Racism and revival. It may seem strange to talk about these two topics in the same breath, but I’m becoming increasingly convinced that a revival is happening right now. Things are messy — no doubt. Division is everywhere. Sides are clashing. But I believe what we’re seeing right now is a holy disruption in America. An exorcism of...
Yesterday morning we went out for breakfast and coffee as a family. The coffee shop we visited was located inside an old brick building called Atherton Mill. We had visited several times since we moved to Charlotte, but this time an old black and white photo caught my eye. It featured a cotton field, and in the background, what looked like an...
Every day we have the opportunity to offer hope to a seemingly hopeless world. Every day we have the opportunity to connect with the God of the universe and experience perfect love. Every day we can become more like the Jesus we made a decision to follow. I do think it’s important and helpful to remember that these are all opportunities...
This past weekend, Courtney and I took a trip back to Alabama. She had a 10-year class reunion and we also visited some family. We had the trip planned for months but what we didn’t plan for was for Hurricane Florence to hit while we were gone. You’ve probably heard about it or you may have even been affected by it. The hurricane tore...
There’s a great threat looming over the Church right now. In my opinion, it’s the Church’s greatest threat. And it’s not doctrinal error, poor exegesis, a lack of discipleship, or even the contemporization of the Church. I believe the #1 greatest threat facing the Church right now is a lack of love — real love that...
I’ll pray for you — you’ve said it, I’ve said it, we’ve all said it. There’s nothing wrong with saying you’ll pray for someone, especially if you sincerely will. But far too many times I’ve seen this used as an excuse for apathy rather than a show of empathy. It’s something I’m personally guilty...
A few weeks ago after moving into our new house I had to make one last visit to our apartment office to turn in our keys. I walked in but before I could do anything I was approached by an older man who was visibly distressed. The rent payment system had just been transitioned to online-only and in an act of desperation he asked if I would help...
I was scrolling through my Twitter feed yesterday when I first saw the image and video footage of Omran. It stopped me, literally froze my thumb on top of my shiny iPhone screen. It was shocking. Disturbing. Unsettling. Sickening. I couldn’t believe what I was watching. A completely innocent child having to wipe blood away from his face in...
I’m not sure what your experience is, but chances are if you are reading this then you have been hurt by a Christian at some point in your life. Heck, I’m a Christian myself and I have repeatedly been hurt by people who claim the same faith as I do. One of the world’s greatest peace-makers Mahatma Gandhi even once made the...
I will never forget my first sexual education experience. I sat in a classroom next to a dozen of my pre-pubescent friends as we stared at various atrocities flashing across a projector screen. Each passing slide displayed the horrors of “pre-marital sex” and “un-safe sex.” I walked away horrified by the ghastly images and my appetite...
