Category: Life Lessons
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Faith with Scars: Finding Quiet Comfort in a Troubled World
Psalm 19:13–14 | Philippians 3:4b–11 Snow is falling today—steady, quiet, and heavy. The forecast says eight to twelve inches, but the deeper weight is not in the storm outside. It is in memory. At seventy-six years old, I have lived through hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards. I have sat beside hospital beds as people I loved…
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From There to Here
Reflections from 76 Years of Living This is me holding a chicken standing near the chicken coop on our farm in Mississippi in 1954 This is me in 2026. I am 76 and I live in Springfield, MO. When I look back across seventy-six years, the distance from there to here feels both long and…
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Between Stillness and Resistance
Psalm 46, Romans 13, and Faithful Living Under Fear-Driven Power “Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities…” — Romans 13:1 Few passages in Scripture have been more misunderstood — or weaponized — together than Psalm 46 and Romans 13. When placed carelessly side…
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Christmas Confession: Turning Our Hearts Back to God
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus—Emmanuel, God with us. Yet the incarnation is not only something we remember; it is a truth that confronts us. God came near in Jesus to heal, to reconcile, and to call humanity back to God’s ways. On this holy day, joy and hope must also make…
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Joy That Cannot Be Shaken
A Third Sunday of Advent Devotional The Third Sunday of Advent—often called Gaudete Sunday—invites us to rejoice. Yet the Scriptures appointed for today do not sound, at first glance, like what we expect from a “joyful” season. Isaiah speaks of cosmic upheaval. Hebrews warns of a shaking that will test everything. Even John the Baptist…
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Many Ways to Worship the One God
A Reflection by Roy Pearson One of the gifts of the Christian faith is its beautiful variety. Across centuries and cultures, believers have found countless ways to worship the God who created us, redeems us, and sustains us. Some traditions offer written prayers, icons, and a rich liturgy; others prefer spontaneous praise, simple gatherings, and…
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Can Eastern Self-Mastery Help Christians Renew the Mind?
Romans 12:2 calls believers to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.”This invitation sparks a thoughtful question: Can teachings on self-mastery found in Eastern traditions help a Christian renew the mind? The short answer:✅ Yes — certain disciplines of thought and self-awareness can support Christian growth❗ As long as Christ remains the center and…
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It is time to speak up and stand up
I am greatly disturbed by the war of aggression in Ukraine and the annihilation of the Palestinians in Gaza. I am appalled at American Troops being deployed in American Cities, the Ice Raids, the arrests of immigrants and American Citizens, the deportations, the loss of free speech in the United States, and the oppression of…
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Self-Control
Self-control, as one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), is the inward strength that enables us to master our desires, emotions, and impulses so that our actions align with God’s will rather than our own whims. It’s not about rigid restraint or denial, but about living with intention — allowing the Spirit, not…
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Fruit of the Spirit – Goodness (Friday)
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21 Goodness is more than simply “being nice.” It is moral integrity in action—a heart aligned with God’s will that chooses what is right, even when it is not easy. Goodness reflects God’s own character, because He is good in every way.…
The Curious Pilgrim 