Stories, reflections and perspectives from diverse range of voices across the ELCA.
Naomi Mbise knows what it’s like to move between places, spaces and cultures. Mbise grew up in Tanzania but now finds herself on the campus of California Lutheran University, Thousand…
Why do some people experience increasing joy and happiness while others become more anxious, stressed and unhappy? The difference has to do with inner flourishing. Those who evolve into considerate,…
I first heard about “spiritual direction” from the best of my classmates during our first year in seminary. These seminarians were seeking spiritual directors for ongoing discernment, ministry formation and…
Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I…
Instead of preaching inside pristine chapels, Ray Stubbe preached outside in foxholes. Instead of worrying about low attendance on Sunday morning, the 20-something chaplain conducted impromptu sermons to no more…
Series editor’s note: Throughout 2022, “Deeper understandings” will feature biblical scholars sharing some of their favorite books of the Bible. Next month, Katherine A. Shaner will continue this theme. —Kathryn…
“A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more” (Matthew 2:18). A grocery store….
“I just don’t understand why,” he said to me, shaking his head. “Why would someone drive so far to do this to us?” We were walking away from the scene…
Artist. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Crestview Hills-Lakeside Park, Ky. There has never been a time in my life when I wasn’t talking to Jesus every day. I was reared…
Nola was a member of one of my parishes in South Carolina. On any weekday afternoon at her residential care facility, you could press the button for the second floor,…
Lately I’ve been thinking about what wholeness means. Our congregation (Holy Trinity Lutheran, Minneapolis) recently began worshiping with a new liturgy titled “Sighs Too Deep for Words.” It was developed…
Sometimes God says “no.” I was so looking forward to visiting a dear friend, but a gut feeling told me not to go. I reluctantly canceled. Two days later, I…
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