Sanctification Poem

I am on vacation this week so I am sharing a poem from my book, Barefoot Theology. It looks prettier in the book since Wordpress does not like to maintain spacing, but you get the general idea here. Just picture this poem spreading across the page like waves on the beach. Sanctification Shore Wind tears back hair … Read More

Covenant Again

Covenant An invitation to join in the eternal dance, to wrap our lives with sacred song, to be still and known and loved Everlasting, unbreakable, irreversible no matter what we do or don’t do, a gift offered to the whole of Creation All any of us has to do is accept – accept the love, … Read More

Words for a World in Need

This week has been full of getting settled in a new state, new cities, and a whole new ministry. So I’ve decided to share this poem from Negotiating the Shadows, pages 76-77. It’s based on Mark 1:4-11. New Thoughts if I am beloved as you are beloved then why this gnawing void that whispers of … Read More

Hearing the Name of God

YHWH The God who just is. If it were only that simple . . . Once upon a time, it was. Time and tradition have convoluted the simplicity of a straight forward revelation. Over the generations vowels have been lost leaving us to guess at the pronunciation not to mention the nature of the One … Read More

Barefoot on Holy Ground

This week is a vacation week for me, but I’ve been thinking over this week’s scriptures because they are among my favorites. As a result, I offer this prayer based on Romans 9:12-21 with a nod to the Exodus passage. Wash us all with your love, Holy One, that our love may be genuine             … Read More

A Little Pre-Vacation Poetry

Since I am heading out very soon for vacation, I am sharing this poem from one of my books. It is based on a verse from this week’s reading from Romans. It is on pg. 27 of Barefoot Theology. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so … Read More

A Prayer for Mercy

Holy and merciful God, I stand here as waves of sentiment wash over the world wondering what I am to do… Grief, sadness, anger as a beloved actor dies by suicide Indifference at odds with outrage when a teen is shot and protesters are abused seemingly because of race Fear fueling anger, blaming and naming … Read More

For Your Consideration

In recognition of Mental Health Sunday in the United Church of Christ, I am posting the following poem from Barefoot Theology, pg. 164-165. I wrote this poem based on many real conversations I’ve had over my years as a clinical chaplain in a psychiatric hospital. My hope is that one day, mental illness will be seen for … Read More