Content from 2026 (Page 2)
After Blackberry Winter
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown Sunlight streamed through the trees as I walked up the driveway. Birdsong and squirrel chatter filled the air, and somewhere nearby a woodpecker tapped a steady rat-a-tat against the old live oak. It should have been the kind of morning that lifted my spirits. But it didn’t. Every April, I feel the urge to plant flowers. It’s almost instinctive. The moment the weather softens and the days stretch longer, I…
Holy Wednesday: Judas Betrayal of Jesus
Did you know that betrayal often stems from complex motives? Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus, often seen as a straightforward act, is a complex web of human nature that resonates even today. The Historical Context of Judas’ Betrayal Judas Iscariot was no outsider. He wasn’t a distant observer of Jesus’ ministry—he was an insider, trusted among the twelve. The Gospel of John tells us that Judas kept the disciples’ money bag (John 12:6), suggesting that he held a position of…
Holy Tuesday: The Authority of Jesus Challenged
Did you know that the events of Holy Tuesday often reveal challenges to our faith today? On Holy Tuesday, we witness a pivotal turning point, illustrating the ongoing tension between human institutions and God’s authority. Jesus faced direct challenges from the religious leaders. They questioned His authority and tried to trap Him with accusations and tricky questions. Jesus’ Authority Questioned – Mark 11:27-33 The religious leaders were upset because Jesus had cleared the Temple the day before. They saw themselves…
Holy Monday Reflections: Lessons on Faith and Authenticity
Did you know that Jesus’ actions during Holy Week continue to resonate powerfully in the lives of Christians today? On Holy Monday, we witness the powerful demonstration of Jesus’ mission, love, and the call for righteous living. The events of this day, including the story of Jesus cursing the fig tree and cleansing the temple, offer intense lessons on faithfulness and authenticity that we can apply to our daily lives as Christians. The Context of Holy Monday Traditionally, this day…
Revisiting Palm Sunday Through the Lens of Faith and Hope
Did you know many Christians disconnect between the teachings of Jesus and their day-to-day lives? Understanding Palm Sunday Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. It commemorates Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, celebrated with joyful cheers and palm branches laid before Him. This day is not just about the past; its meanings resonate deeply with today’s followers of Christ. Understanding these connections provides clarity and applicability for how believers can embody their faith in today’s world. Biblical Overview…
Extending Grace and Love: Reflections from Our Prayer Breakfast
When the United Methodist Women in Faith gather, something special happens. It’s more than breakfast and a lesson—it’s the spirit of community. At our prayer breakfasts, we pause to reflect and ask ourselves a meaningful question, writing down our answers to see how God is working in all of us. At our latest gathering, we asked a simple yet challenging question: “Where is God calling me to extend more grace and love to those around me, even in challenging situations?”…
Shamrocks in the Closet
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown We’d circled St. Patrick’s Day on the 2007 calendar months ago, long before pink and white azaleas bloomed around city squares and yellow pollen dusted everything. Instead, our own shamrocks in the closet changed everything. It happened because a little black cat showed up outside our door the previous December. She shivered in the damp coastal cold, her fur no match for the wind. She fit in two hands at…
The Power of Two Small Words: “I Can”
Some of the best theological lessons don’t come from textbooks or a sermon series. Sometimes, they show up on paper slips written by teenagers on a Sunday afternoon. During one of our recent lessons, the students in our Youth Ministry talked about kindness. Not just the general idea of being nice, but real, intentional acts of love. We asked our students a simple question: “What is one small thing you could do this week to make a difference for someone…
Speak No Evil
This is the third post of a three-part series from Yvette. Watching a movie, a line stood out to me: “If your words were written on your skin, would you be proud or embarrassed?” They would be on display for all to see. I know personally I would be embarrassed by some, and I cannot take them back, but I understand more now than before that once spoken, your words cannot be taken back. We all have moments when we…
More Than Roses
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown Valentine’s Day used to sting a little, even though I was married to a good man. Allen wasn’t unkind, but he didn’t “do” holidays. I smiled when my co-worker received flowers at the office, their scent drifting across her desk. I admired my friend’s necklace and even sampled a chocolate from someone’s fancy box. But then I’d go home to a quiet house and a husband who ignored roses, candy,…
Hear No Evil
This is the second post of a three-part series from Yvette. How many of you remember this line, “Do you hear what I hear?” That line is from the song with the same title. Do you ever think about the things you listen to? Songs, TV Shows, the News, Movies, or Social Media? We listen to things and do not consider how our subconscious absorbs those things. Remember the old saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words…
The Dream Remains Alive: Here and Now
On August 28, 1963, as he stood at the podium on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. shared his vision of hope with the nation. His “I Have a Dream” speech is more than just a piece of history; it’s a living message for America, inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ. Today, the dream still calls to us. It challenges us to do more than remember history; it asks us to live a movement…