For a long time, I’ve found myself driven by a single question that has shaped every role I’ve held, every interaction I’ve navigated, and every challenge I’ve faced: What does it mean to be truly authentic? At first, I thought authenticity was about being honest, saying what’s on your mind, and staying true to your…
Category: Life
Rest and Reflect: Election Fears
In times like these, I find my mind returning again and again to the steadying presence of God’s Word. The uncertainty and division surrounding presidential elections, particularly those as fiercely contested as this one, can feel overwhelming. It stirs in us a mixture of hopes and fears, pulling us into the tension of wanting outcomes…
America at a Crossroads: Unpacking the 2024 Presidential Candidates’ Policies and Their Profound Impact on Society
In the 2024 U.S. presidential race, I see two distinct visions for America’s future, each embodied in the candidacies of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. These two candidates sit at opposite ends of the spectrum on everything from economic policy to healthcare, immigration, climate change, education, civil liberties, and the role…
Botched Gender Roles and the Gospel – Reclaiming Eve pt 13
Introduction The story of Eve has long been at the center of debates around gender roles within the church. She has often been cast as the symbol of female subordination and the instigator of humanity’s fall, bolstering traditional interpretations that reinforce male headship and female submission. For centuries, these interpretations have shaped not only how…
I Quit. Finding Myself in the Clouds of Culture [June 6, 2024]
[Yesterday, Oct 20, 2024, I commented in my sermon that I had divorced from the old me. It reminded me of my journal entry on June 6 of this year. I wanted to share it here with a few edits.] You can’t spell Culture without “CULT.” I’ve heard many witty turns like this in my…
We Must Live as Truth pt1 – Honesty in all things [Before the Storm Essay]
Have you ever found yourself suppressing your honesty with others, only to find that it leads to lying to yourself? Over time, we take on the burden of other people’s emotions, assuming responsibility for their pain when it’s not ours to carry. The New Testament challenges us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)….
Economy Dichotomy
As I’ve been reflecting on the state of the economy today, I’ve had countless conversations where people argue that things are worse now and that Trump somehow made everything better. Some believe Trump’s economic prowess set us up for success, while Biden’s policies unraveled it all. To be honest, I’m not an economist—I’ve had to…
End Times Eve – Her Role in the Apacolypse | Reclaiming Eve pt 12
Eve and the New Creation: Eschatology and the Role of Women in Redemption Introduction: Eve’s Eschatological Significance Eve, the first woman and mother of all living, bears immense theological significance in the creation and fall and within the eschatological framework—the study of end times and ultimate restoration. The story of Eve, often explored through the…
Reclaiming Eve Pt 11 – How Eve was the Cornerstone of Patriarchal Structures
Eve and Patriarchy: Reclaiming Her Story for Theological Equality Introduction: The Legacy of Eve and the Development of Patriarchal Structures Eve’s narrative in Genesis has long been weaponized to legitimize patriarchal structures in both the church and society. For centuries, Christian history has framed her as the archetypal figure of female weakness, deceit, and disobedience….
James’ Core Values | Core Identities
Fighting to find myself was a chore. I had to peel layers, and FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT… I also had to get in shape with my mind, body, and spirit. I have uncovered these values are at the root of the REAL me. Consider that THIS LIST is what I discover that I embody, not “want”….