to come again. It is a time when we wait and we talk about where God is at work in us and around us. Waiting is not about sitting around doing nothing, it is about watching, being aware and ready to see the unexpected delights of God. What are you waiting for in this season of Advent? How can you be on the look out for God at work in you and around you? Support the show

The Apostle Paul in writing to the young churches of the New Testament always expresses his gratitude for them. Amidst the conflict in the communities and the turmoil of Paul's life, he always gave thanks. Gratitude can steady us in stress and chaos. When anxiety wants to pull us away from what's good, practicing gratitude can help to quiet our fears. For what are you thankful?Support the show

If you have been outside, you have noticed leaves everywhere. Bags of them on the side of the street, leaves still covering the lawn, and leaves lazily floating downward. They remind me of God's relentless grace. Leaves keep coming, like God's grace. Unearned, uncontrollable and endlessly abundant. As you look at the leaves, remember God's grace falls where it will and it is already on the way. Support the show

 Drawing from 2 Thessalonians 2 and Julian of Norwich’s assurance that “all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well,” this episode explores how faith can flourish in the cracks—where life is messy, uncertain, and still held by God. Support the show

As the government shutdown continues and we are seeing food insecurity problems skyrocket with SNAP not being funded, how can we help? I think by and large people want to help and don't know how. For food insecurity issues right now, donate a few dollars when you buy groceries. See what they have - whether the Thanksgiving bags or donation bins. Talk to churches in your area as many who have been involved with local agencies and pantries are stepping up to make more donations. So find ways in which you can contribute. The world needs you.Support the show

Minor Prophet Habakkuk laments to God and shares his frustration at the wickedness he sees around him. Feels familiar. God answers that if it seems like justice has not come, to wait, for it is coming. When there are destructive hurricanes, corruption, children going hungry, and all that we lament in our world, we can cry out and like Habakkuk who stands his post and keeps watch, we can engage in active waiting on God's justice. We can volunteer, we can sow seeds of kindness, we can continue to act with justice and mercy, and we can continue to cry out to God. So this week, don't just wait, but actively wait and work for God's unfolding justice is coming. Support the show

Thomas Cahill's book "How the Irish Saved Civilization" walks through the downfall of the Roman Empire and how in the chaos the world almost lost all of the classic literature, poetry, theology, philosophy and that once Rome fell, there were no more great buildings or master art. When chaos ensures, creativity dies. Enter Ireland. Unconquered by Rome and a place where monks copied Scripture, poetry, theology, all of the Greek and Latin classics and thus preserved it for a later time. In chaos, it is important that we find ways to create joy and beauty. Writing, singing, playing an instrument, reading, walking in nature are all ways in which we can fight the chaos. Support the show

St Brigid of Kildare was one of the historical people I encountered on my pilgrimage to Ireland. She was a bold figure and her historic life was mixed with the folklore. She established a monastery in Kildare where nuns and monks worked, lived and prayed side by side. Her leadership was recognized and she was made a Bishop - which the church later denied. I wondered what she might have to say to us in this time. I think she would respond that the need for peace must come from within before it can be shared with others. Support the show

I have just returned from a Celtic Spirituality Pilgrimage in Ireland. We encountered many "Thin places" and learned much along the way. Join me in pondering the question of "How will you live?" A question asked by our guide while at the monastic site in Glendalough. A safe space for those needing refuge and a place that many have been buried. Some of the tombstones are now nameless, eroded by time and the elements. Pascal said "You will be dead a long time, so how will you live?" Join me in pondering this question. Support the show

Celtic Spirituality refers to Thin Places. Those places were we feel closer to God. These thin places can be in holy sites but they can also be just about anywhere. Look for thin places this week. Notice when you feel God close at hand. Support the show

The past couple weeks have shown the deep divide. The assassination of Charlie Kirk has brought all the rage from both sides.  Some had no idea who he was. Others revered him. Others were hurt by his rhetoric. And where ever you were, that is okay. At the end of the day, the country has been reduced to battle language and war. A funeral became a political rally. We have seen each other more as enemies than as human beings. We need to step into the divide. We need to bring not hate but love. We need to begin the slow work of healing. And that begins by refusing to see people in terms of "them" or other but rather as humanSupport the show

