healing - Beach Theology

Mirror, Mirror

Mirrors are helpful most of the time. We benefit from being able to make sure that we look “presentable” before going into public spaces. Sometimes, though, the mirror reveals unpleasant truths. I’m not talking about the distortions I see in the mirror; I know these are false. I’m referring more to the metaphoric mirror, the kind of mirror Nathan held up to David. The one that shows our character flaws and reflects our sins clearly. This kind of mirror is a rare and true gift, if we are brave enough to gaze into it.

Reaching for Healing

by Rachael Keefe

Healing stories are fascinating, let alone the raising from the dead stories. Our 21st Century minds try to rationalize and minimize the power of such accounts. I know I spent years wishing I could touch Jesus garment and be healed from sickness.

Mental Health Sunday: Toward a New Understanding

by Rachael Keefe

In the United Church of Christ, this Sunday is Mental Health Sunday… Church can be helpful or harmful, and our history indicates that we have harmed more than we’ve helped when it comes to mental health.

In Preparation for Mental Health Awareness Month

by Rachael Keefe

This selection of verses from Psalm 139 underscores the need for congregations to engage in conversation around mental health and mental illness. The psalmist clearly states that there is no place we can go where God is not already there

Celebrating Resurrection

by Rachael Keefe

A sense of Resurrection hit me early this year. Yesterday I was able to get a vaccine sooner than I had anticipated. I needed to be in a hospital setting because of my medical conditions and the possibility of an allergic reaction.

All That is Before Us: From Palm Sunday to Easter

by Rachael Keefe

Palm Sunday. During pandemic. Again. I’ve heard too many clergy colleagues asking how to preach this Holy Week during pandemic. Sure, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are comparatively easy. How to preach good news on Palm Sunday and even more so on Easter is the repeated question.

The Unbreakable Covenant

by Rachael Keefe

I’ve been on vacation for the last few days. These days this means time at home to relax, to watch TV, to read, to be creative, and to think. I haven’t even been able to really enjoy the approach of spring because I am still healing from a stress fracture in my shin.

Beware the Serpents

by Rachael Keefe

In the wilderness, life is difficult. The space between what was and what will be is uncomfortable, and often distressing. For the Israelites who were on their way from captivity to liberation, misery met them in the desert.

Seeking Wings Like Eagles

by Rachael Keefe

There’s not a lot of raising up happening, at least not in my neighborhood. I’m not even sure there are folx waiting for the Lord. I don’t think we know and we’ve dismissed so much of what we have heard. Sure, we might say that God is the Creator of all that is. I’m just … Read More

Renewed Vision

by Rachael Keefe

Lately, I’ve been studying Judaism’s communal identity. To be Jewish (and religious) is to belong to community and to have a sacred duty to work for its benefit. Moreover, there is a sacred responsibility to work to repair the world. There is no focus on individual spirituality, individual relationship with God in Judaism. Instead, there … Read More

Mirror, Mirror

Reaching for Healing

Mental Health Sunday: Toward a New Understanding

In Preparation for Mental Health Awareness Month

Celebrating Resurrection

All That is Before Us: From Palm Sunday to Easter

The Unbreakable Covenant

Beware the Serpents

Seeking Wings Like Eagles

Renewed Vision

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