Wrecked by anguish and terror, on the run and hunted like a criminal by his enemies, King David begins Psalm 55 by unloading his burdens to the Lord: “Listen to my prayer, O God; don’t hide yourself when I cry to you. Hear me, Lord! Listen to me! For I groan and weep beneath my … Continue reading Prayers of Anguish and Assurance
Don’t Suffer in Silence
On that dark night, so many years ago, as I was slipping into the abyss of anguish and dejection, do you know who I shared my feelings with? Nobody. As I walked to my Army locker, looked inside at various bottles of pills, and began consuming them all, do you know to whom I reached … Continue reading Don’t Suffer in Silence
Failure is Only Temporary
Just because you’ve failed multiple times doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It just means, like me, that you’re too freakin’ stubborn to quit. When I was around 20, I recall I had a dream so big I knew my whole family were going to be rich from it. I told a person in the extended family … Continue reading Failure is Only Temporary
Dealing with Racism
My family and I love “time period” movies, and are especially partial to those set in the 60s, during the civil rights movement. While it’s hard to watch on screen, though, we feel it’s imperative we remain aware of the horrendous attitudes and actions of some Whites against Blacks during this time. Because I don’t … Continue reading Dealing with Racism
Heavy Metal Poetry
While not exactly a genre, I wrote a few poems for my and my son's poetry book, published in 2012. Not everyone's cup of tea, I get that, but fun for those like my son and me. I'll be back at the helm next week. Until then...adieu. “Heavy Metal” By Rob Weddle To those in … Continue reading Heavy Metal Poetry
Love Draws No Lines in the Sand
A couple weeks ago at work I was in one of my meditation times at lunch--that's when I shut the door, turn out the lights and put on whatever music I'm in the mood for--when a thought hit me: "Love knows no limits, love knows no boundaries, love draws no lines in the sand." Ya … Continue reading Love Draws No Lines in the Sand
Try Not to be Anxious
We moved from one house to another this past week, and a curious tidbit of information was brought to my attention by my daughter, Jess. “Dad, did you notice we all stressed out at different times during this whole thing? It was kind of cool how we all didn’t go crazy at the same time, … Continue reading Try Not to be Anxious
Never Too Lost to be Found
Due to my work with prisoners, in helping to facilitate their education in Bible and Theology, Christian Education and Intercultural Studies, a friend from church had a question for me a couple weeks ago: “A good friend of mine is coming to the service this morning, an ex-convict. They’re having trouble finding a job due … Continue reading Never Too Lost to be Found
Does God Dwell in Darkness?
It’s true that God is light. “This is the message God has given us to pass on to you: that God is Light and in him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5, emphasis mine)” Which is why I was stumped when I ran across this verse while reading 1st Kings 8: “The Lord … Continue reading Does God Dwell in Darkness?
A Life of Rage (aka “Lower Your Sights”)
I was driving to work the other morning, about 6:30 a.m. or so. It was a two-way street with only one lane going each way, and even though there was nobody behind me for miles, a small sports car felt the need to pull right out in front of me. Now, I’m normally a calm … Continue reading A Life of Rage (aka “Lower Your Sights”)