There is a famous camp song "They Will Know We are Christians by Our Love." Too often, the world doesn't know us because we don't act in love. We are human. We are imperfect, but the world is watching. They want to see how we respond when times are tough.  How can we work to embody the love of Christ and to lift one another up?  How can we work to bear each others burdens? Sometimes it means just showing up. Walking with people and showing and sharing the love of Christ. Support the show

This week has been a lot. Another school shooting, death of Charlie Kirk, wars in the middle East and Ukraine, and any number of person issues for any of us. It is too much. People often say, "God won't give you more than you can handle." However, that is toxic theology. God walks with us, but God is not out to break us. We can cry out and we can lean on others, and we can trust in a God who is in the messy ness of human existence with us.Support the show

John Newton, who wrote Amazing Grace was a slave trader until a profound experience with God's grace changed him. Jesus talks about forgiveness and grace being given and the need for it to be passed on in the Gospel of Matthew. How might we be people who live by grace? How might we be people who offer grace to others instead of keeping score? Support the show

Life can be more difficult when we feel the need to hide our truest selves. We need spaces in which we can be real. Church has for a long time been a place where it often feels like one must "keep up with the Joneses." What would happen if we made church a space where people could be who they are and where they are? What happens if we have courage enough to be real with one another and with ourselves? Support the show

Whose Line is it Anyway always used the phrase "and the points don't matter." However in life in community, we all have unique gifts and talents and more like a painting by Georges Seurat in the style of pointillism - every point matters. So bring yourself, know that you are enough, and know that your point matters. Support the show

Lego sets come with instructions. The bigger the set, the bigger the book or books. There are step by step instructions of how to build what's on the box. The Bible is the Christian Instruction manual. It is the inspired Word of God that can help us learn more about who God is and who God calls us to be. We learn from the troubles and trials of God's people and learn that the promises of God are ours as well. Support the show

It is August so it is back to backpacks and football games. There is a rhythm to the fall and honestly there is a rhythm to everything in life. Whether it is the back to school routine instead of more laid back days of summer or it is the church year which has high holy seasons as well as ordinary time, or it is your spiritual self that has times of harvest and excitement and other times of rest and reflection. We all go through seasons and we cannot rush them. God walks with us through all these seasons, so look and listen, find what season you are in, and relax, knowing God is with you. Support the show

That space where it is all you can do to take the next step. Flight, fight or freeze has kicked in and you are simply trying to survive the day. Survival mode happens to all of us and it is not where we are at our best. Even when we are in survival mode, God walks with us. God wants to walk through this with us and bring us back to a place of abundant life? Know that God is with you even when you feel lost. God will continue to walk with you as you seek to just take the next step. Support the show

Anne Lamott has been quoted as saying "Grace always bats last." In Ephesians Paul reminds us that grace is a gift of God. It isn't anything we can beg, borrow, or steal. we can't earn it. God gives it. Grace invites us into the story, even if we feel we have messed up - kind of like Laura Buntings "Another book about Bears." We are part of God's story and grace meets us and carries us home. Support the show

As we have watched flooding and wars going on all around the world, it is hard not to fall into despair. But recently I have had opportunities to do things for people that they could not repay - nor did I expect them to. Random acts of kindness used to be a thing, and I think we should bring them back. What random act of kindness can you do to bring joy and love and light to the world? Support the show

In a world in crisis, what is mine to hold? I cannot solve the Middle East, Ukraine, ICE, the floods, so what is mine to hold. The Bible repeatedly tells us not to be anxious but to cast our cares on God. How do we do that? How do we do what we can and let the rest go? Support the show

The news of flash floods in the Texas Hill Country and so many people, including lots of young campers who have died or are yet unaccounted for is heartbreaking. I have spent time in the Texas Hill Country. I have driven past those camps. I have played in the Guadalupe River. The devastation is horrific. I am also heartbroken because a mother with 2 young girls came looking for help to self-deport. Her husband was arrested by ICE and she is terrified to be split from her girls. All of this is heartbroken, and I have to think the heart of God is broken too. Support the show

