paravanes:meditations

Isaiah 61:3 --- and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Holy Bible, New International Version A Conversation Between Parent and Child: Child: Why are you allowing so much pain and uncertainty in my life? Didn't you promise to take good care of me? Parent: How do you know I haven't taken very good care of you? Child: There is so much uncertainty. I am not sure of how things will work out. I can't see my future. I don't know how or where I will receive the help and support I need to meet my obligations, to be happy, to survive and succeed in life. Parent: You are describing your feelings, not my actions. Try again to explain yourself. Child: I want to feel...

Here's a view of a couple of strands of hair. I am now growing my second set of locs. There are some deep spiritual applications in the process. I am not Rasta, so I am not growing true organic dreadlocks. I twist my hair, style it, condition it, etc. I understand there is a large debate in the locked community about how this hairstyle is labeled. Some insist this twisty style be called dreadlocks, others insist it is OK to use the abbreviated term locs, others use the term dreads, African locks, etc. There are a lot of myths surrounding this style. It's untrue you can't wash your hair if you have locs. It's untrue you must add all types of "stuff" (peanut butter, heavy gels and creams, etc.) to facilitate the locking of the hair. I have viewed youtube videos by those who claim to "make dreads" by using some pretty bizarre methods. Anyone with a camera and internet access can put their views out there. If you have kinky, African-type hair, y...

How do we determine what makes a great leader? Is this only knowable in hindsight? Can we know in advance who will mold, make, enable, encourage, and foster greatness in the country and in the world? In a few weeks, we will elect a president, a person who will appoint cabinet leaders, federal judges, and create policies and priorities. No one wants to settle for less than greatness in this choice. Regardless of political party or position, we are looking for greatness in a leader. Click on this post's title to watch Doris Kearns Goodwin tell the stories of two presidents (an 18 minute mini-lecture). Both men were great, but in different ways and not for the reasons we commonly ascribe. I am a life-long history buff. My undergraduate degree is in history and although I am not a professional historian, I appreciate the search for insight and knowledge from the past. The lessons are there, if we are willing to seek them out and study them. Much of the Bible consists of history and bio...

I waited yesterday. I waited for someone to bring me something to eat. I look to the sky, too weak to sit or move. An insect crawls between my toes and across the bottom of my foot. It bites me. I am too weak to push it away. I am waiting for someone to bring me something to eat. My mother went to look for food. I can't remember how long she has been gone. Will she return? Who will help me? I am waiting for someone to bring me something to eat. I am still watching the sky. They say God lives there. But does God live here? I am waiting for someone to bring me something to eat. My eyes are tired and dry, but tears may still come. I want to move, but I can't. I want to eat. I want to drink. How long has my mother been gone? Does God live on Earth? I am hungry. I am waiting for someone to bring me something to eat. (c) 2008 D. Evans

How did your movement become synonymous with the political right? Were you hijacked, or have you simply proven what many have suspected all long? Have you become the party of non-thinking, mean-spirited, single-minded self-lovers who lack concern for anyone unlike themselves? Have you failed to balance your concern over the unborn with the need for safe foster homes for children who were born but not wanted? How many foster parents are in your local congregations? Have you neglected the homeless because somewhere in the back of your mind you think "those people" got what they deserved by living irresponsibly or carelessly? How many food banks and clothing closets house your contributions? Have you refused to confront your own racism and sexism because you found Bible verses that seem to support slavery and a subordinate position for women? Is 11:00 am on Sunday the most segregated hour in your life? Have you ignored the increasing levels of poverty and hunger in the U.S. and ...

There are just no words for a story like this one. Click title link to read and view video. Now that the "bailout" is done, I am really waiting to learn what will be the result for people in this woman's situation. It will be criminally sinful if the answer is: "nothing."