Share2KPin7+13Share1Tweet2K Shares Share2KPin7+13Share1Tweet2K Shares Latest from ESASacred ConversationsJuly 16, 2018By Elrena Evans “We don’t even know how to talk to each other anymore,” says Pastor Griff Martin of First Baptist Church in Austin, TX, about divisive issues in our country today. “As a church, we can’t lead a conversation about gun violence or sanctuary cities out in the public…... Read more...The DNA of HopeJuly 13, 2018By Kristyn Komarnicki I live in a state of hopelessness. Pennsylvania is one of the few states that retain both the death penalty and a life-without-parole policy. And the death penalty is the ultimate statement of despair. It essentially says, “This person’s life is not worth living. It is to…... Read more...Pay Attention to What Makes You CryJuly 12, 2018By Jennifer Grant The doors of our refrigerators, once a gallery of finger-painted artwork and soccer snack schedules, are now clean and spare. Minivans have been traded in for something sleeker or have become the property of our teenagers. Hair is graying around the temples—if it’s not completely silver—and the…... Read more...On ListeningJuly 11, 2018Love listens. It is its first task to listen. All things and all people, so to speak, call on us with small or loud voices. They want us to listen, they want us to understand their intrinsic claims, their justice of being. They want justice from us. But we can…... Read more...The “Special” Load of LaundryJuly 10, 2018By James A. Cates, Jr. “Jake” was a small boy for 15 years of age. It was difficult to imagine the severe emotional disturbance that led to his placement in a residential treatment center, but it was also difficult to imagine the abuse experienced in his home. I had worked…... Read more...“First Reformed”: A Haunting Meditation on Faith and DespairJuly 9, 2018By Michael Lee Editor’s Note: This review contains spoilers. The movie First Reformed, written and directed by Paul Schrader, is a stunning, profound, and haunting story about faith, despair, decay, death and the apparent absence of God. Reverend Ernst Toller (Ethan Hawke) is a pastor of First Reformed Church in…... Read more...Appalling Silence and IndifferenceJuly 6, 2018It may well be that we will have to repent in this generation. Not merely for the vitriolic words and the violent actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence and indifference of the good people who sit around and say, “Wait on time.” ~ Martin Luther King… Read more...Tips for Holy Conversations about Gun ViolenceJuly 5, 2018Gun violence is a sensitive subject that can elicit strong emotions. Here are some suggestions on how to engage in a respectful, productive dialogue on the topic. Start here Listen. Be slow to anger. Stay calm and truly consider what the other person has to say before responding. Ask questions. Why do they feel…... Read more...Mother of ExilesJuly 4, 2018Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild…... Read more...