I have seen in recent weeks the need for community. We read about community and its importance throughout the Bible. We need others. We need relationship. Community can help support us in times of need, celebrate when we celebrate and weep or mourn with us when we need that too. How can we better be community in the way in which Fred Rogers asked us to be neighbors? Support the show

The church I serve is celebrating 40 years of ministry. The day has been in planning for over a year. Then the night before, news breaks that the US has bombed 3 nuclear sites in Iran. I felt the need to address it, but didn't want to take away from the celebration. I found a poem by Nikita Gill that speaks to rage and love coming from the same place. I leaned into the love. The text Romans 8: 31-39. A reminder that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Even in the midst of cataclysmic events - whether military strikes, hurricane, flood or fire - we cannot be separated from God's love. Good to remember for anniversaries and for times of trouble.Support the show

Father's Day weekend and spending time in Branson, MO got me thinking about my dad. He was always looking at the heart of people. He cheered people on when they chased their dreams. He would be proud of his grandkids as they have chased what they want to do. In Branson, I also got to see a long time friend who along with her husband owns one of the theaters in Branson. Tina knew and worked with my dad. And as I watched her perform, dad would be so proud of her too. It all made me think about lessons I learned from my dad, whether I appreciated them at the time or not. Support the show

VBS is going on as I record. There are kids laughing, singing and playing all over the church building. There is joy. The adults are having fun and laughing and smiling too. How can we bring more joy into our lives and then share that with the world. How can we be filled with the Holy Spirit like the Apostles at Pentecost and go out to share the Good News! Take some time this week to experience joy!Support the show

Acts 16 brings an earthquake and a prison escape. However it also brings a picture of people who are free even if they are in chains. Paul and SIlas sing while in prison, they offer worship and praise in the dark of their captivity. They are free, because Christ has set them free. How might we sing in the darkness and offer hope to others? Support the show

Grace - we talk about it in the Christian church a lot, but it is harder to practice. How do we, particularly in busy or difficult seasons of life offer grace to others and to ourselves. Grace does not mean we ignore consequences, but rather, we allow room for growth and transformation. Give it a try. ALlow yourself and others some grace in the coming weeks. Support the show

Ananias appears in the story of the conversion of Saul to Paul. He gets forgotten for his role. He is the one who welcomes Saul even though he is afraid. He is a faithful servant and follows the call of God. Who has acted like Ananias in your life? Who has welcomed you into a new setting or way of life? When have you been Ananias for others? When have you done the welcoming? Watch for Ananias to be in your life or your opportunities this week. Support the show

Peter is one of my favorite disciples. He is bold and brash yet doesn't always understand what he says. He is the one who says he would die for Jesus yet denies Christ three times. Jesus reconciles him on the shore after the resurrection and then Peter is big and bold and is the voice for the Gospel in the book of Acts. Peter states he must obey God and not humans. Peter must stand up for mercy and love, even if it upsets the empire. We too are called to be agents of life. To speak for those who have been silenced and to offer justice and mercy to all. How might you be an agent of life this week? Support the show

A pastor once said this in a sermon. "God's grace is always at your left elbow." Years later that has stuck with me. It was with me through 2 surgeries, I have used it in meeting with others. I pondered this with a couple of people in my congregation and one of them had an answer that made so much sense. "If God's grace is at your left elbow, you are at the right hand of God."  The right hand in the ancient world was the side of strength, power and blessing. So for God's grace to be at your left elbow, God's right hand is beside you. Love it!Support the show

As we arrive at Easter, we have come through the darkness of Holy Week. The tender moments in the upper room replaced with the fear and frenzy of the Passion on Good Friday, although Jesus remains calm. It reminded me of Psalm 23 and that as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death that God walks with us. A reminder that we must walk through the darkness to get to the light. How can we live in calm and not in fear as we seek to share the light and love of Jesus? Support the show