love
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Raylan James Wilkerson April 4, 2024 – April 4, 2024
I’ve been putting this off. The words have been knocked out of me. Our precious grandson, beloved only son of my firstborn daughter, shone bright only for one hour on this earth. He was born early, and yet, in faith, I believe he was born exactly as God willed. This is a bitter pill to… Continue reading
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Only This
Secret and sweet solitary solace sought Shut the windows, close the door Steal away, say nothing Let it wash over me, cleanse my soul Make all my thoughts focus On this one, this essential life giving knowledge… Love is… Always… Piercing through every second Woven in the thread of life Flowing in the river of… Continue reading
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A Review of Jesus Revolution
Here’s the true story in a nutshell: Chuck Smith, a pastor in a small conservative church in LA comes to accept and welcome into his ministry a young christian man who has rejected the drug and free sex culture but retained the outward appearance and general lifestyle of a hippie. Together they ride a wave… Continue reading
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Criticism and Love
It is fashionable, indeed has been since even before the Enlightenment, to be critical. America is, in fact, a form of criticism of the old ‘reliable’ monarchy. Higher criticism, not to be outdone by the garden variety, roars most brilliantly in Literature and Philosophy classes everywhere. Historians fall all over each other breathlessly uncovering new… Continue reading
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Questioning Everything
I wonder today if I truly am a follower of Christ? I love comfort so much. I wonder if I truly hear His voice? The world is so loud and alarming and I often lean into it instead of His gentle but insistent voice, ‘Trust me’. I wonder if I truly love? I am so… Continue reading
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Learning
I have no dramatic spiritual experience or qualification. Quite the contrary. My life is so ordinary as to be dismissed as neutral or even lost in the sea of others. But a scarlet thread runs through it, visible by nature of its brilliant color on a bland background. This thread weaves in and out continuously.… Continue reading
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What Do We Have To Lose?
There’s a firestorm in Jordan B Peterson circles that’s been going on for some time. Peterson, a psychologist and professor who rose to acclaim after objecting to a matter of compelled speech in his native Canada, and whose lectures are accessible on YouTube, speaks often of the Bible and its psychological significance. His Old Testament lecture… Continue reading
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Clean
A lot is said about cleanliness lately. We’re focusing pretty hard on not spreading germs. It’s difficult to go anywhere without reading the words, “slow the spread”. Regardless of the politicized nature of the pandemic it’s safe to say no one wants to infect another to their own harm. What about your heart? Jesus said… Continue reading
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Who is Watching You?
Much is made of the fear of surveillance. Google, Apple, the CIA are all looking in on our every move. Some could argue for good or ill. But the ultimate surveillance is the eye of God. He sees all, knows all. Thankfully he is full of mercy, waiting for us to turn to him in… Continue reading
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Build a Bridge
We need more than ever to build a bridge of truth and love between us. I was entranced by this photo posted on @queencharlot’s @twitter. She’s the writer of Cambridge Murder Mysteries and often shares beautiful images of the English countryside. Thanks Charlot, for permission to use this shot. Continue reading
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How to Homeschool Your Kids Without Even Trying
You’re not a teacher. Er, well maybe you are. The kids are not at school. They’re at home and you’re the responsible adult. School is not out. It’s in. I’ve schooled every grade at home and the most helpful thing anyone ever said to me was this: You can’t teach your children everything; nor can… Continue reading
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How to Get to Somewhere Good
Life is sufferingLife is sufferingLove is the desire to see unnecessary suffering amelioratedTruth is the handmaiden of loveDialogue is the pathway to truthSo speech must be untrammeledSo that dialogue can take placeSo that we can all humbly learnSo that truth can serve loveSo that suffering can be amelioratedSo that we can all stumble forwardTowards the… Continue reading
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My Affirmation of Faith
I have no remarkable visitation from God, or dramatic conversion experience. I trust the biblical account of God’s work in creation and redemption and the cloud of witnesses written there, as well as the people I’ve met in person who also believe. Those who truly love and trust God (not just the ones who say… Continue reading
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Is God Good Now?
If you’re like me you wake each morning with the oblivion of sleep suddenly shattered by the mental bludgeon of realization–‘the pandemic’! If you’re lucky enough to have a job that is reasonably removed from the ‘front lines’ you can sublimate the thought while you focus on the work of the day. Barely. It’s hard,… Continue reading
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My Daily Walk
The person who went before me on my walk is a perfect example of resilient goodness in the face of difficulty. They published in chalk on a public sidewalk. And why not? This is love in action. And it is love to perfect strangers, yet love to a neighbor. It’s a perfect example of good… Continue reading
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Keep Looking in the Right Direction
Where are you looking these days? I have a deadly magnetic attraction to my screen, phone, tablet or computer. Let’s be honest–to the news–any news. I want to know what’s going on. I want to be wise, ahead of the curve and safe. I find this both a blessing and a curse. If I tell… Continue reading
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Speaking Truth: May I Elaborate?
I’d like to say a few things that might be uncomfortable… Continue reading
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Chance and Choice
Humbled and sheepish to declare my intent… Continue reading
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Homecoming
Here’s a little short and sweet story for fall, the quintessential homecoming season. Shout out to the graduates of 2020. The future is yours! The blue and gold float careened wildly along as the students called out to the audience to join them in their chant. “Twenty-twenty We’re the best! Twenty-twenty stomps the rest!” From… Continue reading
About Me
Author of Never Say Uncle byb A dyed-in-the-wool wordsmith, anglophile, bibliophile, lover of all things literary.