Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. The beginning of the forty-day Lenten season, which, when engaged intentionally, draws us closer to God and each other. I have a confession to make: it’s been a few years since I sat with God and unhurriedly chose which Lenten practice could transform my life with God. I spent some of…
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I LOVE the Golden Girls. Blanche, Sophia, Dorothy, and Rose are like my long lost friends from another lifetime. Almost like a ritual, I check in with them each evening as I wind down from the day. I know every word to the series’ iconic theme song, Thank You for Being a Friend!” I can…
Read MoreI’m sitting in the sanctuary of a church of my youth. I remember sitting in the same sanctuary, in the same pew with red cushions, year after year, staring at the choirs, preachers, speakers. I remember listening to worship rehearsals, being reminded to complete my homework, and wishing we could just go home. Holy Week…
Read MoreThis week, I received a special gift. In the midst of crazy weather, marathon meetings and looming deadlines, some of my friends showed up from around the country and made time to share a meal together. Every one of them is a unique personality. Each of our relationships are different. When we came together, it…
Read MoreI was in Mrs. McAdams’ second grade class when it started. Every week, I seemed to have a harder time seeing what she was writing on the chalkboard. Mrs. McAdams noticed that I was squinting to see and she moved my desk closer and closer to the front of the room. Finally, Mrs. McAdams told…
Read MoreEvery now and then during the Lenten season, we fail. We fall off the bus. We forget. We do not follow through on the promises we made to God and ourselves to reflect, sacrifice, and fully participate in the Lenten disciplines that we have taken on. Last week, the “we” became “me.” I allowed myself…
Read MoreHave you ever been so tired, frustrated, hurt or angry that you thought you’d never recover? It seems that so many of God’s people are walking around like that these days. And yet, through the scriptures – the life, death and resurrection of Jesus we are promised so much more in this life and…
Read More“Mighty To Save” – Hillsong United Everyone needs compassion Love that’s never failing Let mercy fall on me Everyone needs forgiveness The kindness of a Savior The hope of nations Savior He can move the mountains My God is #mighty to save He is #mighty to save Forever Author of salvation He rose and…
Read MoreOver the holidays, I had the opportunity to return to one of my favorite places – New York City. New York City always reminds me of our call to be global citizens and of our resilency as American people. Plus, some of my favorite people reside in or near NYC. For the first time, I…
Read MoreA few years ago, my brother and I were driving through Atlanta when we came across an advertisement for Coke Zero. The sign said, “unrealistic expectations met daily.” My brother remarked, “did you see that?” “No.” The double preachers’ kid continued, “That sign will preach!” He was right! That sign will and does indeed…
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Jasmine Rose Smothers 