I recently had the opportunity to hear Jan Harrison, author of, Life After the Storm, in which she shared the life lessons that she learned going through her personal storm of the tragic death of her 27 year old son.  As I listened to Jan, I was amazed at the depth of faith and wisdom that she had acquired in the aftermath of such a devastating life tragedy.  Somehow, she had managed to take what was a horrible and tragic life event and use it for good. All of us face life struggles, difficulties and tragedies at one time...more

The Brentwood campus of the Brentwood Baptist Church is located in an affluent neighborhood with access to good schools and healthy lifestyle choices.  There are several very active churches in our area providing a variety of religious training and experiences.  Most people have access to adequate healthcare.  Shopping and entertainment options are readily available.  You would guess that this is an area with very few mental health problems. Recently, I asked our ministers and staff to list the mental health issues that they were currently seeing in their ministry to this neighborhood.  Here is the list: ·       Addiction:  alcohol,...more

It was the summer of 1968. I had just finished my junior year of high school and needed a summer job. I was offered a job with a small construction company and began working. Unfortunately, not many weeks into the summer, the company owner came to me and explained that he did not have enough work to keep me employed. However, he offered to find me a job, if I wanted to work. I assured him that I did indeed want to work. He told me to go to the city depot the next morning and they would have...more

Easter is my favorite day in the Christian year.  It is always a high and holy day filled with majestic music, crowded worship spaces, and the affirmation that Christ is risen.  But what happens after Easter?  If you were raised in a non-liturgical worship tradition, you may not know that Easter Sunday is the beginning of a season—the season of Eastertide. Eastertide is the 50 days between Easter Sunday and Pentecost.  The early church recognized that one day is not enough time to celebrate the full significance of Easter.  So, the season of Eastertide is a time to reflect...more

Today is All Saints Day, a day set aside in the Christian calendar to remember and to celebrate the lives of those who modeled faithful Christian living.  It is a day that challenges us to live the days of our lives as faithfully as we can, knowing that our days are limited. My celebration of All Saints includes listing those who influenced me in positive ways: teachers, preachers, family members, and friends.   Each of these taught me, encouraged me, challenged me, and blessed me.  I have enjoyed remembering them and giving thanks to God for allowing our lives to...more