Nearly Done

The pastor prepares himself for the question the widow will ask him once the funeral is over, the relatives go home, and the shock has worn off:    “Did my husband go to hell?”

I Have Always Been Free

I may not have known it, but I have always been free, both when I was a believer and now that I'm not. God never has controlled my thoughts and decisions.  The church culture tried to control me, but its only power is what I allowed it to have.   I’m free. I own my … Continue reading I Have Always Been Free

I Counted In Church

Leaving the church was one of the hardest things I've ever done.  I have no qualms about letting go of God and religion.  But the people--I loved them and I still do.     I am aware of the flaws, dysfunction, and outright abuse that happened in many churches, and I understand that those who were … Continue reading I Counted In Church

I No Longer Reach for Heaven

I’m astounded that anyone could be persuaded to accept a way of life that guarantees their condemnation.  But I’m sorry to say we made converts.

Pangs of Envy

After forty years, I can say I'm free of envy of my fellow youth group member, even if he is still handsome at sixty--like a movie star who has decided to make his hair gray to acknowledge he’s aging but still sexy. 

I Hope I’m Wrong About This Prediction

I've always felt gratitude and respect for the service of the outgoing Presidents, even the ones for whom I didn't vote. Until this one. It’s the last twenty-four hours of his term, and I’m not breathing a sigh of relief just yet. In every church I ever served, there was a Trump personality who grasped … Continue reading I Hope I’m Wrong About This Prediction