hope

Don't Worry, Monday's Here!

Don't Worry, Monday's Here!

During the Easter season, I heard a seminary professor once say: "We live in an in-between time — between despair and hope — between the Resurrection of Jesus and the Return of Jesus - between the inauguration of the Kingdom of God and the final redemption of all things."

In other words, my professor wanted us to know that we live in the promise of redemption, but not yet in the fulfillment of it.

And I absolutely agree!

I see a world famished with sin, groaning in pain.

Is Shame Ever Healthy?

I work with students: middle school through college. I love it. I could not imagine applying my life's work to anything else. The goodness and idealism of teenagers serves as a constant reminder for me of the grace and redemption of God. I have grown to love my students as if they were part of my own family. I value them. Many of them inspire me and spurn me on.

Yet, serving adolescents is a costly vocation. It demands my time and patience and always tests the boundaries of my marriage and emotional health. As one who assumes responsibility in conjunction with the Parent and the Holy Spirit for the faith formation of adolescents, I am often one of the few who regularly witnesses their self-destruction, and the subsequent shame and guilt that follows their devastating decisions.