“We like to think of ourselves as the main character — the heroes — of our own stories. However, in the decade we’ve been married, I have had a growing realization that finally dawned in a Michigan courtroom in January 2018. I married the hero. At the end of the day, I’m Rachael’s sidekick —…
Category: Blog
Why Every Pastor Should Read “Risen Motherhood”
This week the book Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments was officially released. I’m excited about the book, in part, because two friends of mine wrote it—Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler, the co-hosts and co-founders of Risen Motherhood. (I have the privilege of being a pastor to Emily and a member of the R|M Board of…
The Gospel-Centered Abuser
My dear Foolsgold, I read your last report with great interest and not a little pride. Your great-uncle Screwtape will be delighted to hear of your success. (He will, no doubt, claim responsibility for your accomplishments—though these, we know, should be credited to my account.) A decade ago, when your patient entered “the ministry,” I…
I Repent ≠ I Won’t Help You
This post is the third (and final) post in a series examining how we respond when we’ve wronged our neighbor. The first post (I’m Sorry ≠ I Sinned) focused on the difference between expressing remorse and confessing guilt. The second post (I Sinned ≠ I Repent) examined our obligation beyond grieving and confession, our desire to…
I Sinned ≠ I Repent
Yesterday, I posted a short meditation on the difference between saying “I’m sorry” and “I sinned.” I emphasized that expressing sorrow over an action is different than admitted a wrong. When we have done wrong, both are necessary. We should feel and express grief over the harm we have done. Likewise, we should own our…