MomminginMinistry

 I believe, in the end, it's stories that will be used to shape us into the kinder, wiser, and more ethically conscious versions of ourselves that we were originally intended to be. It's why millions over the years have designed their whole lives around the collection of stories we believe to be true, about the Red Sea parting in two, and a people group sustained by mana from heaven and water from a rock. About a marching band bringing down a walled city and a shepherd boy slaying a giant. About a king born in a manager, and dead people coming to life again.  It's why when God showed up here in the flesh, he spent 33 years wandering around telling stories. We understand in stories better than we ever can in theological bullet points or well-formed arguments. I think this is maybe why I became a pastor. Because I wanted to be able to share these stories that change us. And I believe these stories to be the best, because they're true. But a story doesn't even have to ...

 2025 has been a long year.  It's not what you're thinking. Okay...it's not just what you're thinking. Or not exactly what you might be thinking. First, there's been this attacking feeling of inadequacy. As a substitute teacher who can't remember how to solve for y using intersecting points on a graph. As a pastor whose people are all simultaneously going through it in really big ways that I can't fix for them. With questions I can't quite answer. As a mom who's having trouble not being a hot mess in the midst of my kids' crazy schedules. And who is super unhandy when it comes to building a set or sewing costumes for Aladin Jr. Where do all these other parents get all these skills?! And then on January 20th our friends' 17-year-old daughter died. We met her a few days after she was born. We remember when she received a heart transplant almost 15 years ago. We were there when her mom's ashes were spread a few years later. The ache we feel ...