Practicing Faith Alone: Lessons From A Christian With A Wicca Past

Hi all! I was inspired to make this post because many Christians, used to corporate worship, are struggling in this time of isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. I thought, as a Christian with a long history of solo worship, that I should some of the lessons I have learned in the hopes that they’llContinue reading “Practicing Faith Alone: Lessons From A Christian With A Wicca Past”

Just Enough: The Biblical Way

In church on Sunday, we were celebrating World Food Sunday. We talked about scarcity, and resource distribution, climate change, and a plethora of related topics. Throughout the service, I couldn’t help thinking on one of Kenneth C. Bailey’s quibbles with the Lord’s Prayer, which he covers in his wonderful book Jesus Through Middle-Eastern Eyes: CulturalContinue reading “Just Enough: The Biblical Way”

On Wicca, Witchcraft, And Christianity

I was finally baptized recently, and confirmed as a member of the United Church of Canada. As part of the service, I was given an opportunity to share my faith journey, which involved also emphasizing how important my time as a Wiccan was to finally being called to Christianity. And yet, I still encounter manyContinue reading “On Wicca, Witchcraft, And Christianity”

My Tai Chi Journey So Far: Looking Back At 15 Years Of Practice

Hi all! So, as I was walking to the park to practice my Tai Chi routines the other day, I realized that the 15 year anniversary of my Tai Chi practice had passed me by without me fully realizing it. So I thought I’d make a blog post about it, especially as I’m sure someContinue reading “My Tai Chi Journey So Far: Looking Back At 15 Years Of Practice”

On Loving One’s Neighbours and Oneself

“Love thy neighbours as thyself”. These words are at the root of Christianity. First given as a commandment in the Torah, Jesus and Paul both later include them as the root of all Scripture, and all that we are commanded to do as God’s servants on this earth. As Christians, love becomes the yardstick byContinue reading “On Loving One’s Neighbours and Oneself”

"I Wish I Were A Woman": On Gender, Destiny, and Allyship

I was watching the Oscars this past Sunday night and had just finished cheering on the Best Actress recipient when Jimmy Kimmel said a line, easily missed, but which caught my attention: “I wish I were a woman”. This line caught my attention because at various points in my life I have wrestled with thisContinue reading “"I Wish I Were A Woman": On Gender, Destiny, and Allyship”

The Value of a Nuisance

When I was in my third year of university, I read the Bible cover to cover in two weeks. This is what caused me, finally, to become Christian. One of the things I noticed immediately was that there were some subtle differences between Paul and Christ that I found objectionable. I have since come toContinue reading “The Value of a Nuisance”

Same-Sex Relationships and Christianity

This past fall, I read two books that were a huge comfort. The first was God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships by Matthew Vines. The second was: Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships  by James V. Brownson. I was very pleased to read these twoContinue reading “Same-Sex Relationships and Christianity”

Poem: Not Alone

Pain, pain, pain.I struggle to walkMy burden is great.The wind howlsThe storm ragesI grow weary.My voice cries outIn breathtaking despairTears flow down my cheeks.My steps grow slow and heavyFor love of friends and family.I ask for strength and guidanceIt is granted to me.Light shines inBanishes the darkFor a time I am who I was madeContinue reading “Poem: Not Alone”

Poem: What Lies Ahead

As I walked In quiet communion I asked the Lord What lay ahead for me “You will face great pain” The Lord answered quietly “And great troubles A hard road is meant for you A road with few signposts And oft you will be lost and confused Sacrifices you will be asked to make AContinue reading “Poem: What Lies Ahead”